Locals and visitors agree that the Adamson House is one of the best places to visit in Malibu. Built in 1929, the home is the original Malibu beachfront estate. It’s also perfectly preserved with original furnishings, decor, and even clothing. The State of California now owns the home and offers tours, a museum, a gift shop, and a venue for weddings, fundraisers, and private parties.
Top 6 reasons to visit:
- This beachfront home is the ultimate showcase of historic Malibu tiles.
Take a tour of the interior and discover an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with one-of-a-kind craftsmanship including dazzling Malibu tiles, hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, molded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows. Every room, wall, counter, and floor features the most beautiful Malibu tiles ever created. Each of the five bedrooms has an attached bathroom with floor to ceiling colorful tile. The tiles were made in the 1920s at The Malibu Potteries, a manufacturing plant that was located south of the Malibu Pier.
- It’s a great place to learn about Malibu history.
The Malibu Museum located in a separate part of the home features exhibits, displays, and a selection of historic Malibu photographs. Learn about the Chumash Indians and the Rindge/Adamson families, the last owners of Rancho Malibu. The docents who lead the home tours offer interesting and unusual bits of Malibu history along the way.
- It offers a peaceful escape from the noise and traffic of Pacific Coast Highway.
There are many beautiful sitting areas around the property and surrounding grounds. Enjoy some quiet time at the picnic tables overlooking Surfrider Beach. It’s a beautiful place to watch the surfers especially during the big summer swells.
- Discover the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architect Samuel O. Clements.
He was also the architect for L.A.’s Mayan Theater, the Wiltern Theater, and many other famous L.A. landmarks. The bedrooms are surprisingly tiny in comparison to today’s estates. The small master bedroom with twin beds, and the tiny upstairs snack kitchen are delightful examples of the more humble 1930’s era.
- You can buy a beautifully bound copy of the book Happy Days in Southern California.
Written in 1898 by Frederick Hastings Rindge, the book makes a great gift. Mr. Rindge purchased the 13,000+ acres of Rancho Malibu in 1892. He was so taken by the history and beauty of Malibu and surrounding areas that he wrote a book about it. It’s a must read if you love Malibu!
- It’s a beautiful venue for an outdoor wedding or special event.
Weddings are held on the sycamore lawn, the front courtyard, and the rear lawn by the star fountain. There’s space for a band, a kitchen for catering preparations, and a dressing area for the bridal party. The Adamson House is available for bookings from April through October. Events are contracted through the California State Parks. The special event site coordinator handles the reservations, contracts, and information. For more information, call 310.457.8144.
Parking for the Adamson House can be found at the intersection of PCH and Cross Creek Rd. in the state beach parking lot or in the Surfrider Beach lot or on PCH if you can find space there. Please check the Adamson House website for hours and open days as they are subject to change