You’re standing on the edge of the bluffs in Pacific Palisades, looking out at the deep blue of the Santa Monica Bay. You’ve got a surfboard, or maybe just a craving for a lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Co. The question is simple: how far is Pacific Palisades from Malibu, really?
On a map, they look like neighbors. In reality, they're separated by a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) that is as beautiful as it is unpredictable.
The Raw Numbers: Distance and Time
If you’re measuring from the heart of the Palisades (around Sunset Blvd and Via De La Paz) to the Malibu Pier, you’re looking at roughly 10 to 11 miles.
In a perfect world—one where Los Angeles traffic doesn't exist and every light is green—that’s a 15-minute zip. But we don't live in that world.
On a standard Tuesday morning, it’s 20 minutes. On a sunny Sunday in July? You might as well bring a book. You could be looking at 45 minutes of bumper-to-bumper "crawling" while you stare at the ocean you're trying to reach.
Why the Distance Feels Different Every Day
It isn't just about the mileage. It's about the "PCH factor."
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This road is a literal lifeline. There are only a few ways in and out of the Palisades—Chautauqua, Temescal, and Sunset. When an accident happens near Topanga Canyon, everything stops. You’re boxed in by the mountains on one side and the Pacific on the other.
Honestly, the commute between these two spots is less about distance and more about timing. If you leave the Palisades at 10:00 AM on a weekday, you’ll likely fly. If you try to head north toward Malibu at 5:00 PM when everyone is escaping the city? Good luck.
Landmarks You’ll Pass Along the Way
The drive itself is iconic. You aren't just driving; you're traveling through some of the most expensive real estate and historic coastline in the world.
- The Getty Villa: Just a couple of miles north of the Palisades, this recreation of an ancient Roman country house is tucked into the hillside.
- Topanga Canyon Blvd: This is the halfway marker. If you pass this and traffic is moving, you’re in the clear.
- The Big Rock Slide Area: You’ll notice the road gets a little rugged here. This area is famous (or infamous) for geological movement.
- Chart House: A classic landmark that signals you’ve officially hit the "Malibu" vibe.
How Far Is Pacific Palisades From Malibu During "The Season"?
Summer changes the math.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the PCH transforms. Thousands of people from inland LA flood toward the coast. The 10-mile gap can suddenly feel like 50 miles.
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Locals know the "sneaky" routes, but truth be told, there aren't many. You can try taking Sunset up to PCH, or weaving through the Highlands, but eventually, everyone funnels onto that same two-lane highway.
Public Transit: The 134 Bus
Believe it or not, you can actually take the bus. The Metro Line 134 runs between Santa Monica and Malibu, passing right through the base of the Palisades.
It takes about 25 to 30 minutes. It’s cheap—usually around $1.75.
Is it glamorous? No. But you can look at the waves instead of the brake lights in front of you.
Recent Complications: The Palisades Fire and Roadwork
It's worth noting that this stretch has been through a lot lately. In late 2024 and early 2025, the Palisades Fire caused major closures.
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Even now, you’ll often see Caltrans crews working on the bluffs or syncing traffic signals to help the flow. As of early 2026, things have stabilized, but always check an app like Waze before you pull out of your driveway. One stalled delivery truck near Las Flores Canyon can turn your "quick trip" into a local odyssey.
Practical Tips for the Trip
- Check the Tide: High tides can sometimes cause spray or lane closures on lower parts of the PCH.
- Avoid the "Sunset Merge": The intersection of Sunset Blvd and PCH is one of the busiest in the state. If you can, use Temescal Canyon to get down to the water instead.
- Fuel Up: Gas prices in Malibu are notoriously some of the highest in the country. Fill your tank in the Palisades or Santa Monica before you head north.
- The "Reverse" View: If you’re just doing the drive for fun, try going from Malibu south toward the Palisades. You’ll be on the ocean side of the road, making it much easier to pull over at vista points without crossing traffic.
Basically, the distance is short, but the experience is "California" in every sense of the word. It’s beautiful, expensive, and sometimes frustratingly slow.
If you're planning a day trip, give yourself a 30-minute buffer. You’ll likely need it for parking once you actually get to Malibu anyway.
Next Steps:
Before you head out, check the live Caltrans "QuickMap" for any active construction near Topanga. If the PCH is red, grab a coffee at Palisades Village and wait an hour; the ocean isn't going anywhere.