Billionaire's Beach in Malibu is home to the rich and famous. And unless you were one of its 70-plus homeowners, it also has been one of the most difficult beaches to reach in California -- until now. After years in court, conservationists finally opened a concrete path that will let John and Jane Q. Public walk from the Pacific Coast Highway to the actual Pacific Coast.
Billionaire's Beach in Malibu is home to the rich and famous. And unless you were one of its 70-plus homeowners, it also has been one of the most difficult beaches to reach in California -- until now. After years in court, conservationists finally opened a concrete path that will let John and Jane Q. Public walk from the Pacific Coast Highway to the actual Pacific Coast.
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Many actors, rock stars and power players in the entertainment industry maintain Malibu beach houses or sprawling estates in the hills overlooking the Pacific. Malibu is also home to parties that attract a celebrity crowd, such as this July 4 celebration at Nobu Malibu hosted by Bootsy Bellows, actor David Arquette's L.A. nightclub.
Many actors, rock stars and power players in the entertainment industry maintain Malibu beach houses or sprawling estates in the hills overlooking the Pacific. Malibu is also home to parties that attract a celebrity crowd, such as this July 4 celebration at Nobu Malibu hosted by Bootsy Bellows, actor David Arquette's L.A. nightclub.
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Until recently, getting to Billionaire's Beach -- aka Carbon Beach -- has been extremely difficult. At times, high tide can put the sand underwater in some places. In others, wealthy homeowners have proved resourceful in mounting impediments, including fake garage doors and red-painted curbs. Sometimes, though, just a fence does the trick.
Until recently, getting to Billionaire's Beach -- aka Carbon Beach -- has been extremely difficult. At times, high tide can put the sand underwater in some places. In others, wealthy homeowners have proved resourceful in mounting impediments, including fake garage doors and red-painted curbs. Sometimes, though, just a fence does the trick.
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Simple beach houses and glassy mega-mansions sit cheek by jowl along Billionaire's Beach. The structures -- along with other measures taken by homeowners -- have made it extremely difficult for the public to reach one of the world's most famous stretches of sand.
Simple beach houses and glassy mega-mansions sit cheek by jowl along Billionaire's Beach. The structures -- along with other measures taken by homeowners -- have made it extremely difficult for the public to reach one of the world's most famous stretches of sand.
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Beachgoers celebrate as they walk onto Billionaire's Beach after a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early July for the new path, which lies halfway between the original path by the pier and one near David Geffen's compound at the other end of the beach. The so-called Geffen gate opened in 2007 after the entertainment mogul lost a court fight to block access.
Beachgoers celebrate as they walk onto Billionaire's Beach after a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early July for the new path, which lies halfway between the original path by the pier and one near David Geffen's compound at the other end of the beach. The so-called Geffen gate opened in 2007 after the entertainment mogul lost a court fight to block access.
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Beachgoers of all stripes can now enjoy easier access to Billionaire's Beach, as long as they stay between the water line and the mean high tide line -- essentially on the wet sand. That strip is public land by law. In theory, anyone could walk the length of California's coast -- some 1,100 miles -- and never set foot on private property, though it might be a long way to carry a beach umbrella.
Beachgoers of all stripes can now enjoy easier access to Billionaire's Beach, as long as they stay between the water line and the mean high tide line -- essentially on the wet sand. That strip is public land by law. In theory, anyone could walk the length of California's coast -- some 1,100 miles -- and never set foot on private property, though it might be a long way to carry a beach umbrella.
Courtesy Los Angeles Times