Reel Inn in Malibu

Interior of the Reel Inn in Malibu, CA

After spending half the day at Westward Beach at Point Dume in Malibu, we set off to find an early dinner befitting of the day. In the past, we might head to the Reel Inn, a Malibu roadhouse famous for it's fresh fish and ambiance. About a year or so ago, I remembered reading the at the Reel Inn was closing down. Eric and I decided to head down the Pacific Coast Highway, kids in tow, and find out what had taken it's place.

Art Rodriguez Jr. (right)

Much to our surprise, the Reel Inn was still there. I got the back story from Reel Inn bartender and canyon resident Art Rodriguez Jr. The rumors of the Reel Inn's demise were true. The Los Angeles Athletic Club owned the land surrounding the Reel Inn but sold the property to the American Land Conservancy. The land is now administered by the state of California. The Reel Inn leases the land on a month-to-month basis.


The neighboring Topanga Ranch Motel is shuttered. It appears that some state of California employees live on premise. There are rumors that the property will be converted to camping sites.


My personal hope is that the state of California do something like Crystal Cove in Orange County and refurbish the dilapidated (but by Camp Ramshackle standards luxurious) Topanga Ranch Motel for lucky vacationers to enjoy.