For over 35 years

The history of Cypress Sea Cove, Malibu, begins in the late 1930s as the Rindge Family opened up Malibu to new development. Chief lifeguard of Santa Monica Beach, George "Cap" Watkins was asked to use his rescue boat to survey the western areas of Malibu beachfront and in return, Cap was offered ownership of any two acres of the surveyed land. He chose Cypress Sea Cove.

Back then it was called Malibu Cove and even though it was little more than a shack on the beach, by the mid-1940s, some of California's most influential of politicians and the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age had chosen Cap's little paradise as their favorite hangout spot. Johnny Weissmuller summoned his experience playing Tarzan and helped hang hammocks between palm trees. At parties, Flash Gordon himself, Buster Crabbe passed around summer rum drinks in five-gallon jugs! They may have even shared a sip with the then governor of California, Earl Warren.

Pioneer surfers Pete Peterson and Tom Zahn found their way to the Cove too, stopping by frequently to relax and soak up some sun. Tom was rarely without his girlfriend, Norma, who was only a few years away from stardom under her stage name, Marilyn Monroe.

Cap was always sure to keep his sea pantry fully stocked with lobsters, abalone, and giant sea bass to properly host his friends and he was known to extend that same hospitality to sea lions sunbathing on the rocks nearby. Many recall how Cap made a habit of feeding his pals a little dinner before going for a swim with them.

After Cap passed on in the 1960s, Malibu Cove came under the loving care of the Mark Family, who still own it today. The Mark Family understands the responsibility of carrying on Cap's tradition of hospitality and the importance sharing this beautiful and historic gathering place with others.

Keeping that dream alive has allowed Cypress Sea Cove's history to only grow richer. For over 35 years, it has played host to photo sessions, film shoots, and weddings. Stepping onto the Cypress Sea Cove grounds is to step onto Malibu’s most iconic film set, and maybe most of all, the spot where countless couples have declared their eternal love for one another with the exchange of wedding vows.

This little two-acre hideaway has seen it all over the last seventy-plus years. We'd love to welcome you into that history!

Marilyn Monroe visits Cypress Sea Cove