History of Calabasas, California
Curated by LUXE CA HOMES
​
Calabasas is a community where the past and present coexist in a rare balance—an enclave defined by heritage, nature, and quiet luxury. Long before its guarded streets, rolling estates, and celebrated architecture became synonymous with exclusivity, Calabasas was a landscape shaped by centuries of migration, ranching tradition, and California’s earliest settlement history.
Early Roots: Native Tongva and Chumash Lands
The story of Calabasas begins long before written records, when the Tongva and Chumash people thrived throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. Their villages, footpaths, and trade routes formed the earliest blueprint for the region’s connected canyons and ridgelines. The abundance of natural springs, oak woodlands, and fertile land made the area a gathering point for seasonal harvests, ceremonies, and intertribal commerce. Many of today’s hiking trails and preserved open spaces still follow these ancient routes, silently honoring the first communities who called this area home.
Spanish Settlement and the Rancho Era
In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers arrived in California, marking the beginning of mission influence and westward expansion. The Calabasas region became part of the vast Rancho El Escorpión, one of the oldest land grants in Southern California. This era introduced ranching culture, adobe structures, and early trade posts—elements that influenced the area’s western aesthetic and shaped the early foundation of the community.
By the 1800s, Calabasas was a critical stop along El Camino Real, the historic route connecting missions from San Diego to Sonoma. Travelers, ranchers, and merchants passed through what would later become Old Town Calabasas, solidifying the community’s role as a lively, if rustic, waystation.
Folk Legend: The Pumpkin Tale
Calabasas is steeped in local folklore, including the widely told legend behind its name. Some believe “Calabasas” derived from the Spanish word calabaza—meaning “pumpkin” or “gourd”—after a wagon filled with pumpkins overturned near El Camino Real, scattering seeds that took root and grew abundantly. While symbolic, the tale reflects the region’s agricultural identity and the way stories were woven into the land throughout generations.
Development Through the 1900s
Through the early 20th century, Calabasas remained a quiet outpost known for ranches, farmlands, and scenic vistas. Hollywood’s golden era added another layer of identity, as filmmakers discovered the area’s rugged hills and open terrain—perfect backdrops for western films and adventure serials.
By the 1960s and 70s, suburban expansion began reshaping the landscape, but Calabasas maintained a strong commitment to preserving its natural environment. Master-planned communities like Calabasas Park, The Oaks, and other luxury developments emerged over the decades, blending upscale residential design with protected open spaces, parks, and wildlife corridors.
Cityhood and the Rise of Modern Luxury
Calabasas officially incorporated as a city in 1991—a pivotal moment that allowed local leaders to shape a distinct identity built on refined living, sustainable design, and family-centric values. The new city prioritized architectural continuity, increased green space, and elevated lifestyle amenities.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, gated communities, modern estates, and architectural showpieces began defining the skyline. Calabasas grew into a nationally recognized luxury destination, home to celebrities, innovators, and high-net-worth families drawn to its privacy, safety, and unmatched blend of nature and sophistication.
Calabasas Today
Modern Calabasas stands as one of Southern California’s most exclusive residential enclaves—a community where luxury and authenticity coexist. The city’s historic district, preserved landmarks, and commitment to open-space conservation honor its past, while its award-winning schools, premier shopping at The Commons, and iconic gated neighborhoods uphold its status as a premier place to live.
From its Indigenous origins to its Rancho history, folk legends, Hollywood connections, and modern renaissance, Calabasas continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its rich, layered story. It is a place where history shapes lifestyle, and where legacy and luxury meet.