1. PRETEND TO BE IN EUROPE! Visit the Getty Villa
* Best day - Thursday or SundayIf you want to feel like you have left the West Coast and landed in Europe, take PCH to the Getty Villa! The Getty Villa combines architecture, art, and beautiful gardens for a breathtaking visit. (And all of this with an ocean view to boot!) The villa itself is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house. The art showcased is Greek and Roman art from 6,500 b.c. to 400 a.d. If gardens tickle your fancy, the four gardens at the villa will enchant you with their fountains, arbors, reflecting pools, and plants from the ancient Mediterranean world.
*Kudos to the Getty Villa - in awareness of the drought in California, they have turned off the water features currently. It could go without saying that there are shops and restaurants to round out your experience.
One of my favorite things to do at the Getty Villa is to go for tea. Every Thursday and Sunday at 1:00 you can enjoy 'Tea By The Sea". To make a reservation for tea, click here.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
2. Hike Temescal Canyon! (and maybe even Get Married!) Temescal Gateway Park
*Dog friendlyPacific Palisades is the home to Temescal Gateway Park, which truly is a gateway to the "Big Wild", and connects to both Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Park. It is one of the most popular parks in the Santa Monica Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails here with many levels of difficulty (including EASY! - most are moderate) which take advantage of the incredible ocean and city views from the crest lines while offering shady retreats and grassy areas too. This park has it all: restrooms, picnic tables, meeting rooms, a camp store, and even overnight accommodations.
Temescal Gateway Park has retreat facilities and wedding services. There is even a honeymoon bungalow! If you have a business or a group that you would like to hold a memorable retreat, click here for more information. Your employees/colleagues/clients will thank you.
For more information and to plan your visit, click here.
Address for Temescal Gateway Park is Address: 15601 Sunset Blvd., Pacific PalisadesPhone: (310) 454-1395.
3. Ride a HORSE and visit a COWBOY's ranch! Will Rogers State Park
*Dog Friendly - leash must be 6' or lessThis is a step back in time....to a simpler day....when Will Rogers would gather with family and friends to enjoy his favorite things in life - horses, roping, and relationships. This is definitely a 'must go to more than once' park! You can hike moderate to difficult trails, ride your own or their horses, learn about life in Coastal Southern California in the 1930's, take a tour (or do the self guided tour), or just plain hang out. Inspiration Point is a must see for anyone in the Los Angeles area. For serious hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, you can access the fantastic Backbone Trail which you can take all the way to Point Mugu (*no dogs on Backbone Trail).
Open daily, including holidays. Parking lot from 8:00 a.m. - Sunset. Parking is $12.00, Seniors parking is $11.00.
For Horseback Riding, click here for information and to make reservations.
4. See your reflection as you Reflect in the Self-Realization Lake Shrine!
* This is a MUST VISIT attraction in our town.Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles without having to get sand in your shoes? Then head to the Self-Realization Lake Shrine ASAP! It is a secluded enclave with a spring fed lake, gardens, a quiet trail, and a windmill. One of the special features of the shrine is the Mahatma Ghandi World Peace Memorial (which houses some of his ashes). The Court of Religions honors the 5 main religions of the world, and offers you the chance to meet and speak with people from all of them.
This is a place where losing track of time is not only possible...it is probable. If you hang out here long enough.....you will forget that you are even in Los Angeles county.
Located at 17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 310-454-4114
Gardens are open Tuesday - Saturday ffrom 9:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 - 4:30 pm.
5. Hike what is considered by many to be the BEST hike in Los Angeles County - Los Liones Canyon!
Like many of the parks and paths in Pacific Palisades, this hike will meet up with the Parker Mesa Overlook, Topanga State Park, and accesses other parks in the region. The views from the top of this hike are second to none - on a clear day, you see everything that our area has to offer - islands, ocean, beaches, cities, canyons - it is breathtaking. There are so many options for hikers - from a 1.5 mile quickie to a 10.3 mile trek to Mulholland Drive.
566 Los Liones DrPacific Palisades, CA 902726. Get Beautiful! (This is the land of beautiful people; as they say - when in Rome.....) Michele International Salon, Beauty Supply, and Blow Dry Bar
If you are looking to change up your hair, or just need a trim - you cannot beat the crew at Michele International. Anne is my go-to hairdresser, however, they are all excellent. In addition to the salon, they also have a Beauty Supply shop and a Blow Dry & Braid Bar further up Swarthmore Ave. Anne Egan and Marice McRory-Irwin are the co-owners of this salon, and they work hard to take care of their clients each and everyday.
They are located at 1016 N Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Give them a call at (310) 454-1885 to schedule your appointment today.
7. What good is great hair without great nails? Bellagio Nails & Spa
My favorite nail salon in Pacific Palisades is Bellagio Nails & Spa, hands down. (pun intended). They meet or exceed my expectations at each visit. The salon is always clean, and they take special precautions regarding sanitation (liners in the foot spas, autoclaving tools, etc). They offer organic polish options, massages, waxing services, and of course all manner of manicures and pedicures.The staff is attentive and focused on a good customer experience. I go in and bring photos of what I want my nails to look like, and they have always recreated the look I wanted.
They are located on the second floor at 970 Monument, Pacific Palisades, CA. Easy parking in the garage under the building. You can call ahead to reserve a seat and or a particular manicurist at (310)454-8841.
8. EAT! EAT! Then EAT some more!
Okay - so there are more great restaurants in Pacific Palisades than I can put on this list - so I am going to list (in no particular order) several of my favorites with links to their websites. Please share your favorites with me too!French - Maison Giraud - I left my heart at Maison Giraud.....don't miss the Lavender Blue shop next door. *Go on the first Thursday of the month for the Oyster Bar....you will not regret it!
1032 Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310)459-7561
Fast - Palisades Garden Cafe - when I am in a rush and still desire excellent food at a great price served by engaging staff - I look no further than the Palisades Garden Cafe.
*The freshness factor is consistently high!
15231 1/2 La Cruz Drive
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310)459-6160
Long lunch with colleagues - Beech Street - yes, we will have the large bottle of Pellegrino and the goat cheese appetizer to start! Your business will have no choice but to improve if you strategize here. the atmosphere is conducive to long conversations.
863 Swarthmore, Pacific Palisades, CA.
Italian - Vittorios - a locally owned, family run gem. * They will substitute steamed asparagus or broccoli for pasta!! Makes this low starch lady very happy.
Located at 16466 Marquez Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
American - Taste - make this a regular stop. It is excellent food and drink served by gracious staff in an inviting atmosphere. *Go on Wednesdays for the Farmer's Market Dinner - it is beyond compare.
538 Palisades Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310)459-9808
Sushi - Pearl Dragon - nothing more really needs to be said. In my dreams of heaven, Pearl Dragon is there. *The Jetty Special Roll is a delight.
Located at 15229 West Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA. For reservations, call 310-459-9790
9. Make your own food! Go to the Farmer's Market!
Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1037 Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. The Pacific Palisades Farmers Market is a California Certified Farmers Market.Like their Facebook Page to stay up to date on vendors and special events.
10. Go to a play! The Theatre Palisades
Since 1963, Theatre Palisades has entertained and enthralled theatre goers with wonderfully produced plays. They have 5 productions each year, with 18 show times per production. In addition, they have a youth program, Theatre Palisades Youth. For more information on the youth program, click here. The Theatre Palisades is membership and subscription based, however you can also buy tickets per show. Call (310)454-1970 for more information or visit their website and go see a show!
11. Play some tennis, chase your kids, watch a game at the Palisades Park & Recreation Center!
The park & Rec center has it all - facilities, fields, a playground, classes, events, league play, anything and everything you would want in a local Parks & Recreation. From preschool to basketball leagues - check everything out here.12. Learn to SURF! Always Summer Surf Lessons
Why the heck not? Always Summer Surf School can get you up and hanging in no time! They also offer refresher/enhancer classes for their students after they get the hang of things. They offer a personal touch in their service that adds to the overall experience. Become a fan at their Facebook Page. If you want to go old school, you can call them at 424-234-3161. *If you have dreamt of learning to surf since you were a kid - make this the year that it actually happens. You will not regret it.13.Go Shopping! Vivian's Boutique
Pacific Palisades has a broad range of shopping options. There is a boutique on Via de La Paz that is worth the stop for ladies - Vivian's Boutique. Vivian (who is there most days) has been a stylist, business woman, and enhancer of people's self esteem for decades! Vivian's Boutique is a way to incorporate the most current trends in dressing while still developing your own individual look. She has everything from day to day basics (tanks and leggings) to formal dresses and just right jackets. *She has the ability to get you to try on things that you would not normally try on, and often fall in love with the results. Next time you are in town, stop by and see Vivian. Located at 875 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades, CA.14. Go to Polo Game! Will Rogers Polo Club
Pacific Palisades is home to Los Angeles County's one and only Polo Field! If you have never been, it is a fun way to spend the weekend! Who knows, you may become a regular attendee. Check out the schedules and events here.15. Hhhmmm.....there seems to be something I am forgetting....oh yes, how about go to the beach? Will Rogers State Beach
This beach is paradise. With expansive views of Malibu and Santa Monica, it is one of the best beaches in the area. *Less crowded than most of the Santa Monica and Venice Beaches, it offers convenient parking (for a fee - there is some free street parking with a short walk), restrooms, snack bar, volleyball courts, a bike/walk path, and sunsets you will remember your entire life. Located where Temescal Canyon Road meets PCH. This cannot be missed.
Okay, so here are fifteen things to do in beautiful Pacific Palisades, California. Of course, there is so much more! Please feel free to share your favorite thing to do, place to go, or people to see in our lovely area.
Bridget Ann Stuart
ca bre #01723176
REALTOR, Keller Williams Palisades | Malibu
310-909-6769
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