The beautiful residential coastal neighborhood of the affluent Pacific Palisades encompasses Brentwood to the east, Malibu and Topanga to the west, Santa Monica and Santa Monica Bay to the south, and the Santa Monica Mountains to the north. Getting to Pacific Palisades’ boutiques, museums, and eateries is easy and fun to do behind the wheel of your BMW or MINI Cooper. If you’ve set aside a day to explore the unsung Pacific Palisades, you’ll want to be sure to check out these places:
Will Rogers State Beach
Named after the actor Will Rogers, this pristine beach park is on the Santa Monica Bay and extends one and three quarter miles along the Pacific Coast. In the 1920s, Rogers bought 186 acres of land along the Pacific Coast where he built a stunning ranch. After he died in a plane crash in 1935, and after his wife died 9 years later, the area – now known as the Pacific Palisades — became a state park. Owned by California’s Department of Parks and Recreation and managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, this renowned beach and popular surf spot is home not only where many famous movies and television shows have been filmed, but also where you’ll find a 19+ mile bike path, gym equipment, a playground, and volleyball courts!
Harvelle’s Club
The oldest live music venue on the Westside, this swank, sexy, way-cool live music joint was established in 1931. It’s the perfect little getaway hotspot to check out big music from local, national, and international acts. Plan to spend the evening imbibing (bring a designated driver to get behind the wheel of your BMW), dancing, and enjoying the bands! It’s located at 1432 4th Street in Santa Monica.
J. Paul Getty Museum
Funded by a trust granted by billionaire oil tycoon, J. Paul Getty, the J. Paul Getty Museum is home to lush gardens, traveling art exhibitions from European collections, a Research Library, and the “go to” place for free concerts and film expos. Regularly referred to as the Getty, this art museum is on two different campuses — the Getty Center and Getty Villa. The Getty Center is the primary museum and is located on a hilltop in Brentwood; here you’ll find Western art dating back from the Middle Ages to the present time. The secondary museum, the Getty Villa, is in Malibu and features art from Ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. You’ll find The Getty Center at 1200 Getty Center Drive and, while general admission is always free, the parking fee is $15. The Getty Center is open Tuesdays – Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Casa Nostra Ristorante
Strategically nestled in the hills of the Palisades, this quaint and cozy classic Italian eatery brings the flavors of Italy to your table. Their ingredients include imported Italian products and the freshest locally-grown produce for all their menu items. It’s one of the area’s best casually elegant dining establishments for families and couples alike!
Before you head out to explore all that the famous Pacific Palisades has to offer, bring your BMW or MINI Cooper over to the HAUS for a check-up! The HAUS offers complete BMW and MINI Cooper services – from preventative care and routine maintenance checks, to major repairs! Whether your home or your business is in the Pacific Palisades or in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Van Nuys, or Westside, you can get to both of the HAUS locations easily. Need a ride? No problem. To make your car service stop even easier, the HAUS also offers a complimentary shuttle service for customers within San Fernando Valley.