Marina del Rey
Last Updated on Sep 25, 2025
Pacific Palisades is a scenic Los Angeles neighborhood offering a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions for visitors seeking things to do. Hike the beautiful trails at Temescal Gateway Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, or enjoy panoramic ocean views from Palisades Park. Explore charming shops and cafes along Palisades Village, relax at Topanga Beach, or savor meals at Gladstone’s Malibu and Rustic Canyon. Art enthusiasts can visit local galleries, while families enjoy picnics and playgrounds at Village Green Park. With hiking, beaches, dining, and shopping, Pacific Palisades offers endless fun things to do in Los Angeles.
Pacific Palisades offers an elevated culinary experience with a selection of high-end dining options. The Draycott, an upscale American restaurant, serves creative dishes in a stylish, modern setting. Anisette, a French bistro, offers sophisticated dining with a focus on French classics, while Cafe Bizou delivers fine French cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting. For contemporary American cuisine, Il Forno specializes in wood-fired pizzas and rustic Italian fare. The Hungry Cat, known for its excellent seafood, blends upscale dining with a relaxed, beachy atmosphere.
Pacific Palisades offers a serene coastal escape with some of Los Angeles' most picturesque beaches. Will Rogers State Beach is a family-friendly haven known for its wide sandy shores and calm waters, perfect for sunbathing, volleyball, and beginner surfers. Sunset Point Beach attracts experienced surfers with its excellent waves, while Ginger Rogers Beach provides a more secluded atmosphere, often frequented by locals seeking a tranquil retreat. With stunning ocean views, accessible amenities, and a laid-back vibe, these beaches are ideal for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Coast.
Surfing in Pacific Palisades is a thrilling and rewarding experience for surfers of all levels. With its prime location along the Southern California coast, Pacific Palisades boasts some of the best surf spots in North America. Will Rogers State Beach offers a picturesque setting with sandy shores and the potential for exhilarating waves. Whether it's catching a ride on the long right-hand rollers during the summer season or enjoying consistent clean waves with rideable swells in the winter, surfers can find their perfect wave at this beach. Additionally, Sunset Point Beach provides a beginner-friendly atmosphere with gentle waves and stunning views. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Palisades district, surfing here offers not only an exciting adventure but also a chance to connect with nature and experience the laid-back surf culture that defines this coastal paradise.
Nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, the Getty Villa is a museum and educational center that transports visitors back in time to ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The museum's collection of 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD is displayed in a masterful ensemble of buildings, plazas, and landscaping that finally provides a real home for these relics of another time and place.
The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is a spiritual sanctuary that offers a unique experience of tranquility and inner peace. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, the Lake Shrine is dedicated to providing people from all over the world a place to experience serenity and calmness. The Lake Shrine is designed to provide visitors with a spiritual environment that promotes relaxation, inspiration, and self-realization.
Pacific Palisades is home to a diverse collection of parks, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Temescal Gateway Park is a standout, known for its scenic hiking trails that wind through lush canyons and lead to panoramic views of the coast. Palisades Park and Recreation Center offers sports facilities, making it a popular spot for families and athletes alike, while Will Rogers State Historic Park provides equestrian trails and a glimpse into California’s ranching history. Santa Ynez Canyon Park and Rivas Canyon Park add to the area’s charm, offering peaceful retreats and opportunities for nature walks. For those seeking more rugged adventures, Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park and Los Leones Park provide hiking paths through dense wilderness, while George Wolfberg Park and Rustic Canyon Park deliver tranquil settings perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike, a quiet spot to relax, or a place to play sports, the parks of Pacific Palisades offer something for everyone.
Nestled in the lush Santa Monica Mountains, Temescal Gateway Park is a natural paradise that offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Spanning 141 acres of oak and sycamore canyons, ridgetop views, and miles of trails, this historical park is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and families looking to spend some quality time outdoors. Discover the scenic Temescal Canyon Trail and the unique Skull Rock formation for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Nestled within the serene trails of Temescal Gateway Park, Temescal Canyon Falls offers a delightful escape into nature, especially during the rainy season when the waterfall comes alive. This hidden gem is accessible via a moderate hike along the Temescal Canyon Loop, which weaves through lush vegetation, shady oak trees, and rugged canyon terrain. The sound of cascading water is a reward for hikers reaching this picturesque spot, making it an ideal place for photography or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance. While the falls are seasonal and dependent on rainfall, the journey to reach them is scenic year-round, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains along the way. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a casual hiker, Temescal Canyon Falls provides a refreshing experience that connects you to the beauty of the Palisades.
The hike to Inspiration Point in Pacific Palisades offers a breathtaking reward for nature enthusiasts and casual hikers alike. This moderately easy trail, starting from Will Rogers State Historic Park, winds through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, shady groves, and wide-open spaces. As you ascend, the trail reveals stunning panoramic views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the rugged Santa Monica Mountains, and the sprawling Los Angeles skyline. Ideal for photography or quiet reflection, Inspiration Point provides a peaceful escape with scenery that lives up to its name. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing morning hike or a serene sunset vantage point, this trail delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Nestled in a prime location where Santa Monica meets Pacific Palisades, Rustic Canyon Recreational Park offers a range of amenities for the whole family to enjoy. With its hidden "locals only" vibe and rich Hollywood history, this park is a must-visit for anyone looking for a picturesque spot to spend a day in Los Angeles.
Pacific Palisades has long been a coveted destination for filmmakers seeking picturesque backdrops and versatile settings. From the iconic Palisades Charter High School to the tranquil suburban streets, this affluent neighborhood has played host to an array of film and television productions over the years. Notable mentions include the 2003 Disney hit "Freaky Friday," which captured the essence of high school life within the walls of Palisades Charter High. The eerie ambiance of the Pearson residence in the cult classic "Phantasm" found its home on Corsica Drive, adding to the area's mystique. Even music found its place here, with Black Flag's rebellious "Slip It In" music video shot amidst the halls of Palisades High School. From comedy to drama, Pacific Palisades has lent its charm to an eclectic mix of stories, making it an enduring favorite among filmmakers seeking authenticity and allure.
Pacific Palisades, a coastal haven nestled in Los Angeles, has often served as a backdrop for television narratives, embodying the essence of California's allure. Aaron Spelling's 1997 TV series, aptly titled "Pacific Palisades," paid homage to the area, capturing its affluent lifestyle and scenic beauty. In the contemporary hit "Modern Family," the Dunphy children's educational journey unfolds at Palisades Charter High School, showcasing the community's academic excellence. Additionally, the iconic rivalry between Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades High School, as depicted in "90210," adds a touch of local flavor to the storyline, with scenes set against the backdrop of sun-kissed beaches and charming eateries like Cafe Vida. Through these television portrayals, Pacific Palisades emerges as not just a location but a character in its own right, weaving its vibrant tapestry into the fabric of popular culture.
The Riviera Country Club is one of the world's most prestigious golf and tennis clubs. Founded in 1926, the club has hosted some of the most significant golf and tennis tournaments in history. The club's natural beauty, coupled with the challenging golf course and state-of-the-art tennis facilities, make it a popular destination for elite athletes and leisure enthusiasts alike.
Chamber Music Palisades is a non-profit, public benefit corporation that was established in 1997 in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, by two professional musicians and two other local residents. The organization's primary objective is to promote and support classical music. CMP achieves this goal by producing professional chamber music concerts, commissioning new compositions, and offering educational opportunities to young people. The group performs free concerts in local schools and venues for community families. The guest artists featured in the concerts are largely drawn from The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, music faculties of regional universities and colleges, and the Hollywood recording industry.
After you decide that you would like to move to Pacific Palisades, the choices continue. The Pacific Palisades Neighborhoods Guide serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to explore the diverse and vibrant neighborhoods within this charming coastal enclave. From the historic Alphabet Streets to the exclusive Riviera, and from the tranquil El Medio Bluffs to the picturesque Santa Monica Canyon, each neighborhood has its own unique appeal and lifestyle offerings. Whether you are a nature lover seeking the serene beauty of Rustic Canyon or a golf enthusiast looking to reside near The Riviera Country Club, there is a neighborhood to match every taste and preference. The guide provides essential insights into the amenities, schools, and distinctive characteristics of each area, making it easier for prospective residents to find their perfect home. With its blend of natural beauty, upscale living, and a strong sense of community, the Pacific Palisades truly offers a coastal paradise for those seeking the ideal place to call home.