Pacific Palisades Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and transportation options in Pacific Palisades.
- Introduction to Pacific Palisades
- List of Places to Visit in Pacific Palisades
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Pacific Palisades
- Los Liones Trail
- Temescal Canyon Trail
- Sullivan Canyon Trail
- Best Things to Do in Pacific Palisades: Activities and Tours
- Malibu Wine Hikes
- Will Rogers Polo Club
- Temescal Canyon Gateway Park
- Week-Long Itinerary for Pacific Palisades
- Food and Drink Scene of Pacific Palisades
- Where to Stay in Pacific Palisades: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Caruso’s Palisades Village
- Hotel Casa del Mar
- What to Buy in Pacific Palisades: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Montana Avenue Shopping District
- Pacific Palisades Farmers Market
- Local Culture and Customs of Pacific Palisades
- Best Time to Visit Pacific Palisades
- Do’s and Don’ts of Pacific Palisades
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Pacific Palisades: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Pacific Palisades
- Where to Go Next from Pacific Palisades: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Santa Monica
- Malibu
- Conclusion
Introduction to Pacific Palisades
Located in the Westside region of Los Angeles County, Pacific Palisades is an affluent and charming neighborhood that boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Los Angeles basin. Pacific Palisades offers a mix of stunning natural beauty, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and luxurious amenities.
In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and transportation options in Pacific Palisades.
List of Places to Visit in Pacific Palisades
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is a stunning museum dedicated to the art and culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. It features a collection of over 44,000 antiquities, including sculptures, vases, mosaics, and jewelry from the 7th through the 4th centuries BCE.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Will Rogers State Historic Park is a scenic attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the beloved actor, entertainer, and cowboy philosopher Will Rogers. The park features a museum, a polo field, a stable complex, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is a peaceful and serene oasis that features beautifully landscaped gardens, a lake, a waterfall, and a temple. The shrine, which is open to people of all faiths, is home to the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial and a statue of Paramahansa Yogananda, the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship.
Natural Attractions of Pacific Palisades: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Temescal Canyon Park
Temescal Canyon Park is a picturesque park that offers breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the Malibu coastline. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a seasonal waterfall.
Palisades Park
Palisades Park is a scenic park that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features stunning views of the Santa Monica Bay. The park features a playground, picnic areas, and walking paths.
Topanga State Park
Topanga State Park is a vast wilderness area that spans over 11,000 acres and features over 36 miles of hiking trails. The park offers breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and mountain lions.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Pacific Palisades
Los Liones Trail
The Los Liones Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is rated as moderate and features a gradual climb through a lush canyon.
Temescal Canyon Trail
The Temescal Canyon Trail is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The trail features a seasonal waterfall and is popular with hikers and trail runners.
Sullivan Canyon Trail
The Sullivan Canyon Trail is a 4.7-mile hike that features stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is rated as moderate and is less crowded than many of the other hiking trails in the area.
Best Things to Do in Pacific Palisades: Activities and Tours
Malibu Wine Hikes
Malibu Wine Hikes is a guided tour company that takes visitors on a scenic hike through the Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyard in Malibu. The tour includes wine tasting and a visit to the ranch’s exotic animal zoo.
Will Rogers Polo Club
The Will Rogers Polo Club is a premier destination for polo enthusiasts and spectators. The club offers polo lessons, clinics, and tournaments, as well as Sunday matches that are open to the public.
Temescal Canyon Gateway Park
Temescal Canyon Gateway Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Los Angeles basin.
Week-Long Itinerary for Pacific Palisades
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Getty Villa and enjoy lunch at the Getty Cafe |
| 2 | Hike the Temescal Canyon Trail and have a picnic at the park |
| 3 | Take a guided tour of the Malibu Wine Hikes |
| 4 | Visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine and Will Rogers State Historic Park |
| 5 | Go horseback riding at the Will Rogers Polo Club |
| 6 | Hike the Sullivan Canyon Trail and enjoy lunch at the Temescal Canyon Gateway Park |
| 7 | Relax at Palisades Park and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean |
Food and Drink Scene of Pacific Palisades
Must-Try Dishes
The Draycott’s Fish & Chips
The Draycott’s Fish & Chips is a classic British dish that is a must-try when visiting Pacific Palisades. The Draycott’s version features crispy fried fish served with fries and tartar sauce.
Tavern’s Fried Chicken Sandwich
Tavern’s Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delicious and indulgent sandwich made with crispy fried chicken, coleslaw, and pickles served on a brioche bun.
Ahi Poke Bowl from Cafe Vida
Cafe Vida’s Ahi Poke Bowl is a healthy and flavorful dish that features fresh ahi tuna, avocado, and brown rice topped with sesame seeds and ginger soy sauce.
Local Beverages
Palisades Coffee
Palisades Coffee is a local coffee shop that offers a variety of delicious and unique coffee blends, as well as freshly baked pastries.
The Draycott’s Cocktails
The Draycott’s bar offers a selection of creative cocktails made with fresh ingredients and top-shelf liquors.
Where to Stay in Pacific Palisades: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Caruso’s Palisades Village
Caruso’s Palisades Village is an upscale shopping and dining destination that also offers luxurious accommodations at the Palisades Village Guesthouse. The guesthouse features elegant rooms and suites that are decorated with stylish furnishings and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Hotel Casa del Mar
Hotel Casa del Mar is a historic hotel that dates back to 1926 and features elegant rooms and suites that offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel features a spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool.
What to Buy in Pacific Palisades: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Montana Avenue Shopping District
Montana Avenue is a quaint and charming shopping district that offers a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can find unique gifts and souvenirs, as well as locally made products.
Pacific Palisades Farmers Market
The Pacific Palisades Farmers Market is open every Sunday and offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products made by local farmers and artisans.
Local Culture and Customs of Pacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades is a friendly and welcoming community that is known for its active and outdoorsy lifestyle. Visitors should respect the environment and follow the rules and regulations of the parks and hiking trails.
Best Time to Visit Pacific Palisades
The best time to visit Pacific Palisades is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild and comfortable. Avoid visiting during the summer months, when temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the beaches and parks can be crowded.
Do’s and Don’ts of Pacific Palisades
Do:
- Respect the environment and keep the parks and hiking trails clean and litter-free.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the parks and hiking trails.
- Try the local cuisine and support the local businesses.
Don’t:
- Leave valuables in your car when parking at the parks and hiking trails.
- Ignore the signs and warnings in the parks and hiking trails.
- Disturb the wildlife or natural habitats.
Safety and Health
Safety in Pacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades is a safe and affluent neighborhood, but visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid leaving valuables in your car when parking at the parks and hiking trails.
Health in Pacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades is home to top-rated medical facilities, including UCLA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center. Visitors should take precautions to protect themselves from the sun and stay hydrated while enjoying the outdoor activities.
Getting to Pacific Palisades: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Pacific Palisades
The closest airport to Pacific Palisades is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about 15 miles away. Other nearby airports include Bob Hope Airport (BUR) and Long Beach Airport (LGB).
Bus Stations Near Pacific Palisades
The Metro Bus provides service to Pacific Palisades with several bus routes running through the area. The nearest bus stations are located at Sunset Boulevard and Palisades Drive.
Other Options
Taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars are also available for transportation to and around Pacific Palisades.
How to Get Around in Pacific Palisades
The best way to get around Pacific Palisades is by car, as many of the attractions and hiking trails are located in secluded areas. However, there are also several public transportation options, including the Metro Bus and the Metro Rail, which provides service to the surrounding areas.
Where to Go Next from Pacific Palisades: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a vibrant and bustling beachside city that offers a variety of attractions, including the Santa Monica Pier, the Third Street Promenade, and the California Heritage Museum.
Malibu
Malibu is a scenic coastal city that is known for its pristine beaches, celebrity homes, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, and horseback riding.
Conclusion
Pacific Palisades is a stunning and charming neighborhood that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and luxurious amenities. Whether you’re here for a week or just a weekend, Pacific Palisades has something for everyone to enjoy.
