Welcome to Pacific Palisades
A bright, fresh halfway point between the city and the sea.
Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and striking blue of the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Palisades is the gateway between the luxury Platinum Triangle and Southern California’s more rugged coastline of beaches, hiking trails, and panoramic ocean views. Will Rogers State Beach offers access to a 22-mile long beachfront trail, while local museums and estates are plentiful, all showcasing priceless treasures of previous times.
First inhabited by Native Americans over 10,000 years ago, the region which would eventually become Pacific Palisades was officially established as a city in 1922. Lots were quickly purchased by the public and by 1925, the city had over 100 homes. Today, Pacific Palisades enjoys relatively mild temperatures year-round compared to typically blistering Southern California summers. Serene views, an abundance of fresh air, and bright, natural beauty have come together to form one of Los Angeles’ most coveted neighborhoods.
What to Love
- Unmatched Pacific views without being located too far central Los Angeles
- Plentiful outdoor recreation including numerous trails, parks, and beaches
- An abundance of high-end shopping, dining, and exclusive clubs
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Pacific Palisades enjoy peaceful seclusion from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. A cozy, small-town vibe, towering cliffs and hills, and three miles of coastline have given this southern California gem a slight Mediterranean feel. The nearby Getty Villa is a perfect example. Now a popular museum, this manor perched high above the Pacific Coast Highway was modeled after the architecture of ancient Rome, and houses a number of invaluable Greek and Roman artifacts. A bit more inland, Palisades Village is a walkable, open-air shopping center with trendy boutiques, restaurants, and a centrally located park, the perfect spot to enjoy coffee or a picnic.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
When it comes to dining and shopping, Pacific Palisades truly does get the best of both worlds. The trendy scene of Los Angeles perfectly meshes with the laid-back surfer lifestyle of coastal beaches, coming together to create a unique style all its own.
One of the finest dining establishments in all of Pacific Palisades is Porta Via, a California-style bistro which has perfected the classics. Grilled salmon, kale salad, lobster ravioli, and zucchini noodles with grilled shrimp are some of their comforting best-sellers. An extensive outdoor patio provides an alfresco dining option for guests to enjoy.
Since 1972, Gladstones has been a Southern California favorite for fresh seafood accompanied by endless Pacific views. The Pacific Palisades location is situated on the Pacific Coast Highway offering beachfront views from both inside and outside, and generous portions of delectable creations made from just-caught seafood. Clam chowder, lobster rolls, crab cakes, and a seafood tower are perfect ways to celebrate special occasions, the weekend, or just a spontaneous night out.
The Riviera Country Club is a private club in Pacific Palisades featuring a championship 18-hole course, 24 tennis courts, a restaurant, full bar, and several other amenities. Since 1927, it has been highly regarded as one of the more prestigious country clubs in Southern California and hosts the annual Genesis Invitational on the PGA Tour. First played in 1926 as The Los Angeles Open, previous guests have included Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, among others.
Things To Do
In addition to high-end shopping and cuisine at Palisades Village, many of the businesses within the Village hold regular events such as shopping parties, group fitness classes, concerts featuring talented Southern California artists, and a weekly Kids Club. Endless days swimming, surfing, and laying out beneath the glowing sun can be spent at one of the several local beaches. In addition to Will Rogers State Beach, Topanga Beach is another neighboring option. Great for surfing, Topanga Beach is the first beach along the Pacific coast which marks the endless system of beaches leading out to scenic Malibu.
Schools
Parents of children in the Pali-area rest assured knowing they are close to amazing schools. Just a few of their options include:
- Kenter Canyon Charter School, transitional kindergarten-5th grade; Kenter Canyon has been ranked in the top 20% of best elementary charter schools in California by Niche.com
- Saint Martin of Tours School, prekindergarten-8th grade; special programs at SMT include robotics, Latin, and advanced mathematics, to name a few
- Brentwood School, kindergarten-12th grade; divided into a lower and upper school, each age division boasts staggeringly low student-teacher ratios no greater than 8:1
