From exhilarating hikes to pristine coastlines and upscale shopping centers to top-rated culinary destinations, Pacific Palisades has it all.
Nestled in Los Angeles’ vibrant Westside region, Pacific Palisades is a neighborhood offering easy beach access, a lively downtown area, and a wealth of entertainment and recreational opportunities in Malibu and Santa Monica.
This affluent seaside enclave attracts corporate leaders, entertainment industry professionals, and new residents every year, and it’s easy to see why. No other Westside community offers a harmonious blend of coastal charm, world-class amenities, and high-end real estate options.
Pacific Palisades is the perfect choice for those looking forward to laidback Southern California living. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the lifestyle, the attractions and destinations, and the many reasons why it’s such an exceptional place to call home.
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WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN PACIFIC PALISADES
Pleasant year-round climate
Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Palisades enjoys cooler temperatures compared to many inland communities within Los Angeles County.
The neighborhood experiences a comfortable Mediterranean climate with many sunny days throughout the year, presenting countless opportunities to spend time outdoors and enjoy a myriad of activities.
Vibrant shopping destinations
Pacific Palisades offers easy access to a multitude of world-class shopping destinations where you can browse the latest fashion trends, find one-of-a-kind artisanal products, and discover a diverse range of boutiques.
The neighborhood’s premier shopping hotspot is Palisades Village, a vibrant downtown district designed by Caruso. True to the world-renowned Los Angeles developer’s signature style, Palisades Village delivers a seamless and highly immersive shopping experience where patrons can move from store to store with ease. With its curated collection of heritage brands, independent boutiques, and ever-changing pop-up stores, there’s always something new to discover.
Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica is an easy eight-minute drive from Pacific Palisades. This sprawling open-air shopping center consists of three walkable blocks anchored by Santa Monica Place, which features more than 80 boutiques. There’s a dazzling array of specialty retailers, designer outlets, and department stores within Third Street Promenade, making it the perfect place to indulge in some well-deserved retail therapy.
Exceptional dining
Whether you’re in search of a new brunch spot, dining out with the family, celebrating a milestone, or just out to grab a quick bite, Pacific Palisades’ eclectic dining scene is sure to impress.
Here are some of the most celebrated restaurants for you to visit in the area:
Vittorio’s Ristorante and Pizzeria
16646 Marquez Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA
A staple of Pacific Palisades’ dining scene since 1984, Vittorio’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant specializing in traditional Southern Italian cuisine. They serve an extensive array of salads, pasta, pizza, and seasonal dishes in a warm and inviting setting, creating an unmatched Italian dining experience.
1063 North Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA
Savor a variety of delightful contemporary California cuisine at Porta Via, a neighborhood bistro and bar with an elegant modern dining atmosphere. One of the top-rated brunch spots in Pacific Palisades, Porta Via delights diners with its enticing selection of farmers’ market-inspired dishes made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
While every dish is definitely worth a try, one of their standout offerings is the delectable grilled Ora King salmon, a flavorful dish made with rich, buttery New Zealand-raised Ora King salmon grilled to golden perfection and served with brown rice and a side of organic market vegetables.
15255 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA
The Draycott infuses European luxury into an all-day dining experience highlighted by distinctive California flavors with an innovative British twist. The family-friendly brasserie serves a diverse menu of palate-pleasers for diners of all ages, making it a perfect venue for romantic evenings, momentous occasions, and weekend brunch outings.
Complementing The Draycott’s exceptional dishes is a stylish and sophisticated ambiance with indoor and outdoor dining areas overlooking The Park at Palisades Village.
Nightlife venues
Pacific Palisades’ central location makes many of the best nightlife destinations in Southern California easily within reach. Santa Monica’s vibrant array of bars, lounges, and entertainment venues is a short drive away.
One of the most popular nightlife destinations in the area is the Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio, a sophisticated winetasting lounge highlighted by gorgeous ocean views. It’s a terrific place to catch up with friends and savor exquisite wine pairings while taking in spectacular ocean vistas.
Incredible outdoor destinations
Whether you’re looking to stay active, planning a picnic with the family, in the mood for an exhilarating adventure, or just looking forward to a relaxing day outdoors, Pacific Palisades’ urban parks, beautiful trails, and picture-perfect shorelines are sure to satisfy.
With its pleasant year-round sunny climate and breathtaking urban setting, the neighborhood and its surrounding areas present unique opportunities to enjoy an array of activities while taking in majestic views of the landscape.
Below are some of the best outdoor destinations for you to explore in and around Pacific Palisades.
Will Rogers Beach is the perfect spot to unwind, dig your toes into the sand, and soak in picture-perfect views of the coast. The beach stretches for roughly three miles and connects to Santa Monica State Beach to create a six-mile sandy coastline fronting Santa Monica Bay. There’s plenty of open space and amenities like volleyball courts and picnic tables for everyone to enjoy! The beach doesn’t get as crowded compared to other popular beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica.
Swimming at Will Rogers Beach is always fun and the waters have moderately sized waves perfect for beginners and intermediate-level surfers. There are several well-known dive spots around the area too for those who enjoy snorkeling.
Afternoons often bring in stiff winds and consistent breezes, creating ideal conditions for activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and parasailing. With the beach’s easy access to nearby docks, boating and fishing are popular activities to enjoy here as well.
If you enjoy biking, Will Rogers Beach is accessible from the South Bay Bicycle Trail, which makes it an excellent rest stop for cyclists.
Set atop a coastal bluff, Palisades Park encompasses more than 26 acres and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The linear park extends from Adelaide Drive to Santa Monica Pier and is a fantastic spot to watch surfers in action, soak in views of the sunset, or enjoy the rhythmic sounds of the waves rolling onto the shore.
Palisades Park features various amenities including a visitor center, picnic areas, walking and jogging paths, petanque courts, a rose garden, and a sprawling grassy area.
Pacific Palisades residents are always minutes away from Topanga State Park, an 11,000-acre natural haven tucked away within the canyons and cliffs of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The park is home to more than 36 miles of interconnecting trails winding through lush oak woodlands and sprawling grassy meadows. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will definitely enjoy exploring the network of trails, many highlighted by scenic overlooks offering dramatic views of the coastline and the Los Angeles basin.
Topanga State Park is also an exceptional place for camping. The park’s main campground is the Musch Trail Camp, which you can reach after an easy mile-long hike. The campground features bathrooms with running water and potable water fountains, so no need to bring extra bottles of water during your camping trip.
Located east of the Pacific Palisades coastline and flanked by the magnificent Santa Monica Mountains, Temescal Gateway Park is a 141-acre preserve encompassing oak and sycamore canyons and rich coastal wilderness.
Temescal Gateway Park is a terrific choice if you’re looking forward to an unforgettable hiking adventure. Within is a diverse, well-maintained trail system meandering throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. These trails connect to other popular trails in Will Rogers State Historic Park, Topanga State Park, and the 20,000-acre wilderness park known as the “Big Wild.” One of the most popular trails is the Temescal Canyon-Ridge Trail Loop, a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail highlighted by sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay.
Diverse collection of neighborhoods
Pacific Palisades is home to several neighborhoods ideal for any lifestyle. Every neighborhood has its own unique style, charm, upscale homes, and top-quality amenities, presenting numerous options for home buyers.
Here’s a look at some top-rated neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades:
- Alphabet Streets – Alphabet Streets is located in the heart of Pacific Palisades, a short walk away from the bustling Village area and its collection of shops and restaurants. The neighborhood offers a mix of older historic estates, new construction, and charming bungalows with lush gardens.
- The Bluffs – This neighborhood is a superb choice for prospective buyers seeking a convenient location with panoramic ocean vistas. Residences at The Bluffs come in a variety of styles and sizes ranging from charming beach bungalows to palatial oceanfront estates.
- Castellammare – Reminiscent of Italy’s picturesque Amalfi coast, Castellammare is a coastal neighborhood boasting spectacular ocean views. An enticing selection of elegant homes are available here including comfortable villas and European-style luxury homes.
- The Highlands – One of the newest neighborhoods in the Palisades, The Highlands is a laid-back seaside village nestled on the rolling hills north of Sunset Boulevard. The neighborhood offers a more relaxed nature-centric lifestyle ideal for those who love gorgeous views and outdoor recreation.
- Huntington Palisades – The affluent community of Huntington Palisades is a prime choice for beach lovers since it’s a quick walk away from Will Rogers Beach State Park. There’s a wide selection of stylish luxury homes on oversized lots available in this neighborhood, allowing residents to savor an unsurpassed lifestyle by the beach.
LIVE THE DREAM LIFESTYLE IN PACIFIC PALISADES
Like the communities of Bel Air, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades is among the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. But what sets it apart from its neighbors is its serene natural setting providing plentiful outdoor spaces and a sense of tranquility.
Luxurious Pacific Palisades real estate options
Those interested in buying a home in Pacific Palisades are spoiled for choice, as the neighborhood offers a wealth of luxurious properties. The Pacific Palisades real estate market consists of an impressive collection of high-end residences, many designed by prestigious architects such as Dan Lang, William Hefner, and Hap Gilman. Prospective home buyers can choose from a range of elegant architectural styles including Craftsman, Cape Cod, Mediterranean, Mid-Century Modern, Post Modern, and Period Revival.
Pacific Palisades luxury real estate options are equipped with a variety of features that offer the ultimate comfort and relaxation. You’ll find many homes with first-rate features such as stylish gourmet kitchens, spa-like baths, oversized entertainment areas with wet bars, elegant formal dining rooms, and built-in fitness studios.
Some of the most coveted homes in Pacific Palisades are perched on the canyons, offering unobstructed views of shrub-covered hillsides, the shimmering Los Angeles skyline, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. Many high-end homes are designed to take full advantage of the neighborhood’s scenic location with features like seamless indoor-outdoor layouts, living spaces lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive sundecks and resort-like patios perfect for entertaining.
Want to browse some of the finest Pacific Palisades real estate options? Take a look at our Featured Listings!
FIND THE PERFECT LUXURY HOME IN PACIFIC PALISADES
Navigate the Pacific Palisades real estate market with ease by working with Clinton Wade and the elite team of real estate experts from CLUTCH/ABODE, INC., a boutique luxury real estate brokerage specializing in Pacific Palisades and other highly coveted neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.
As one of the top luxury brokers in Los Angeles, you can count on our experience, deep local knowledge, innovative strategies, and personalized white glove client service to help you realize your real estate goals in Pacific Palisades.
Get in touch with us at CLUTCH/ABODE, INC. today by calling 310.403.9497 or by sending us an email. You can also send us a message here.