Welcome to Pacific Palisades
A close-knit, high-end community close to the beach.
Perched above the bustling westside city of Santa Monica sits the upscale and well-manicured neighborhood of Pacific Palisades. Known for a tranquil and idyllic residential setting with close proximity to top-rated schools and beaches, this hidden gem is truly one of the most sought-after areas in Los Angeles.
Pacific Palisades was formally founded in 1921 by a Methodist organization, and soon after became a haven for celebrities and other high-profile individuals seeking privacy. It’s known for its seclusion and for being a close-knit community with a small-town feel, as well as its Mediterranean climate, rolling hills, an abundance of hiking trails, a 3-mile strip of coastline, and for being home to a number of architecturally significant homes.
The Palisades cater to families and affluent individuals who seek a quieter town that is still extremely close to Los Angeles proper and downtown Santa Monica. Real estate opportunities here are extremely sought-after and sell quickly, but make for an excellent investment piece.
What to Love
- Top-rated schools and academies
- Family-friendly and close proximity to the beach
- Large lot sizes and lush landscaping
- The trendy, upscale town center
People and Lifestyle
Families and young couples are definitely the majority demographic here, but residents are generally friendly, happy, and enjoy active lifestyles. It’s a more laid-back city than Los Angeles proper or downtown Santa Monica, and because it’s so family-oriented, there are lots of events in town that cater to kids.
This is an affluent town with a close-knit community of parents — the kids generally all know each other from the schools in town and play in rec leagues together on the weekends, which can be a rarity in a city as big as Los Angeles.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
The town center in Pacific Palisades, or Palisades Village, is home to a plethora of shops, boutiques, and specialty stores. Erewhon is the incredibly popular health food market in town, while Gelson’s is the major supermarket. Cafe Vida is the trendy go-to favorite in town for all-day breakfast and fresh Californian fare, while JuiceCrafters satisfy those craving smoothies or fresh juice. The village also boasts shops like Madewell, Alo Yoga, Buck Mason, and Brandy Melville.
Down on the coast are Gladstones and Moonshadows, both famous Malibu eateries for their sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific and excellent seafood. Also in Malibu is the world-class sushi restaurant Nobu, a favorite for celebrity sightings and special occasion dinners.
Things To Do
The stunning coastline and pristine beaches are at the top of any Westside to-do list, and the Palisades are no different. Residents often head to Will Rogers State Beach just down the street from the village for a day on the sand. However, if you want to take in the ocean without getting sandy, visit The Getty Villa, an art museum by J. Paul Getty and modeled after an Italian villa overlooking the water.
For architecture lovers, the Eames House (also known as Case Study House No. 8) is a landmark of mid-20th century modern architecture located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. It was designed and constructed in 1949 by husband and wife Charles and Ray Eames to serve as their home and studio.
The Palisades are home to the Self-Realization Lake Shrine, where guests can utilize the meditation gardens, temples, or weekend-long retreats. Others take advantage of the wide variety of workout and yoga studios in town, such as F45. Many residents are also members of The Riviera Country Club for golf and tennis, while some join The Bel Air Bay Club for whole-body fitness and membership amenities.Schools
