Pacific Palisades has been called the Mayberry of Los Angeles, perhaps because of it's isolated, small-town feel, or perhaps because it is overwhelmingly white. Whatever the case, this sleepy, mostly residential neighborhood has a few hidden gems that are often overlooked and worth the extra 15 minutes past Brentwood or Santa Monica it takes to get there. It also has some serious architectural street cred as the site with the densest cluster of Case Study Houses (among many other mid-century homes in the area), and perhaps most alluring are its preponderance of incredible beaches, parks, hikes, and other outdoor spaces.
Craft cocktail bar with nautical vibes and a notable history.
The Rustic Canyon Recreation Center is located in the former clubhouse and grounds of Uplifters Ranch. The Uplifters were a well-to-do drinking and social club formed during Prohibition as an offshoot of the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Their hideaway, now a public park run by the City of Los Angeles, includes an indoor gym, a pool, tennis courts, and picnic grounds, among other things. There is even a Eucalyptus grove planted by the one and only Mr. Abbott Kinney. It's a great spot for boozy picnics, especially given its secluded location and speakeasy history.
