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This Week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Oct. 8th-14th
Out and About: Santa Monica Edition
By: Samira Murphy
Every so often, at some point in your busy week, it happens–you get to play tourist for the day. Whether its hopping in the car for a scenic drive down the coast or popping into Fred Segal’s for an afternoon nosh, “me time” is so crucial.
Once a week, we will cut the clutter and provide you with hidden gems in the city of stars and beyond. From Beverly Hills to the San Fernando Valley, take time to explore your neck of the woods!
There is nothing more quintessential california than a day spent seaside in Santa Monica. From the famous Pier to splurge Santa Monica Place, SaMo is more than a beachfront city. It’s a way of life. Aside from sounding like an Equinox ad, we wanted to send you off into the weekend with ways to spend your day between rush hour and happy hour.
For stunning Ocean views and classic imagery of LA’s coastline, Palisades Park is the perfect way to start your day with a brisk walk through the bluffs. Start at the Pacific Palisades Adjacent end, keeping between the stately concert sculpture at Wilshire and the colorful totem pole at San Vicente. No this isn’t a scavenger hunt, just your quick route to take in the scenes and skip the tourist march.
If your spending the day with your family or just feel like kicking back like your childhood days, the Santa Monica Pier is always a great choice! Filled with the classic fairground games of yesteryears along a few adrenaline inducing rides, whats not to love? The centre and focal point of Santa Monica Beach, is also home to a range of outdoor events. If you just so happen to feel intrigued, check out our events of the week for Oct.5-7th, featuring not one but two Santa Monica thrills taking place over the weekend.
Before departing away from the sand, make sure to step inside the iconic Camera Obscura! The perfect spot for peace, quite, and a uniquely peculiar view of the oceanfront. The historic optical contraption is the offbeat place to catch your breath and Instagram shot. Hidden inside an oceanfront senior recreation center, Camera Obscura is a great way to fill your time between sites.
Alright, so you’ve had your thrills and your fun. Your probably looking for the perfect afternoon pick me up before making your way to the shops. We’ve got that covered too! For the perfect seaside brunch, head towards the coastline for your pick of perfect california cuisine. Between Ivy by the Shore, Del Frisco’s, and Elephante–-you’ll be strategizing how you can tackle all three. No stress! From the cuisine to the ambience you can’t go wrong between the lot, they’re a food-lovers paradise along the sea.
Now that you’ve fueled up, theres no better way to end the day then with a little retail therapy. Depending on your style or actual shopping needs, SaMo is full of some of the Westside’s most charming boutiques and storefronts. Peruse along the Third Street Promenade for a mix of notable and trendy retailers. If your a weekday browser, Wednesdays feature the city’s famed Farmer’s Market! The four block pedestrianized stretch of cobblestone will gove you all the Small Town-Main Street feels.
Needing something more on the High-End? Santa Monica Place is located at the southern end of the Promenade. The outdoor retail space features a revamped shopping center packed with upscale department stores and designer boutiques. From Barnerys of New York to Louis Vuitton, take in the open air and throw away your receipt.
So you’ve seen, you’ve sipped, you’ve shopped. The sun is setting and your wondering where you parked your car. Stay to catch the views of day slipping into night and skip the rush hour beat. Stop by 1 Pico for evening fare set in a cape cod style decor. The cuisine is as remarkable as the views at this oceanside spot in SaMo’s Shutters on the Beach.
Whether you tackled all our recommendations at once or spread it out through the week, there is no better way to experience L.A. then to venture out and try something new. Get outside your zip code, turn on the “Eagles” and call it a day well spent!
The Perfect Los Angeles Day For Every Adventurer
The ideal itinerary in Los Angeles looks different for everyone — and that’s why exploring this place is so mind-blowing. The entire city is a vivid mosaic of beautiful people, places, and things in one place. Where else in the world can you horseback up an arid mountain, grub on burritos on the beach, catch an outdoor movie in a Hollywood cemetery, and top it off with jazz at a Prohibition-era speakeasy… all in 24 hours? Welcome to the laid-back, diverse LA lifestyle — it’s whatever you want to make of it.
FOR THE OUTDOOR-OBSESSED
With over 420 parks and 50 pristine beaches, LA loves itself some nature. Whether you’re an amateur surfer, avid hiker, or pro beach chiller, leaving city limits isn’t necessary.
Paddleboard the Malibu Pier
The secret to experiencing the Malibu Pier without enduring traffic? Get to the ‘bu before 10am. With plenty of SUP board rental shops, paddle out along the pier for morning entertainment while waving hello to world-class surfers and sometimes, even dolphins. Top off with a bite at Malibu Farm Cafe (hello, fried egg sandwich with crispy bacon).
Trot through Will Rogers State Historic Park
Get a dose of 1930s Hollywood at Will Rogers State Historic Park. Home to movie star and legitimate cowboy Will Rogers, the 186-acre park has miles of trails, so do as Rogers would by heading up to Inspiration Point via guided horseback for 360-degree views of the Pacific. You’ll never take a path here you didn’t like.
Hike The Hollywood Sign
For a walkabout you’ll talk about forever, challenge yourself by hiking behind The Hollywood Sign. Take the 6.5 mile Canyon Drive Trail in Griffith Park for a sighting of the actual Bat Cave entrance featured in the ’60s TV series, all leading up to a close-up of the 45-foot-tall letters. Yeah, it’s a touristy thing to do, but that doesn’t discount this as a piece of LA’s soul.
Skate The Strand
Crashing waves. Palm trees. Ice cream shops. Skate parks. The West Side’s 22-mile beach boardwalk, The Strand, is the good kind of sensory overload, so let pure Los Angeles subsume your exercise. Beginning in Malibu and ending at Torrance Beach, it’s totally bikeable, but hit the boardwalk on roller skates for the most LA kind of workout.
Enjoy a campfire at Dockweiler Beach
This gem in Playa Del Rey is illuminated at dusk. Over 40 fire pits dot one of the few beaches in the city that allows such things. Not to mention, grills are permitted, so a post-beach day BBQ is on the menu. Just be sure to get there early — fire pits are on a first-come, first-served basis.
FOR THE FOODIE
LA’s urban sprawl has allowed neighborhoods to evolve into mini cultural hubs — and hybrids. The result? LA cuisine is a foodie community that thrives on authenticity and is a total blessing to taste your way through.
Grand Central Market
With over 25 food vendors, the hard part about ordering at Grand Central Market is narrowing it down among Jewish delis, Mexican candy shops, and breakfast sandwiches. Open since 1917, you’ll feel the history as you eat and drink counter-side at spots like the sustainable Oyster Gourmet and rightfully cultish EggSlut.
The Apple Pan
There’s a reason Apple Pan hasn’t changed recipes like the Hickory Burger since the ’40s. Head here for the most all-American burger and apple pie combo you’ll try outside the midwest. Located on Pico Boulevard for the past 70 years, it’s even got kitschy decor and swivel bar stools that make it that much cooler.
Tacos Baja
Everyone in LA has a go-to Mexican spot they claim is “the best,” but there are certainly unassailable classics around town. Enter: Tacos Baja. The spot is pretty bare bones, but the fish and shrimp tacos at this east LA dive bring in crowds of taco-obsessed people from all over — especially on $1 Wednesdays.
Poke-Poke
Poke-Poke is beloved by both locals and tourists who happen to stumble upon it on The Venice Boardwalk. Their OG poke bowl is a hit for a reason, but order the veggie poke bowl with kale and brown rice and top it with wasabi poke with avocado. Then proceed to walk ten feet to the beach and eat it next to a palm tree. Welcome to heaven.
Cole’s
Late-night grub tastes better when there’s a speakeasy nearby. This is the case at Cole’s, downtown’s historic (110 years strong!) saloon beloved for its massive French dip sandwiches, spicy garlic tots, and bourbon pecan pie. Totally up to you whether to sip drinks in between bites at the counter or enjoy a few post-meal behind the restaurant at Varnish, a Prohibition-era bar.
FOR THE CULTURE ADDICT
It’s no surprise a city that has Hollywood offers world-class art, film, design, and entertainment. That’s why creatives flock to LA — and why you shouldn’t totally write off the Hollywood scene.
The Broad
One of the hottest museum tickets in town (and a free ticket, might I add) is The Broad. With over 2,000 works of art, including interactive exhibits like Yayoi Kusama’s Instagram-famous infinity mirror rooms, even the 120,000-square-foot building itself is a masterpiece. Needless to say, reserve tickets in advance.
LA Galaxy Game
The hometown love is deep for all of our teams, but the Galaxy has a particularly devoted fanbase. With games usually kicking off around dusk, die-hard LA Galaxy fans make an event out of it by tailgating. Plus, prolific goal scorer Zlatan Ibrahmoic has helped the Galaxy remain in the top 5 of their conference — so get ready to celebrate a win.
The Getty Villa
Exploring a replica of a 64-acre Roman country house steps away from the Pacific isn’t the worst way to spend an afternoon. The Getty Villa features more than 44,000 ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts. There are also four gardens with over 300 types of Mediterranean fauna to leisurely peruse. Time to start living molto bene.
Barnsdall Art Park
The four-acre park above the Hills has a gallery, theater, art center, and the home that defined SoCal architecture. It’s true, a tour through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House will make you appreciate good design, but so will what happens after the tour’s done: wine tastings held every Friday on its manicured front lawn.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Any film fanatic should close out an evening with an outdoor movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Morphing into a giant picnic under the stars, it’s a surreal way to watch classics like The Outsiders, considering some of entertainment’s greatest, like Johnny Ramone and Jayne Mansfield, rest here.
FOR THE NIGHTLIFE LOVER IN THE DAYLIGHT HOURS
LA may not stay open into the wee hours of the night like NYC and Miami, but that’s just because the city does everything its own way. Work a few of these nightlife activities into any day or night out, and it won’t matter that closing time is 2am.
Highland Park Bowl
Highland Park Bowl’s wood-lined alleys are very much part of its vintage allure, but it’s also the live music that’s turned this refurbished space from 1927 into something one-of-a-kind. And with a menu offering a dozen types of Neapolitan-style pizzas, it’s both a solid brunch spot and post-dinner hangout.
Broken Shaker
A day in LA isn’t complete without a rooftop excursion. Head to the top of the Freehand Hotel for its rooftop bar, Broken Shaker, to check this off the list. Before chilling next to the pool, head to the award-winning bar for a downtown-inspired menu with plates like crispy shrimp, potato tacos, and yuzo fried chicken.
Breakroom 86
This ’80s-inspired karaoke joint is actually a secret bar with a hidden loading dock for an entrance. The strange journey there is worth it — think classic arcade games, singing booths decked out with thrift shop finds, and a wall made out of cassette tapes waiting for you on the other side.
FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER
It’s easy to photograph every part of the city, but for those with a desire to experience a unique walking tour in LA, a handful of sights will inspire any creator by foot.
See red at El Matador Beach
Welcome to one of the most visually pleasing beaches in SoCal. Not only do the dramatic sea rocks, cliffs, and vista points of El Matador Beach feel like a scene six hours north in Big Sur, morning sunrises while the fog rolls in could very well be a scene from Avatar.
Find depth in the Venice Canals
Whether it’s the beachside skatepark, the murals, or surfers at sunset — Venice is a photographer’s dream. This includes the tropical gardens, pastel rowboats, and old-school bungalows that inhabit The Venice Canal District. It’s the most relaxed walking tour on the west side — and a refreshing break from the same beach photos everyone else is taking.
Preserve a thousand words at The Last Bookstore
Both a bookstore and a record store, it’s selection of books live in an airy loft with dark-wooden staircases, archways made out of cascading novels, and 3D art made out of more books. Secret tunnels and passageways are also made with… more books. It’s just as magical as it sounds.
Article by Thrillist.
A Guide To LA's Best Beaches
It’s summer in LA, and while we may take it for granted, every other city is losing their mind wishing they could spend their time on our beaches. We’ve got excellent water, excellent food, excellent bars, and excellent-looking people in bathing suits, which is exactly why we should be beach bumming it as often as we can. Happy summer everybody: Here are the shoreline spots you need to hit in and around Los Angeles, and the things you should be eating while you’re there.
Oxnard
Low-key beach town with tons of activity options
For those of us who may actually be a little sick of the summer/borderline oppressive heat, a northern beach like Oxnard is a dream. It’s generally at least 15 degrees cooler and the vibe is unbelievably relaxed. It’s only an hour’s drive from LA and there’s a ton of fun stuff to do in Oxnard that ranges from jet ski rentals to backpacking trips through the Channel Islands. Thinking of renting a beach house for a weekend somewhere? You’ll find plenty of beaches along Oxnard’s coast, but Oxnard Beach itself might be the prize. The waves here are absolutely stunning, and it’s just adjacent to Oxnard Beach Park, which is wonderful for lounging/bringing the kids/creepily staring at other people’s dogs.
Where to eat/drink: If you skip Carnitas El Rey, you’re doing it wrong. The move here is, of course, the carnitas, which are just about as good as anything you’ll find anywhere. They’re also the only thing on the menu, so it stands to reason they’d be good. Fisherman’s Catch is a perfect spot for fresh seafood on the water, and the home of some truly life-affirming clam chowder.
Dockweiler
LA’s go-to beach for bonfire parties
Bonfires are illegal in Los Angeles for the most part, but Dockweiler gives nary a care about that, because you can bonfire it up all you want over here. Grab your gear and hit one of the many bonfire pits laid out along the beach, but be warned: They tend to fill up fast, so arriving early is key. If you’re looking for a challenge, take your BBQ game on the road — grab some meats from Belcampo on your way up, and set up a makeshift grill over the fire.
Where to eat/drink: There’s not much near Dockweiler (unless you’re trying to eat at LAX), so it’s gonna be a BYO picnic kinda day. Because of the aforementioned law enforcement, we absolutely do NOT endorse the idea of you bringing fast-food cups and filling them with liquids of your choosing. We would never, ever say to do that.
Zuma
Famous Malibu shoreline with even more famous surfing
Arguably Malibu’s premier surfing destination, Zuma’s the type of place people from the Midwest picture when they think of Los Angeles beaches — in other words, they shot a whole lot of Baywatch here. Zuma’s one of the biggest beaches in all of LA, so despite its popularity you should still be able to settle into a nice spot; it’s also where you’ll find Point Dume, a gigantic bluff that juts into the ocean. If you’re a rock climber, get yourself to the top for a truly magical view.
Where to eat/drink: Any wonderful Malibu day needs to begin (or end) at Malibu Wines — it’s the gold standard for day drinking in Los Angeles. The grounds are completely gorgeous, and the clientele even moreso. If you’ve got the cash to burn, grab dinner at Nobu for an omakase tasting menu experience you won’t forget from perhaps LA’s most storied chef.
Ventura
Sleepy-yet-populous beach town packed with great food
A little farther up the coast from Oxnard sits Ventura Beach, a coastal town that somehow manages to retain a quiet and easygoing vibe despite its larger-than-a-town population — the beaches are some of cleanest and loveliest you’ll find, especially Surfer’s Knoll. The surfing is extremely choice here, but even if you don’t surf, the Knoll is a beautiful spot to lounge and even go beachcombing if that’s your thing. Every summer you can get all up in the Ventura County Fair, too: it’s just like the county fairs you know and love, except it’s by the ocean, so it’s infinitely better. If you’re a watersports maniac, kitesurfing and kiteboarding are big here. Oh yeah, and one more thing… there’s free parking. ‘Nuff said.
Where to eat/drink: Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company is an elite-level spot for cold beers and fish & chips (don’t skip on the fish tacos either). Ventura is also home to the dog-friendly Poseidon Brewing, and its Grapefruit IPA is absolutely something you need in your life. For a Nepalese meal that’ll rock your bones, make Himalaya a part of your trip. That Sherpa Curry Chicken is out of this world. And whatever you do, don’t skip out on great tapas and even greater wine at local haunt The Cave.
Santa Monica
Worthwhile tourist haven consistently buzzing with life
Is Santa Monica touristy? Yes. Is it generally overpriced? Yes. Is it full of attractive people and also a fun roller coaster and Ferris wheel that you just can’t hate no matter how hard you try? Also yes. The gorgeous water paired with gorgeous people present all along the beach is the number one thing Westsiders have on Eastsiders. Santa Monica also manages to be cleaner and all around more pleasant than the neighboring Venice, so just skip Venice. We won’t tell.
Where to eat/drink: Start your day at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern for a top-tier brunch that includes the legendary Meal Mary: a beastly bloody mary garnished with a blue cheese olive, pepperoni, jack cheese, shrimp, pepperoncini, and a deviled egg. Do your lunching at Curious Palate for some tasty sandwiches and a solid beer list, and make sure you end your day at Cha Cha Chicken: a BYOB Jamaican restaurant whose spicy jerk sauce is simply too delicious to be real. Chances are you’ve already been to Bay Cities for the Godmother — a timeless front-runner for best sandwich in LA — but if you haven’t, now’s the time. We’ve got a whole other article on Santa Monica’s best restaurants, too, in case you need more options.
Rosie’s Dog Beach
Hound-friendly beach that hosts many canine events
Rosie’s Dog Beach, we’re happy to say, is just what you’re imagining it to be. Completely off-leash, you’ll find it in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach. Rosie’s plays host to lots of fun dog events too, so any time you’ve ever received a Facebook invite for something like “Corgi Beach Day,” chances are it was at Rosie’s. It’s for sure the only place where you can actually enjoy a wet dog.
Where to eat/drink: Long Beach, which is technically LA county, has a surprising number of grand slams in the eating and drinking department. Any craving for Mexican food should lead you to Lola’s: it’s extremely hyped, but deservedly so because the food is terrific. If you’re of the “drinking on a rooftop” persuasion (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Bo-beau Kitchen + Rooftop is for you: board games, live music, great beer, and impossibly crispy Brussels sprout flatbreads await.
Hermosa Beach
Southern LA beach showcasing incredible sunsets
The sunsets at Hermosa are nearly impossible to top, and you can catch them from the edge of the long pier — take somebody you love, and we can confidently say things will go well. Hermosa Cyclery is a great place to start your day if you’re in the mood to rent some bikes and enjoy the sea breeze. If you’re a comedy or magic fan, Hermosa Beach also has the Comedy & Magic Club, where Jay Leno still makes regular Sunday night appearances.
Where to eat/drink: Hermosa Beach is riddled with top-notch food and drink, especially Baran’s 2239 (try the Indian Egg), and Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila (grab a cucumber jalapeño margarita). For a one-stop shop for all your various needs, hit Abigaile: the place starts as a brewery and restaurant downstairs, and turns into a rooftop dance rager upstairs.
Manhattan Beach
Beautifully maintained shoreline backed by upscale dining
Not to be outdone by Hermosa, Manhattan Beach will also showcase some crazy colors in the sunset department. It’s not hard to fill up a day with activities here, what with the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Polliwog Park (a superb place to disc golf), and Sand Dune Park, which is exactly what it sounds like. People use the huge hill for exercise, but you know what’s more fun than exercise (besides everything)? Sandboarding.
Where to eat/drink: Manhattan Beach Post is a heavyweight brunch champion, with enough bacon cheddar biscuits and chimichurri skirt steak to defeat any hangover. Fishing With Dynamite is another must, thanks to what might be the best raw bar in the city.
Santa Catalina Island
Long Beach-adjacent island worthy of an entire weekend
The trip to Catalina begins with a ferry ride from Long Beach, which is always a winning start, and ends with a day on a beautiful island, which is always a winning finish. Since it’s an island, the beach is essentially in every direction, and you have prime real estate to set up shop anywhere and just lie on the sand. The Descanso Beach Club is a primo beach lounging spot, with rentable cabanas and a full bar. There’s plenty of more active stuff, too, like zip-lining with Zip Line Eco Tours, helicopter tours with Island Express Helicopters, and of course, dolphin-searching boat tours with Ocean Runner Dolphin Tours.
Where to eat/drink: Mt. Ada was once a palatial retreat owned by the Wrigley family, but now it’s been turned into a friendly little B&B; spend the night, and you’ll have access to a fully stocked butler’s pantry with wine, beer, Champagne, hard liquor, and more. Oh, and you can’t consider your Catalina trip a success unless you’ve had some Buffalo Milk, which is sort of a Catalina icon (it’s basically just an alcoholic milkshake). Find ‘em at the Descanso Beach Club, or basically anywhere else.
Newport Beach
Orange County shoreline famous for fishing and surfing
Newport Beach is pretty much the quintessential Orange County beach: You can whale watch, peep some seals from the Newport Pier, and even go all Point Break on the waves during a storm at The Wedge. Fishermen/fisherwomen/fisherpeople are also in luck, as deep-sea fishing is a big deal in Newport — and consequently, boat rentals are a big deal here as well, so get ready to start living that #yachtlife. Or, if all else fails, just take in the majesty of the place where they shot lots of Arrested Development.
Where to eat/drink: We’ve spoken at length about Newport Beach’s restaurants, and it’s pretty obvious why.The food from Wildfish Seafood Grille has probably popped up in your Instagram feed at some point, but that’s a good thing since the dishes are picturesque as hell, and even better tasting (be sure to order something from the raw bar). To amp up your nightlife experience, hit Johnny’s Saloon: an outstanding dive bar with both a killer whiskey menu and some extremely dank pizza. It’s pretty hard to top.
Article courtesy of Thrillist.
Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles During July
Have anything planned for the month of July?
Below are just a few events going on in July that we think you should keep on your radar.
Enjoy and make sure to get your tickets in advance!
1. Old Pasadena Summer Cinema -> Details
2. KCRW’s Summer Nights -> More information
3. The 2017 Salsa Festival at Pershing Square -> More information
4. Hollywood & Highland Presents Summer Jazz Nights -> Additional Information
5. Los Angeles Times Ideas Exchange with Bill Nye at Theatre at Ace Hotel -> Details
6. DT Stage Concert Series at Pershing Square -> Event Info
7. Show-Your-Spirit-Animal Quiet Clubbing Party at FIGat7th -> More Information
8. The Los Angeles Soul Music Festival at Exposition Park -> More information
9. Port of Los Angeles Lobster Fest in San Pedro -> Event Details
10. Summer Nights in the Garden at Natural History Museum -> Details
11. Explore Vintage Trains at Union Station’s Summer Train Fest -> Info
12. The 37th Annual Lotus Festival at Echo Park Lake -> More information
13. 9th Annual Taste of Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax -> More information
14. FYF Fest 2017 Returns -> More information
15. 2nd Annual Delicious Little Tokyo -> Details
16. Sondheim on Sondheim at the Hollywood Bowl -> Information
17. Long Beach Crawfish Festival at Rainbow Lagoon Park -> Details – Discount tickets
18. Politicon 2017 -> More information
19. Midsummer Scream Halloween Festival at Long Beach Convention Center -> Details – Discount tickets
Our New Pacific Palisades Office Debut
We are so excited to share the pictures of our newest office in Pacific Palisades. Rodeo Realty feels very lucky to be joining the Palisades community and help buyers and sellers find their dream homes.
The Pacific Palisades is known as “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea” and is home to many Hollywood celebrities and business executives. This wealthy residential beach community is situated with Brentwood to the east, Malibu and Topanga to the west, Santa Monica to the southeast, and the Santa Monica Mountains to the north. With quaint neighborhood shopping districts, this city exudes the ultimate small California beach community feel. We hope to be of service to you.
Our New Pacific Palisades Office Debut
We are so excited to share the pictures of our newest office in Pacific Palisades. Rodeo Realty feels very lucky to be joining the Palisades community and help buyers and sellers find their dream homes.
The Pacific Palisades is known as “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea” and is home to many Hollywood celebrities and business executives. This wealthy residential beach community is situated with Brentwood to the east, Malibu and Topanga to the west, Santa Monica to the southeast, and the Santa Monica Mountains to the north. With quaint neighborhood shopping districts, this city exudes the ultimate small California beach community feel. We hope to be of service to you.