https://pacpark.com/

First opened in 1909, the Santa Monica Pier was constructed as part of the City’s wastewater infrastructure. In just a few years, developer Charles Looff expanded the Pier and developed the entertainment destination for which the Pier is now known. The wooden horses that dance around the Merry-Go-Round are housed in the oldest building on the Pier, the Hippodrome, which was designed and built by Looff in 1915.

Great rooftop patio to get a drink and take in the view.

Reminiscent of Hollywood’s Golden Age with its curving ocean liner-inspired architecture and whimsical Art Deco design, Hotel Shangri-La at the Ocean has been welcoming guests to the beach since 1939.

Heather's favorite charity, and ironically they have a great gala on the beach once a year with great live auction vacations.

Heal the Bay is an environmental nonprofit established in 1985 that is dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. We use science, education, community action, and advocacy to fulfill our mission.

They have the most beautiful roses. This was our first date in Santa Monica and we would always go there at least once when I visited. Our favorite waiter Antonio always brought us a birthday dessert, even if it wasn't our birthday! 😉

High above the Pacific shoreline - 18 stories, to be exact - The Penthouse offers a Santa Monica fine dining experience complete with epic city and ocean views.

“Named after my daughter Birdie and my grandmother Gladys, Birdie G’s is a fun, American restaurant inspired by childhood memories and family traditions. How do I define our style? Easy…it’s the product of an Eastern-European Jew who grew up in the Midwest and the Deep South, and then settled in Southern California. I don’t know how I can make it any clearer. At the end of the day, Birdie G’s is “where fine food and good people meet,” so please relax and have a great time!” – Chef/Co-Owner Jeremy Fox

The BEST farmers market in all of the land and one of our most favorite things to do when returning to Santa Monica!

The Santa Monica Farmers Markets create thriving, vibrant communities that are inclusive, connected, and diverse by promoting the prosperity of California farmers and small food businesses, preservation of the agricultural arts and sustainable food systems.

Palisades Park is an iconic park that stretches over twenty-six acres along Ocean Avenue. This landmark park draws visitors from around the world with its gorgeous views of the Santa Monica Bay. The park has many features including benches, picnic areas, artworks and monuments, a rose garden, the Camera Obscura Art Lab, and more.

If the door is locked, knock on the wooden dutch door to the right. Leave your driver’s license at the office and in return you will receive a key to the camera obscura at the top of the stairs. It’s housed in a midcentury park building that is also an art and culture center offering classes and events.

Getty is a cultural and philanthropic institution dedicated to the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy. Through the collective and individual work of its constituent programs—Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Foundation, J. Paul Getty Museum, and Getty Research Institute—Getty pursues its mission in Los Angeles and throughout the world, serving both the general interested public and a wide range of professional communities in order to promote a vital civil society through an understanding of the visual arts.

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park/Mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall.

I mean it's Dodger Stadium... need you say anymore! This picture was taken at Vince's first Dodger game.

The Broad is a contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. The museum is named for philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, who financed the $140 million building that houses the Broad art collections. It offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries.

Since the doors opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory has become the most-visited public observatory in the world. The Observatory’s history starts with the vision of one man and reflects the invention, innovation, and inspiration that also characterize Los Angeles.

We just recently learned that you can park at the Observatory from 5AM to Noon and watch the sunrise for free!

This unique park, which offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign, is also home to the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, Junior Arts Center and the famous Hollyhock House that was designed in the 1920's by the internationally acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

One of the greatest venues to see a concert! The architecture is amazing!

The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheatre in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It was named one of the 10 best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone magazine.

Encanto’s live to film concert experience comes to the

Hollywood Bowl Saturday, November 12th!

Encanto Live-to-Film Concert Experience

Come join the original cast for a miracle of a concert as they sing your favorite songs accompanied by a full orchestra and 50 person ensemble. Witness the Hollywood Bowl transform into casita on November 12.

Sofi is nearby... from what we read there are some really cool tours available.

Malibu = Nobu

Another one of our favorite places to go!

The Kumquat Cooler Best cocktail on the menu! Make sure to make reservations in advance! The food is as amazing as the celeb sightings! Cheers!

Malibu Country Mart is an upscale, open air lifestyle mall in Malibu popular with celebrities.

Self-described "nouveau barbecue" spot offers a chic outdoor dining space for New American cuisine.

No trip to Malibu Wines is complete without meeting Stanley the Giraffe! Great way to spend the day on a wine tour of the vineyard and meet all of the animals too! Cheers!

Awesome little island off of LA coastline... be sure to visit Avalon in this case the city not the kitty ;o)

Enjoy the iconic Southern California experience at our quintessential California Beach Restaurant. Not only is Paradise Cove the best beach in Malibu, it's the best beach in the world! Smell the fresh sea air and gaze at the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean with a cocktail in hand. Indulge in our wide selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Walk along the beach and look at the homes of movie and rock stars, billionaires and Wall Street hot shots, plus so much more!

Also the filming location for many well known movies including Planet of the Apes, Beach Blanket Bingo and even American Pie!