The Getty Villa
Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk
Live the California dream on the golden sands and in the legendary hot spots of LA’s Beach Cities, where fun-in-the-sun attractions offer something for everyone. Here’s a sample 24-hour day along LA’s 75 miles of coastline:
8–9 a.m.
Have breakfast at a choice of eateries. The Kettle, an upscale coffee shop in Manhattan Beach, is a 24-hour institution where late-night revelers and early-bird surfers order everything from bacon ‘n eggs to pot roast and sun-dried tomato chicken. Or join entertainment industry sophisticates for a gourmet breakfast overlooking the ocean at the Malibu Beach Inn’s stylish Carbon Beach Restaurant.
9 a.m.–noon
Ooh and aah over rare Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities at the Getty Villa in Malibu. Next, soar 130 feet above the Pacific Ocean on Pacific Park’s all-new Ferris Wheel at LA’s legendary Santa Monica Pier. Then, plant your feet on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice and follow LA’s trend-setters to Firefly Boutique for creative clothes and jewelry or Surfing Cowboys for vintage surf collectables, among other unique shops.
Noon–2 p.m.
Have lunch up or down the coast. Order an Ahi tuna taco and a B-52 cocktail in the 1940s ambiance of the new Beachcomber Restaurant — former site of Alice’s Restaurant, inspired by the Arlo Guthrie song — on the newly re-opened, 103-year-old Malibu Pier. Then, drink in the million-dollar ocean pier views, and envision the TV and movie scenes including Gidget and Beach Blanket Bingo which were filmed here. Or, head to Venice and join local artists and musicians at Chaya Venice. Sit under the free-floating sea creature ceiling sculptures and enjoy pomme frites and rib-eye steak, delicious sushi and other specialties from their East-West menu.
2–6 p.m.
Check out the new sea babies from sea horses to sharks being born daily at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, LA’s only aquarium specializing exclusively in Southern California marine life. Continue your ocean-theme with a visit to Spirit Cruises at Ports O’ Call Village for a narrated sail or whale-watching excursion. The Aquarium of the Pacific in nearby Long Beach is another option. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the aquarium is known for its creatures from throughout the Pacific (the Metro Blue Line runs direct into Long Beach). Walk “under water” as fish swim overhead and hammerhead sharks cruise in and out of view. If you’re feeling adventurous and looking to jump into something that says LA unlike any other activity, head for the waves. The home of surfing in Southern California — thanks to early-century beach boy George Freeth — Redondo Beach has restyled itself as a top destination for seafood, ocean sports, performing arts, outdoor recreation, shopping and dining. Redondo Beach also offers accommodations at such hotels as the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club and Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel.
6–8 p.m.
For dinner, join the hip crowd at The Lobster in Santa Monica for classic American seafood, accompanied by sunsets over the Pacific and views of Ocean Avenue’s lively street scene. At Valentino, savor Italian delicacies from white truffles flown in from Italy to fish from the Adriatic Sea, flawlessly served in a European-style setting. Or, sip your way around Marina del Rey, the nation’s largest man-made small boat marina, on a “happy hour” cocktail cruise with Hornblower Cruises.
8 p.m.–1 a.m.
Relax over drinks at Glow, an ultra-sophisticated outdoor space within the Marina del Rey Marriott. Pump it up a notch at Club Romeo, where live entertainment from rock ‘n roll to belly dancing attracts a party crowd at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles in San Pedro. Catch your favorite games at Champion Sports Bar in the Airport Marriott LAX or the Ocean Express Trolley ($3 roundtrip) to Manhattan Beach. The trolley runs along Century Boulevard and stops in front of almost all LAX hotels en route to the Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Village Shopping Center and Plaza El Segundo (click here for the trolley map). Once in Manhattan Beach, toast the Jimmy Buffet spirit with fun-loving locals, “great white” margaritas and Mexican beers at Sharkeez – a Baja cantina-style hot spot. There’s also one in Hermosa Beach (52 Pier Ave.).
1–3 a.m.
The night is young, so join the “festival” at La Cabana, a Venice night-owl favorite for decades. Mariachis, margaritas and tequila keep the patio packed until the wee hours, and if you’re hungry, the kitchen serves authentic Mexican cuisine ‘till 1:45 a.m. You can also enjoy a late night snack at either The Kettle or Swingers, where diner fare ranges from chocolate milkshakes and French toast to tofu chilaquiles and jerk chicken.
3 a.m.–7 a.m.
Drift off to dreamland in one of the Beach Cities’ great hotels. For summer deals, go to www.discoverLosAngeles.com.
8 a.m.
Do it all again — but this time in one of LA’s other exciting regions.
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