Enjoy a fantastic view of the San Fernando Valley from the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook in Studio City. This scenic viewpoint is located on the north side of Mulholland Dr along the Mulholland Scenic Parkway. The overlook has its own parking lot, physical fitness course, and provides access to several hiking trails through Fryman Canyon – including the five-mile Betty Dearing Mountain Trail.
Located on the north side of Mulholland Drive in Studio City, the Universal City Lookout offers scenic views of Universal City, the San Fernando Valley, and Verdugo Hills. Funded by Universal Studios, the overlook was built in 1984 for the upcoming Summer Olympics which was hosted in Los Angeles. There is ample parking across the street along Mulholland Dr.
If you’re looking to infuse a little romance into your relationship, head out to Long Beach for an enchanting gondola ride. Located along East Ocean Blvd, Gondola Getaway will take you on a gentle 50-minute cruise through the waterways of Naples Island in Alamitos Bay.
Salami, cheese, and bread are provided for you by Gondola Getaway; you also get your very own gondolier to serenade you. Consider bringing a bottle of champagne along – it makes for a much more intimate experience and they don’t have a problem with it.
Gondola Getaway recommends that you make reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
The cost is $75 for two people (tip not included).
Located in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a small and secluded strand of beach which offers visitors a fantastic escape from the bustling of city life. This local gem is one of three “pocket beaches” that make up the larger Robert H. Meyer Memorial SB – situated along Pacific Coast Highway between Point Dume and Leo Carrillo. It’s not the easiest beach to find, but you’ll appreciate making the extra effort once you finally get there. Lined with gentle white sand and picturesque views, the El Matador shoreline is home to an exquisite series of rock formations and shallow caves for you to explore.
Unless you arrive on a busy summer weekend, chances are you’ll have a good piece of the beach all to yourself. Take this opportunity to bring along someone special for a romantic picnic or to enjoy a spectacular sunset – or both. Alternatively, the solitude of El Matador offers the perfect getaway after a long and stressful week.
The beach also offers fantastic views of the Pacific coastline and it’s great for swimming and/or sunbathing. If it's not a busy summer day, there will be no lifeguard on duty so try to be careful out there.
Getting Here
Getting to El Matador State Beach can be a tad difficult and it does require a little hiking along a steep dirt trail. Therefore, it’s probably not the best places for children and it’s pretty much inaccessible for the handicapped.
If you can’t find any spots along PCH, there is a paid parking lot at the top of the bluff with a path leading to the beach. Parking is $4 and you can obtain your pass from the meter box.
*Photograph courtesy of California Coastal Records Project
Nestled along a narrow street right off of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, Piccolo Ristorante is a cozy little Italian restaurant that’s only a stones throw away from the water. With only about a dozen tables in total, 10 inside and 2 outside, the atmosphere at this neighborhood spot is awfully romantic.
Piccolo Ristorante opens its doors at 5pm and doesn’t accept reservations, so you’ll have to either come in early or be prepared for about an hour wait (depending on how busy it is of course). If you find yourself on the waiting list then you have a few options. There is a neighborhood bar right around the corner where you can enjoy some drinks and live music. You can also hang out inside the restaurant, but you’ll have to settle for sitting on the steps (with a bottle of wine of course).
All of its dishes are prepared using only the freshest ingredients and accentuate the flavors of Northern Italy. Their wine list isn’t particularly amazing, but they do have a pretty good selection of Italian wines. The food at Piccolo Ristorante has always been consistent, but I wasn’t crazy about it the last time I visited. Their signature dish – the Potatoes and Fig Tortellini was excellent, but the rest of the food came out a little too salty (something everyone in my party noticed). I’m not one of those people who complain and send the food back, so I did end up eating it all. Since this wasn’t my first time at the restaurant and I was happy in the past, I’ll just treat this as an isolated incident.
The food is not cheap; a bottle of wine, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and dessert will run you about $150 (with tip).
Getting Here
Parking in Venice Beach can be a little tricky, so your best bet is to park at the lot on Rose Ave & Speedway for $4. After parking your car, take the Boardwalk a few blocks south and then make a left on Dudley Street; Piccolo Ristorante will be on your left.
With one of the best locations in the city, Gladstone’s of Malibu is situated only feet away from the water. In fact, if there’s anything worth coming to Gladstone’s for…it’s the ambiance. Whether you’re sitting indoors or out on the patio, you’ll be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and Coastline. After you eat, or while you’re waiting for a table, walk down to the sand and take a stroll along the beach. It gets a little cool in the evening so make sure to bring along an extra jacket.
The Food
I have frequented this Gladstone’s location on a number of occasions, and while the food is good, I don’t think it’s worth the price. On my last visit, I decided to go with their catch of the day; it runs about $25 and is accompanied by two sides. Although the fish was fresh, it was a little too bland for my palate and the taste reminded me of hospital food; that’s a pretty extreme comparison, but it was the first thing that came to mind. The corn-on-the-cob was served cold and undercooked, while the side of steamed vegetables resembled the frozen Birdseye variety available at your local supermarket.
Reservations
This Gladstone’s location can get really busy during the weekends, so unless you’re prepared to wait a few hours, I strongly recommend that you make reservation ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the area and want to enjoy a sunset by the beach, Gladstone’s is the perfect spot. Add a few drinks and an appetizer, and you’ve got the perfect Sunday afternoon. As far as the food goes, you’ll probably be better off a few miles north along PCH.
Following along the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Drive offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. As you make your way along the windy road, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to park your car and take it all in. Depending on where you access Mulholland Dr, there are 2 fantastic spots that I would recommend.
From Laurel Canyon
If you’re headed up Laurel Canyon from West Hollywood, make a left at Mulholland Dr and head west for about 1 mile (make a right on Mulholland if you’re coming up from the Valley). You’ll pass a street called Skyline Dr and the lookout spot will be on your right hand side. Don’t get it confused with the overlook at the bend which resembles a sand dune. Once you arrive at the lookout spot, pull off the road and park your car on the dirt area designated for the overlook. Although the views are excellent in the day, my favorite time to go there is in the evening. Unfortunately, there’s a sign that says “Overlook Closed - 9pm to 6am”. If you don’t mind bending the rules once in a while, you can come by after 9pm at your own risk; there are people living nearby so I suggest keeping the noise at a respectable level.
From Beverly Glen
If you arrive via Beverly Glen (or Benedict Canyon) from West Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, make sure to stop by the Charles and Lotte Melhorn Overlook on the 13800 block of Mulholland Dr. If you’re headed eastbound, you’ll pass Deep Canyon Dr and the overlook will be on your left. Unlike the lookout on Skyline, there is no designated area to park your car (unless you’re handicapped)…so you’ll have to park and then walk over. There are a few benches at the overlook so you can just sit down and enjoy the spectacular view. This overlook is probably best enjoyed in the day because it can get a little cold in the evening…and you won’t have the comfort of turning on the heater in the car.
Mulholland Scenic Overlook
On Mulholland Dr (nearest cross street: Skyline Dr)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Charles and Lotte Melhorn Overlook
On Mulholland Dr (nearest cross street: Deep Canyon Dr)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
If you’re looking to enjoy a sunset/sunrise or just a view of the Pacific Coast during the day, there’s an ocean lookout in the Pacific Palisades where you can sit back and take it all in. The bluff has about a half dozen benches to choose from, or alternatively, you can park your car in the cul-de-sac and enjoy the view from there. Since it’s a residential neighborhood, you should do your best to keep the noise down.
Getting There
If you're traveling westbound along Sunset Blvd, you’ll want to make a left turn on El Medio Ave. Once you’re on El Medio Ave, simply drive all the way down till the road ends and park your car. If you take the Freeway, simply take PCH to Sunset Blvd and make a right. Once you reach El Medio Ave, you’ll want to make another right.
Just in case, here are the directions.
As a native of Los Angeles, I take a lot of things for granted – namely, the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. Whether or not you grew up in the Los Angeles, there’s no denying that there are few things which can compare. The sound of the waves breaking against the rocks, the sunlight glistening on the water, the ocean breeze, and that irreproducible salt water scent. It really touches all of your senses and helps you tune out even the most stressful of days.
On a clear day, head out for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and take in all that it has to offer. Start in Santa Monica and just drive northbound until you feel like turning back. It’s also a great idea for a date or something to enjoy with a significant other. If it’s nearing the end of the day – park your car, walk down to the shore, and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
If you really want to experience the coastline and soothe the senses, you can rent a convertible for about $80; in fact, why not make a day out of it. Leave in the morning and take PCH north until you reach Santa Barbara (it’s about a 2 hour drive) and spend the day there. If you enjoy listening to music while you drive, take some CDs with you because the radio reception drops in and out.
Click here to find additional scenic routes in and around Los Angeles.
If you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. An affluent suburb of Los Angeles, the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes make for an ideal location to enjoy scenic views – specifically, the Palos Verdes Coast and Catalina Island. If you really have your heart set on seeing Catalina Island, check the weather before leaving as it tends to get really foggy up there.
You can park your vehicle at the parking lot right off Palos Verdes Dr for $5. The park offers 2 different beaches for you to enjoy – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. Once you park, you’ll have to take a trail in order to get to Abalone Cove Beach; the trail can be accessed directly from the parking lot. In order to get to Sacred Cove Beach, walk south along Palos Verdes Dr (from the parking lot) and you’ll run into 2 trails that will lead you there.
You can enjoy a view of the coast from the grassy area atop the 180-foot bluff. If this is a romantic outing, why not pack some sandwiches and have a picnic. Afterwards, head down to the shore via a steep trail and take a walk along the beach; the trail is approximately ¼ mile in length.
* photo courtesy of Ed Shea
