Located in the Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Historic Park is one of Los Angeles’s best kept secrets. One of the most popular and highest paid actors of his time, Will Rogers purchased this 186-acre property during the 1920’s as a retreat for his friends and family. An avid rider and horse fanatic, Will Rogers built an expansive ranch which included a 31-room ranch house, stable, corrals, riding ring, and a polo field. In 1935, Will Rogers was the victim of a tragic plane crash, and following his wife’s death in 1944, the ranch was converted into a State Park.
One of the most popular activities to enjoy at Will Rogers State Historic Park is hiking. Take the easy/moderate 3-mile trail loop up to Inspiration Point where you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and the Pacific Coast. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, head up along the Backbone Trail into the Santa Monica Mountain. The trail offers a fantastic opportunity for mountain biking, horseback riding (BYOH – Bring Your Own Horse), and hiking – leading you as far as Point Mugu State Park in Malibu.
Will Rogers State Park is also popular for picnicking – there is tons of green space available for you to set up and enjoy picnic (first picture below).
For something completely different, head up to the park on the weekends for an exciting polo match. The polo field (second picture below) is the only regulation size field in Los Angeles County; in fact, it’s the only polo field period. During the season (April through October), the Will Rogers Polo Club holds matches on Saturday – from 2pm to 5pm, and Sunday – from 10am to 1pm. The matches are absolutely free to the public, so if you’ve never seen a game of polo in person, make sure to come by and check it out.
Getting Here
Getting to the park is quite simple. Take Sunset Blvd westbound towards Pacific Palisades and make a right on Will Rogers State Park Rd. You’ll take the road for about half a mile until you reach the park entrance. Entrance to the park is free but there is a $7 fee for parking.
Located in the Pacific Palisades, Temescal Gateway Park covers over 140-acres of terrain and is one of the most popular of the Santa Monica Mountain parks. The park offers ample opportunities for picnicking, panoramic views of the coastline, large grassy areas, and access several hiking trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. You can also access additional hiking trails into Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Parking is available at the park entrance for $5 per day. The parking lot is a haven for parking enforcement so make sure that you follow all the rules. Also, make sure to watch your speed and come to a complete stop when necessary; the forest rangers are always on the prowl and they won’t hesitate to give you a citation. By the way, failure to come to a “complete” stop will run you about $100 (this comes from experience).
Alternatively, you can skip the parking fee and park along Temescal Canyon Rd or Sunset Blvd for free; just make sure to read the signs before heading up to the park. Also, if you’re coming here for the hike, make sure that you bring plenty of water along with you…there are no water fountains along the trails.
Getting Here
Getting to Temescal Gateway Park is really simple. If you’re taking PCH, turn onto Temescal Canyon Rd and head up about 1 mile until you reach Sunset Blvd…the park will be directly in front of you. If you’re taking the streets and are headed westbound along Sunset Blvd, you’ll make a right turn into the park at Temescal Canyon Rd.
Located along Swarthmore Ave, A La Tarte Bistro is a cozy French cafe in the Pacific Palisades. There are about a half dozen tables that spill onto the sidewalk and another half dozen inside. It gets somewhat stuffy inside the restaurant, especially on a warm day, so you’ll probably be more comfortable sitting outside. Great people watching, a little sun, and the cool ocean breeze…what more could you ask for?
The best time to visit A La Tarte Bistro is on the weekends…especially on Sunday during the Farmers’ Market from 8am to 1:30pm. It does get busy on Sunday because of the Farmers’ Market – so you may have to wait a little for a table outside (the tables inside are usually free). The service is always friendly and accommodating, but if they’re shorthanded or if it’s especially busy, they make take a little while.
The Food
Since I only visit A La Tarte Bistro for Breakfast, I can’t really comment on their Lunch menu; although I can probably speculate that it’s of similar quality. If you’re a fan of French Toast, you are in for a real treat. Their Pain Perdu is not what you’d normally expect from French Toast, since it’s baked rather than fried/grilled – but it’s as good as it gets. If you’re there on a Sunday, your order will also come with fresh fruit, homemade jam, and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. The Brunch portion is huge and can probably accommodate two people (depending on how hungry you are).
If you’re not in the mood for French Toast, the Eggs Benedict is also fantastic; it’s served on their rustic French bread as opposed to the traditional English muffin.
The cost is reasonable and you’ll probably end up leaving around $40 with tax and tip for two people.
Note
You should note that they automatically add a 15% gratuity to your check…regardless of how many people are in your party. They do have sign posted inside which mentions that they will be adding gratuity in spirit of the customary European tradition. I always find this funny because in Europe, gratuity and taxes are included into the price of an individual menu item and not added in the end. Regardless, the service is great so you would’ve likely given it to them anyways.
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.
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.
Trying to figure out where to have a picnic? Look no further. As you drive along Temescal Canyon Rd in the Pacific Palisades, you’ll notice about a dozen areas on both sides of the street that are a perfect for that afternoon picnic (not to be confused with Temescal Canyon Park). There is plenty of green space for a traditional picnic on the grass, or if you’d rather sit down at a table, each area also has a picnic shelter. It’s usually pretty busy on warm Sunday afternoons, so just keep that in mind if you’re looking for some quiet time.
If you want to make a day out of it, bring a kite or frisbee along for some fun after your picnic. You can also head down to Will Rogers State Beach which is only a few blocks away (depending on how far up you are along Temescal Canyon Rd). Once you’re there, you can go rollerblading, bike riding, or just take a casual stroll along the beach.
Getting There
Getting to Temescal Canyon is extremely easy. Simply take PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to Temescal Canyon Road and make a right. Alternatively, you can travel westbound along Sunset Blvd until you reach Temescal Canyon Road and then make a left. You can park your car right on the street. Depending on how busy it is, you may have to park a little further from the site and then do a little walking.
One of the best places to go bike riding in Los Angeles is along the South Bay Bicycle Trail. The paved bike trail is 22 miles in length and spans from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. You will run into a few sections where you will have to take the city streets, but they are pretty short in length. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike; you’ll have the opportunity to one from a plethora of shops along the way.
If you’re looking for other places to go bike riding in your area, check out the following page: Local Bike Riding Spots
Nestled along Sunset Blvd in the Pacific Palisades, Lake Shrine is an oasis from the busy and sometimes hectic lives we lead. Located only ¼ mile from PCH, you have probably driven past it countless times without even knowing it was there.
Each year, thousands of people head out to Lake Shrine to enjoy its beauty and serenity. Only ten-acres in size, the lake is home to Swans, Ducks, Koi, and a variety of plant life. On the lakes periphery, there a number of spots and benches where you can just sit down and take in the scenery. It’s a perfect place to enjoy with that special someone, or just a quiet place to reflect on things.
Located in the Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Historic Park is one of Los Angeles’s best kept secrets. One of the most popular and highest paid actors of his time, Will Rogers purchased this 186-acre property during the 1920’s as a retreat for his friends and family. An avid rider and horse fanatic, Will Rogers built an expansive ranch which included a 31-room ranch house, stable, corrals, riding ring, and a polo field. In 1935, Will Rogers was the victim of a tragic plane crash, and following his wife’s death in 1944, the ranch was converted into a State Park.
One of the best places to go bike riding in Los Angeles is along the South Bay Bicycle Trail. The paved bike trail is 22 miles in length and spans from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. You will run into a few sections where you will have to take the city streets, but they are pretty short in length. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike; you’ll have the opportunity to one from a plethora of shops along the way.