Where Southern California's Lifestyle Comes to Life
One of the greatest advantages of living on Los Angeles' Westside is the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors nearly every day of the year.
Whether it's an early morning walk along the beach, a hike through the Santa Monica Mountains, an afternoon round of golf, or dinner on your patio overlooking the Pacific, outdoor living is part of the lifestyle that attracts buyers from around the world.
Every neighborhood offers something different. Some are centered around the ocean, while others are known for parks, hiking trails, equestrian paths, or beautifully landscaped residential streets.
After helping buyers and sellers throughout the Westside for more than two decades, these are the neighborhoods I most often recommend for clients who want to embrace Southern California's outdoor lifestyle.
Santa Monica
Best For: Beach living and an active lifestyle
Santa Monica is one of the easiest places to enjoy the outdoors every day.
Residents have access to:
- Miles of sandy beaches
- Palisades Park
- The Marvin Braude Bike Trail
- Beach volleyball courts
- Outdoor cafés
- Farmers Markets
- Oceanfront walking paths
- Sunset views over the Pacific
Whether you're jogging before work or enjoying dinner outdoors on Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica makes outdoor living effortless.
Pacific Palisades
Best For: Hiking and nature
Pacific Palisades offers one of the most scenic lifestyles on the Westside.
Outdoor highlights include:
- Temescal Canyon trails
- Will Rogers State Historic Park
- Ocean overlooks
- Local parks
- Cycling routes
- Easy beach access
- Tree-lined residential streets
The neighborhood combines coastal beauty with a peaceful, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Malibu
Best For: Oceanfront living
For many buyers, Malibu represents the ultimate outdoor lifestyle.
Residents enjoy:
- World-famous beaches
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains
- Oceanfront dining
- Coastal bike rides
- Spectacular sunsets
Few places offer such a seamless connection between home and nature.
Brentwood
Best For: Parks and everyday recreation
Brentwood combines quiet residential streets with abundant outdoor amenities.
Residents enjoy:
- Brentwood Country Club
- Local parks
- Walking paths
- Farmers Market
- Outdoor dining
- Beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods
It's ideal for buyers who enjoy an active lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.
Venice
Best For: Coastal energy
Venice offers one of Los Angeles' most distinctive outdoor lifestyles.
Popular activities include:
- Walking the Venice Boardwalk
- Cycling to Santa Monica
- Venice Canals
- Abbot Kinney shopping
- Outdoor cafés
- Beach volleyball
- Skate park
- Marina access
The neighborhood blends creativity, fitness, and beach culture unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles.
Marina del Rey
Best For: Waterfront recreation
Marina del Rey is built around life on the water.
Residents enjoy:
- Marina walking paths
- Sailing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Waterfront dining
- Burton Chace Park
- Cycling routes
- Sunset cruises
It's one of the few neighborhoods where boating is simply part of everyday life.
Bel Air
Best For: Privacy and estate living
While Bel Air isn't known for walkability, it's one of the finest neighborhoods for enjoying outdoor living at home.
Many luxury estates feature:
- Expansive gardens
- Resort-style pools
- Outdoor kitchens
- Tennis courts
- Private walking paths
- Mature landscaping
- Panoramic canyon and city views
For buyers who value privacy, outdoor living often begins right in their own backyard.
Beverly Hills
Best For: Elegant outdoor living
Beverly Hills offers a refined outdoor lifestyle centered around beautiful streets, parks, and outdoor dining.
Residents enjoy:
- Beverly Gardens Park
- Greystone Mansion grounds
- Rodeo Drive
- Canon Drive restaurants
- Tree-lined residential streets
- Outdoor cafés
- Luxury hotel terraces
It's an ideal setting for those who appreciate beautiful surroundings and an active yet sophisticated lifestyle.
Which Outdoor Lifestyle Fits You?
Every neighborhood offers something unique.
Choose Malibu if your ideal day revolves around the ocean.
Choose Pacific Palisades if hiking and nature are your priorities.
Choose Santa Monica if you want beach access combined with walkability.
Choose Venice if you enjoy an energetic, creative atmosphere.
Choose Marina del Rey if life on the water appeals to you.
Choose Brentwood if you prefer parks, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood charm.
Choose Bel Air if your dream outdoor lifestyle is centered around a private estate.
Choose Beverly Hills if you appreciate elegant surroundings, beautiful parks, and world-class dining.
Valerie's Perspective
One of the reasons I love selling real estate on Los Angeles' Westside is that every neighborhood offers a different way to experience Southern California's incredible climate.
Some clients dream of morning walks along the beach. Others picture hiking before work, sailing on weekends, entertaining beside the pool, or enjoying dinner under the stars in their own backyard.
The home you choose is important—but so is the life you'll live beyond your front door.
Finding the right neighborhood means finding the lifestyle that brings you the greatest joy. That's why I encourage every buyer to look beyond the property itself and imagine how they'll spend their mornings, weekends, and evenings for years to come.
I'd be delighted to help you explore the Westside's outdoor communities and find the one that feels like home.