Westlake is about 20 - 30 minutes from the Pacific ocean, through any number of canyons. The easiest canyons to drive are Las Virgenes Rd. and Kanan Rd. If going to Malibu Pier, take Las Virgenes. It will lead you to the ocean, with Pepperdine University on your right, and the Pier down PCH when you turn left. If you go straight (literally cross over PCH), there is a park with fantastic views of the ocean (though no water access).

Malibu Pier has a fantastic restaurant called Malibu Farm Restaurant. Pricey, but delish. Reservations generally required. A take-out version is at the end of the pier, but it's not always open.

To walk through the sand, dip your toes in the water, or have a full-blown beach day, visit iconic Zuma Beach. Miles of beach with lots of parking. Take Kanan Rd. to PCH and turn right.

Walk, hike, explore! This is just one place to start. If hiking is your thing, Martin can give you more recommendations of hikes with spectacular views!

Easy hiking with spectacular views, including of the Pacific ocean. The scenic canyon drive has serious twists and turns. Recommend not doing this in the dark.

Fantastic Presidential library and exhibits, about 20 minutes from Westlake. Spectacular views. Well worth a visit!

*** ALSO: There is a special exhibit happening now called "THE POPE AND THE PRESIDENT, BRINGING HOPE TO THE WORLD" - about Reagan and JPII! It's part of the general admission price to the museum ($25).

More info here:

https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/exhibits/pope-and-president-bringing-hope-world

The Getty Villa is the smaller Getty museum, located on PCH with great ocean views. The larger, main Getty Museum is also worth a visit! Tickets required for both.

A great spot if you want to visit the beach. Try to get a table upstairs for best views.

Stonehaus is our local vineyard and wine bar. Beautiful outdoor venue with lots of seating, wood-fired pizza, and other casual menu items. Order food and wine inside, and pick up when your buzzer goes off. Stonehaus is part of the larger Westlake Village Inn, which includes a wonderful restaurant called Mediterraneo, and a night club (sort of) called Bogies, featuring live music many nights. If you happen to be staying at The Westlake Village Inn, you'll already be in the center of the action. Otherwise, make this one of your stops!

Westlake Village and the surrounding area has an unusually high number of excellent Italian restaurants (passes Jen's approval, which is rare!). Nonna is one of them. Reservations required. Sit in the back patio, if available.

Another great spot is called Basta in Agoura Hills. They don't take reservations so prepare to wait. Best bet is to get there before they open at 5pm and add your name to the list. It's in a shopping center called Whizen Market, which has some interesting window shopping, other restaurants, and a yummy gelateria called Tifa.

Made in Italy is another local spot which is highly recommended. In Westlake on Thousand Oaks Blvd. They also do not take reservations.

Don't let the shopping center vibe deter you! These are all great dining experiences!