West Los Angeles is much more than Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and the Beach Cities. It is also home to tranquil neighborhoods such as Brentwood that boast stunning beauty and an upscale lifestyle, offering a mix of world-class institutions, and distinctive dining and shopping destinations. Here’s our guide for a fun-filled day in Brentwood.

Sunrise and Hike to Murphy Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains

Start your Brentwood adventure with the 3.4-mile out-and-back Murphy Ranch Trail, which is considered a moderately challenging route. This scenic trail is open year-round and is particularly spectacular at sunrise. The route includes a lot of stairs and offers awe-inspiring coastline vistas, walks across small creeks, and a valley view of the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains that will make you feel far removed from hectic city life. 

Breakfast at Farmshop

After that, visit Farmshop, which is located inside the Brentwood Country Mart, for a hearty breakfast. Farmshop is a restaurant, bakery, and market retailing fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal products, and delectable prepared foods. This quaint eatery serves a seasonal, California-inspired fare made using good quality ingredients. Casual and welcoming, the restaurant celebrates produce sourced from local farmers. For breakfast, Farmshop’s Chia Seed Pudding, Sweet Laurel Paleo Pancakes, Mike & Sons Farm Egg Frittata, Coddled Eggs, and Farmers Classic are crowd-favorites. I ordered the Soft Scrambled Eggs ($19), served with a butter croissant and mixed berry jam, fresh berries, and toasted coconut. The eggs were perfectly cooked, and the butter croissant melted in my mouth. 

Retail Therapy at Brentwood Country Mart 

After breakfast, wander around the Brentwood Country Mart, a historic shopping center home to a range of boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. Established in 1948, this dining and shopping destination was conceptualized by architect Rowland Crawford. It looks like a chic barn with American and British countryside elements. The Brentwood Country Mart houses luxury brands such as James Perse, goop, Capitol, and Christian Louboutin, and local shops such as the neighborhood post office, a shoe repair store, a barbershop, and a toy shop.

Lunch at Planta 

Then, grab a light lunch at Planta, which is a lively plant-based restaurant that boasts a lip-smacking and inventive dining experience. With a focus on sustainability and healthy eating, Planta’s expert culinary team crafts a range of multi-cuisine dishes made with fresh, plant-based ingredients. Planta’s menu highlights include Lettuce Wraps, House Burger, the Sushi Box, Kelp Ceaser, Bang Bang Broccoli, and Vodka Pizza.

Check out the Skirball Cultural Center

Founded in 1996, the Skirball Cultural Center is a museum and venue dedicated to exploring the history and culture of the Jewish people, featuring interactive exhibits, art collections, and educational programs. This museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of subject matter, from historical figures and social movements to fine arts and pop culture. Its ongoing exhibitions include ‘Common Ground,’ ‘Noah’s Ark,’ ‘Discovery Center,’ and ‘Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America.’

Tour the Getty Center 

The Getty Center houses a striking campus including modern buildings and well-landscaped gardens. This museum exhibits art from the medieval period to the present and offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the Los Angeles skyline. Established in 1997, the property was conceptualized by architect Richard Meier. The Getty Center is a must-visit for its expansive permanent collection of American, European, and Asian paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. 

Dinner at Toscana 

Toscana is an iconic Italian restaurant known for its authentic food and impeccable hospitality. The eatery offers a menu including classic Tuscan dishes such as handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled seafood. This restaurant’s signature dishes include Burrata, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Spaghetti Pomodoro, Gnocchi Scampi, Napoli Pizza, and Milanese. I ordered the classic Margherita Pizza ($26) and was blown away by how delicious and authentic it tasted. 

Nightcap at West Restaurant & Lounge 

West Restaurant & Lounge is an upscale eatery and lounge located on the 17th floor of Hotel Angeleno. This venue offers panoramic vistas of Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. West Restaurant & Lounge’s ambiance is sophisticated yet unpretentious, and the menu features mouthwatering dishes showcasing a blend of Latin, Mediterranean, and Asian influences and refreshing craft cocktails. From the cocktail menu, order the Angeleno Paloma, The Pink Lady, Better Than The 405, or the Blueberry Mint Spritz, and you will not be disappointed!

Photo courtesy of Brentwood Country Mart.