Created in trust by John Paul Getty with the goal of having a meaningful and attractive collection to as broad an audience as possible, this museum is something everyone should see – and see more than once. It’s affordable enough, having only to pay $7 for parking, that you can come and see the rotating exhibits (we can’t wait to go back in mid-June for Rembrandt).

A small tram takes you from the parking lot 3/4 of a mile up a hill to the museum which consists of several buildings and massive gardens. Spectacular views of the city are to be had from almost everywhere; the beaches of Santa Monica and the towers of downtown can be seen by just moving your head side to side. Simply walking the grounds outside can be a day but there’s so much more which you can discover either on your own or by free guided tours.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll appreciate the thousand year old stones (some with fossils) that make up the buildings or trying to count the 3,200 doors. Garden lovers will appreciate the water maze, the zig-zag pathways, beautiful flowers and the lush grass on which you can nap (which you’ll need after all the hours it’ll take you to see everything). Art lovers will no doubt love the collections here, which range from illuminated manuscripts from the 12th century right up to modern photography. The Decorative Arts exhibit showcased furniture, clocks, tables and more from around the world – including the chair Marie Antoinette sat in to have her hair done. Rooms upon rooms of beautiful furniture dating as far back as the 14th century gave us more than enough ideas on how to decorate our own homes (must get ginormous bed with canopy and gilded towering clock).

Whether you’re with a group or need an afternoon break on your own, this is definitely a place to come and get away from it all, and even get a little inspired.

The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049–1679
(310) 440-7300

The Palisades is a palm-lined stretch of lawn and dirt paths overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Pacific Coat Highway. In 1999, $4.5 million was spent to renovate this 13- block long stretch along Ocean Ave that begins just north of the pier and ends at San Vicente Boulevard. Runners enjoy the flat, easy terrain, although it’s occasionally necessary to sidestep a homeless person snoozing beneath a tree.

Being a camera loving girl the photo ops are endless; the bluffs provides the best views especially at sunset, when the sky lights up in brilliant orange and red as it slowly disappears in the distance. Forgot your camera? Then enjoy a mirror-and-lens panorama that has documented Santa Monica for more than 100 years at the historic Camera Obscura. With a turn of the wheel of the rooftop turret, the city unfolds with 360 degrees of seaside bliss.

Whoever said the best things in life are free were right – well, if they’re referring to the Palisades at least.

Palisades Park
Along Ocean Ave in Santa Monica

Be warned that this isn’t a spa; no warm tea, steam room or robes. But if you’re short on time and money, you can’t beat their one-hour massage for $44. (If you’re really short on time or money, try their $34 1/2hr massage). And after having all the kinks worked out from head to toe, you won’t mind that there were no cherubs chirping or fancy slippers. You’ll be far too relaxed to care about anything.

The Massage Place
625 Montana, Santa Monica CA 90403 (but they are all over the LA area)
310-393-7007

My favorite way to shop is by purchasing all the foods that are currently in season – blood oranges, different mixed greens, asparagus – and then a few things I want to try (such as homemade preserves). I talk to the sellers, learn what their specialty is, a new recipe or two and what I really need to get. It makes for a fabulous way to grocery shop (reminding me of my favorite Provencal markets).

All Santa Monica markets are Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFM’s). There are three basic criteria for CFM’s: (1) they must consist of farmers who possess a current Certified Producer’s Certificate issued to them by their county’s agricultural commissioner; (2) they must be non-profit entities, sponsored by the farmers themselves, a non-profit organization or a municipality; and (3) all produce and products sold at a California farmers’ market must be grown or made in California. These simple guidelines help to ensure that CFM’s continue to exist for the benefit of the communities they serve. And I, for one, hope it’s for a very long time.

WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY
8:30am-1:30pm
Arizona Ave & 2nd St. Santa Monica

Heading out at 8am with cash in hand and a keen eye is worth it, however, as this market doesn’t disappoint. With true antiques, upscale merchandise and vendors that are willing to barter, you can most certainly find a steal here. I did with a 1940′s handmade wooden Italian jewellery box for $10 (after some very easy bartering, I might add).

Lots of furniture, rugs, jewellery and household goodies can be found and sometimes even the odd celebrity or designer (Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic is often found strolling the grounds).

It’s a great way to spend a morning whether you’re in the mood to buy or not. Just remember to bring cash (most people don’t accept cheques), a sense of fun and, if you’re like me, a really large coffee.

Santa Monica Outdoor Antique Market
$5 gate admission
8AM to 3PM
In the parking lots at Airport Avenue and Bundy Avenue.