Why visit Brentwood
Most visitors come for the Getty Center, a free world-class museum with European paintings, sweeping gardens, and panoramic views of the LA basin reached by a hillside tram. Beyond it, Brentwood offers a pleasant dose of Westside affluence: the median-strip coral trees of San Vicente Boulevard, a lively Sunday farmers market, and some excellent restaurants in a quiet, walkable village setting.
Brentwood developed largely in the early-to-mid 20th century as Los Angeles expanded westward, growing into one of the city's most prestigious residential districts with winding canyon roads and large estates. The 1924 founding of the Riviera Country Club helped anchor the area's reputation, and over the decades Brentwood became home to many entertainment-industry figures. The neighborhood gained national attention in 1994 as the setting of the O.J. Simpson case, but its enduring landmark arrived in 1997 with the opening of the Getty Center, Richard Meier's travertine-clad museum complex on a ridge above the 405.
Top Attractions
- Getty Center
A free hilltop museum of European art, with Robert Irwin's Central Garden, modern architecture, and sweeping city-to-sea views.
- San Vicente Boulevard
A grassy, coral-tree-lined median that's a favorite running and cycling route, flanked by cafes and shops.
- Brentwood Country Mart
A charming red-barn-style shopping and dining courtyard dating to 1948, beloved for its low-key boutiques and food stalls.
- Brentwood Farmers Market
A popular Sunday market with California produce, prepared foods, and a neighborhood feel.
- Mandeville Canyon
A long, scenic canyon road into the Santa Monica Mountains, popular for hiking and cycling.
A Suggested Day
- 1Arrive at the Getty Center in the morning, ride the tram up, and explore the galleries before crowds build.
- 2Wander Robert Irwin's Central Garden and the travertine plaza for views stretching to the ocean.
- 3Drive down to the Brentwood Country Mart for lunch from its food stalls and a little boutique browsing.
- 4Take an afternoon stroll or run along the coral-tree median of San Vicente Boulevard.
- 5If it's Sunday, swing by the Brentwood Farmers Market for local produce and snacks.
- 6Finish with dinner at Pizzana or Toscana.
Where to Eat
- PizzanaItalian / pizza
A celebrated neo-Neapolitan pizzeria with a cult following and a stylish Brentwood dining room.
- ToscanaItalian
A long-running, upscale Tuscan restaurant that's a local institution and frequent celebrity haunt.
- Sweet Rose CreameryIce cream
An artisanal ice cream shop at the Brentwood Country Mart using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
- FarmshopCalifornia / market
A farm-to-table restaurant and market at the Country Mart focused on seasonal Southern California cooking.
Where to Stay
- LuxuryLuxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel
A leafy retreat near the Getty on Sunset Boulevard, with a pool and easy 405 access.
- Mid-rangeHotel Angeleno
A distinctive round tower hotel beside the 405 with a rooftop restaurant and panoramic Westside views.
Best Photo Spots
- 📸 Getty Center Central Garden
- 📸 Getty travertine plaza with city views
- 📸 Coral trees along San Vicente Boulevard
- 📸 Brentwood Country Mart red barn
Want this turned into a day-by-day plan?
Tell our free AI planner you want to visit Brentwood and it will build the rest of your day around it.
Top Attractions Near Brentwood
MuseumsGetty Villa
The Getty Villa is a recreated ancient Roman country house overlooking the Pacific that houses the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Set among gardens, fountains, and a peristyle pool, it pairs world-class classical art with one of LA's most serene settings.
LandmarksSanta Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a historic wooden pier jutting into the Pacific, crowned by the small Pacific Park amusement park and its solar-powered Ferris wheel. It marks the symbolic western end of Route 66 and is one of LA's most festive seaside gathering spots.
ParksWill Rogers State Historic Park
Once the ranch home of cowboy humorist Will Rogers, this hillside park pairs a preserved 1920s ranch house with open lawns, a polo field, and trailheads into the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a rare combination of California history and accessible hiking just minutes from the coast.
Brentwood FAQ
Is the Getty Center free?
Yes, admission to the Getty Center is free; you pay only for parking, and timed reservations may be needed on busy days per the official website.
How long should I spend at the Getty?
Plan at least half a day to enjoy the galleries, gardens, and views; serious art lovers can easily spend a full day.
Can I walk around Brentwood, or do I need a car?
The San Vicente strip and Country Mart are walkable, but a car or rideshare is best for reaching the Getty and canyon areas.
