“Where the mountains meet the sea,” is a phrase commonly used to describe Pacific Palisades, a district located in west Los Angeles. It is surrounded by Brentwood, Topanga, Malibu, Santa Monica, Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Mountains. Originally founded by missionaries, the area was to be used as a commune. However, as parcels of l and were sold off, the l and’s original intended use gave way to multimillion dollar homes for the rich and famous. Most of the homes enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean. Even though Pacific Palisades was not developed as originally intended, some of the missionary’s work still exists and remains intact for its 27,000 residents.

Pacific Palisades is an affluent neighborhood, and many famous people reside there. Some of its more famous residents include actor Dan Ackroyd and his wife Donna Dixon, comedian Billy Crystal, cartoon pioneer Mel Blanc, comedian/actors Tommy Chong and Dom DeLuise, country music star Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams, actor Ray Liotta and actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

The area is divided into eight sections:

• The Alphabet Streets – the streets of the Palisades are named in alphabetical order after missionaries from previous centuries.
• The Bluffs
• Castellammare – home of Getty Villa
• Huntington Palisades
• Marquez Knolls
• Palisades Highl ands
• The Riviera – home to the Riviera Country Club and the Northern Trust Open
• Rustic Canyon – home of the Will Rogers State Historic Park
• The Village

To view a map of the area, click here.