Among the most exclusive collections of homes anywhere in Los Angeles County, a specific, sublime romanticism envelops the Riviera neighborhood in the seaside community of Pacific Palisades.
The lifestyle here is one of lavish luxury. It's a favorite landing spot for A-listers seeking refuge and families seeking to plant generational roots. There are abundant things to do and see, and the real estate boasts its own level of extraordinary, including well-thought-out custom residences set upon exceedingly private homesites close to the best that the Palisades and Los Angeles offer.
Even the neighborhood's street names recall the most notable locales of the Italian Riviera along the Amalfi Coast, a nod to original developer Alphonzo Bell's travels in Italy (Bell also founded nearby Bel-Air).
If you're considering a move to the oceanfront splendor of the Palisades, read on as we explore Riviera, one of the region's most luxurious and prestigious neighborhoods to call home.
The location
Riviera sits at the waypoint of seclusion and accessibility. Tucked along the Palisade's easternmost border, the neighborhood extends from Mandeville Canyon in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains to the southern end of Rustic Canyon — a gorgeous expanse that tumbles its way from the mountains to the sea.
In between, Riviera borders Brentwood and Santa Monica, an address close to much of what makes L.A.'s Westside region such a sought-after destination. You're 5 minutes from Will Rogers State Historic Park and Will Rogers State Beach. In 10 minutes, you'll find yourself at The Getty Museum, The Getty Villa, or the Santa Monica Pier.
For frequent travelers, LAX is 20 minutes from the heart of the neighborhood, and with the famed Sunset Boulevard bisecting the community, residents have a direct link to the glitz and glamor of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, and Southern California’s most famed retail, restaurant, and nightlife offerings. Closer to home, take Sunset Boulevard in the opposite direction, and Palisades Village and its high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment are mere minutes from every Riviera home.
More than just proximity to its urban centers, a home in Riviera puts owners at the threshold of many of L.A. County's natural treasures. The unique geographical setting provides stunning natural vistas and a host of outdoor activities — imagine a morning hike in Sullivan Canyon Park or Rivas Canyon Park and an afternoon spent at the Will Rogers or Santa Monica State Beaches.
In between, Riviera borders Brentwood and Santa Monica, an address close to much of what makes L.A.'s Westside region such a sought-after destination. You're 5 minutes from Will Rogers State Historic Park and Will Rogers State Beach. In 10 minutes, you'll find yourself at The Getty Museum, The Getty Villa, or the Santa Monica Pier.
For frequent travelers, LAX is 20 minutes from the heart of the neighborhood, and with the famed Sunset Boulevard bisecting the community, residents have a direct link to the glitz and glamor of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, and Southern California’s most famed retail, restaurant, and nightlife offerings. Closer to home, take Sunset Boulevard in the opposite direction, and Palisades Village and its high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment are mere minutes from every Riviera home.
More than just proximity to its urban centers, a home in Riviera puts owners at the threshold of many of L.A. County's natural treasures. The unique geographical setting provides stunning natural vistas and a host of outdoor activities — imagine a morning hike in Sullivan Canyon Park or Rivas Canyon Park and an afternoon spent at the Will Rogers or Santa Monica State Beaches.
The lifestyle
Life in Riviera revolves around its namesake club, the historic and highly esteemed Riviera Country Club. The course is one of the country's most treasured layouts and home to the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational, a revered annual tour stop hosted by Tiger Woods. The club is also a singular destination for L.A.'s elite power brokers and celebrities and a sporting magnet for golfers and tennis players. The latter group claims membership in the Riviera Tennis Club, among the most active and well-organized clubs in the Western U.S., which enjoys the privilege of frequenting the club's 24 championship-caliber courts.
Established in 1926, this iconic club is not just a recreational facility but a social landmark. Even for non-members, a singular prestige comes with living near the fairways and greens of a club held in such high regard by so many; its presence adds a layer of glamor and exclusivity to the neighborhood.
Beyond the glossy social and sporting aspects of its country club roots, Riviera promises an elevated, fully-formed luxury lifestyle — close to life's vital necessities, unapologetic indulgences, and pleasure-filled personal pursuits. A home here also provides access to some of the finest educational institutions in the region. Families (and those simply seeking a wise investment) in Riviera benefit from being part of a community that values education, including a selection of top-rated public and private schools within easy reach.
In addition, for those families that prefer to keep freshly minted college students close to home, Riviera is less than a 30-minute drive to the Los Angeles campuses of UCLA and USC and the Malibu campus of Pepperdine University.
Established in 1926, this iconic club is not just a recreational facility but a social landmark. Even for non-members, a singular prestige comes with living near the fairways and greens of a club held in such high regard by so many; its presence adds a layer of glamor and exclusivity to the neighborhood.
Beyond the glossy social and sporting aspects of its country club roots, Riviera promises an elevated, fully-formed luxury lifestyle — close to life's vital necessities, unapologetic indulgences, and pleasure-filled personal pursuits. A home here also provides access to some of the finest educational institutions in the region. Families (and those simply seeking a wise investment) in Riviera benefit from being part of a community that values education, including a selection of top-rated public and private schools within easy reach.
In addition, for those families that prefer to keep freshly minted college students close to home, Riviera is less than a 30-minute drive to the Los Angeles campuses of UCLA and USC and the Malibu campus of Pepperdine University.
The homes
Affluent, architecturally diverse neighborhoods are the rule, not the exception, among L.A.'s Westside cities and neighborhoods. Nowhere does the rule apply more than in the collective neighborhoods of the Palisades; nowhere is the opulence and variety on display more than along the winding streets of Riviera.
Riviera comprises approximately 700 homes, featuring upper and lower subdivisions, with Sunset Boulevard the unofficial line of demarcation. Upper Riviera offers breathtaking views spanning from downtown Los Angeles to the ocean, with direct access to the trails and parks of the Santa Monica Mountains. Directly adjacent to Riviera Country Club, the neighborhood's lower section enjoys serene vistas of the club and near-direct access to Will Rogers State Beach.
Tree-lined streets and a comingling of traditional neighborhood aesthetics with a commitment to a private and tranquil lifestyle characterize both sections. Larger lots often boast deep setbacks, high walls, gated driveways, and thick, expertly installed privacy landscaping that transforms each home into a de facto private estate.
Most notable, however, is the collective architectural grandeur showcased within the neighborhood, from the first house on Amalfi Drive in Lower Riviera to the last house on Alta Mura Road in Upper Riviera. A wide array of styles benefit its residents' unique, hyper-distinctive design and lifestyle needs. From classic Mediterranean villas to ultra-modern works of art, the neighborhood is a gallery of architectural excellence.
Though contemporary, Mediterranean, and ranch-style homes are most prevalent, the neighborhood centers on bespoke, custom-built homes catering to various aesthetic preferences. One can find everything from mid-century to ultra-modern, from California Craftsman to European estate, with the most patient buyers able to discover a residence that speaks solely to them.
Of course, fantastical facades are just one aspect of living in Riviera. Homes here are known for their spacious interiors and high-end finishes. Many residences feature expansive living areas, gourmet kitchens, custom cabinetry, and state-of-the-art appliances. Bedrooms and bathrooms are often luxuriously appointed, offering comfort and sophistication. Primary suites redefine the owner's retreat, with layouts and finishes on par with the world's most extraordinary resort properties.
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of these homes, from the layout and design to the choice of materials and finishes to their flexibility to host friends, entertain associates, or raise families. Add to that the emphasis on seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living spaces, where owners indulge in the region's favorable climate through features like large, automated glass doors, outdoor dining and entertaining terraces, beautifully landscaped gardens, private pools and spas, and the occasional personal tennis court or putting green (or both).
Riviera comprises approximately 700 homes, featuring upper and lower subdivisions, with Sunset Boulevard the unofficial line of demarcation. Upper Riviera offers breathtaking views spanning from downtown Los Angeles to the ocean, with direct access to the trails and parks of the Santa Monica Mountains. Directly adjacent to Riviera Country Club, the neighborhood's lower section enjoys serene vistas of the club and near-direct access to Will Rogers State Beach.
Tree-lined streets and a comingling of traditional neighborhood aesthetics with a commitment to a private and tranquil lifestyle characterize both sections. Larger lots often boast deep setbacks, high walls, gated driveways, and thick, expertly installed privacy landscaping that transforms each home into a de facto private estate.
Most notable, however, is the collective architectural grandeur showcased within the neighborhood, from the first house on Amalfi Drive in Lower Riviera to the last house on Alta Mura Road in Upper Riviera. A wide array of styles benefit its residents' unique, hyper-distinctive design and lifestyle needs. From classic Mediterranean villas to ultra-modern works of art, the neighborhood is a gallery of architectural excellence.
Though contemporary, Mediterranean, and ranch-style homes are most prevalent, the neighborhood centers on bespoke, custom-built homes catering to various aesthetic preferences. One can find everything from mid-century to ultra-modern, from California Craftsman to European estate, with the most patient buyers able to discover a residence that speaks solely to them.
Of course, fantastical facades are just one aspect of living in Riviera. Homes here are known for their spacious interiors and high-end finishes. Many residences feature expansive living areas, gourmet kitchens, custom cabinetry, and state-of-the-art appliances. Bedrooms and bathrooms are often luxuriously appointed, offering comfort and sophistication. Primary suites redefine the owner's retreat, with layouts and finishes on par with the world's most extraordinary resort properties.
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of these homes, from the layout and design to the choice of materials and finishes to their flexibility to host friends, entertain associates, or raise families. Add to that the emphasis on seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living spaces, where owners indulge in the region's favorable climate through features like large, automated glass doors, outdoor dining and entertaining terraces, beautifully landscaped gardens, private pools and spas, and the occasional personal tennis court or putting green (or both).
Start your Riviera journey today
Above all others, Riviera is that rare gem that shines bright for anyone with an eye for opulence and grandeur who's yearning for an unparalleled luxury lifestyle. Or, as succinctly captured by the Riviera Country Club's mission statement, this is a place for those who want to live where "only the best is good enough."
To discover more about Riviera or the Pacific Palisades lifestyle, contact the O'Connor Estates team today to start your real estate journey and uncover your perfect home in one of Southern California's most celebrated and sought-after luxury real estate markets.
To discover more about Riviera or the Pacific Palisades lifestyle, contact the O'Connor Estates team today to start your real estate journey and uncover your perfect home in one of Southern California's most celebrated and sought-after luxury real estate markets.
