Day Trip: Experience the Getty Villa: An Ancient Roman Oasis

The Getty Villa, nestled in the serene hills of the Pacific Palisades, offers a unique experience. It presents Jean Paul Getty’s collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art and artifacts, set amidst expansive gardens that transport you to ancient Rome. The Villa, a faithful recreation of a Pompeii villa destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, also hosts various engaging, family-friendly programs, inviting visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in this ancient history.

Getty Villa Museum

The journey begins at the Getty Center Museum with an educational video at the entrance. Here, you can learn about vase-making and even write and doodle on vast replicas of Greek pottery. The collections, explored with Art Detective cards, feature statues of Mythological Heroes and rare coins, gems, and jewelry, offering a truly interactive experience. Guided tours are also provided; the tour may be your best option if this is your first visit. You can also free roam on your own.

Getty Center Gardens

The Getty’s central garden features a fountain as its centerpiece. As you step into the gardens, you’ll be greeted by the Herb Garden, a fragrant oasis with grapevines, lavender, apple mint, and an artificial pond teeming with koi. Further exploration leads to the East Garden and the Inner Peristyle, a sensory delight with intricate ceiling artwork, columns, mosaic floors, and decorative walls. The Villa is surrounded by avant-garde landscaping, with cool ocean breezes carrying the scent of the sandy beaches.

The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is a testament to classical beauty, with areas that transport you to Italy. The tram ride, gardens, outdoor spaces, and art galleries are enjoyable for families. However, the Outer Peristyle is the highlight of the Villa. However, the Outer Peristyle is the pièce de résistance of the Getty Villa. It offers a tranquil environment, with the sound of rushing water from the fountain and reflection pool and beautiful landscaping throughout the area, providing a perfect spot for relaxation.

Mummy of Herakleides

One of the most captivating, if not the most unique, exhibits at the Villa is the Mummy of Herakleides. This Romano-Egyptian mummy is a fascinating blend of the millennia-old Egyptian tradition of mummification with the Roman practice of individualized portraiture. It’s a truly mesmerizing sight, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the past.

Getty Villa Cafe

If you are tired after walking around this magnificent Villa, you can hit the Reading Room on the second floor, picnic, or visit the cafe overlooking the coast and the theater. Try the Roman burger, a salad, a sandwich, or a pasta dish. They serve wine and your usual coffee, tea, and soda. If you’re looking for something more unique for dinner, there are some fantastic places to eat in the surrounding areas.

Overall, the Getty Villa is an excellent place to spend an afternoon taking in some culture and ocean air while relaxing and letting the Malibu calm down and relieve your Los Angeles stress. Guests are invited to pretend this is their private Villa, even for an afternoon.

Where is the Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, California, just off the Highway, five miles north of the Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade. It is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and December 25. Please remember that you must reserve a free-timed ticket to visit the Getty Villa. Parking is $25.00. Admission is free with a reservation.

Note: The building visible from PCH is not the Getty Center but a private residence called the Villa de Leon. This home is built in a Roman Villa Style and is commonly mistaken for the Getty Villa.

Nearby Getty Villa Points of Interest

Adamson House Museum Malibu Beach

The Adamson House Museum is a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival beach house overlooking Malibu Lagoon State Beach. It is one of the earliest examples of a quintessential Californian-style residence. Initially built for the Rindge-Adamson family, the proprietors of the famous Malibu Potteries, this quasi-mansion is a true gem. It’s open Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, visit the Adamson House website.

Will Rogers State Historic Park

Will Rogers State Historic Park covers 186 acres in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It was once owned by the famous actor and humorist Will Rogers from 1922 until his untimely death in 1935. The park features hiking trails, a polo field, and a museum. The most well-liked trail is the Will Rogers Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding canyons—Park website.

Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

The Santa Monica Pier is a historic landmark in Santa Monica, California. It was originally built in 1909 as a municipal pier for cargo ships but has since evolved into a hub of entertainment and culture. Today, it is home to Pacific Park, an amusement park featuring rides like the Pacific Wheel and the West Coaster roller coaster. The pier also offers a variety of dining options, including seafood restaurants and food carts. Pacific Park website.

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