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    Eames Foundation

    4.5 (31 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Eames Foundation Photos

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    Alexis B.

    The Eames House is a landmark of midcentury modern architecture. Built by Charles and Ray Eames (the original design was also worked on by Eero Saarinen), it's pretty stunning and yet designed to be constructed from "off-the-shelf" parts to make it an affordable design that could inspire designs for homes for everyday Americans. The most affordable way to experience the Eames House is to do an exterior self-guided tour. It's $10. That might not sound like much if you're used to interior, guided tours, but we still really enjoyed our visit. You can walk all the way around the house and studio for a 360-degree-view of the house and docents are there to answer any questions you might have. Because the bottom floor of the house and the studio has so much glass, you can see into several rooms of the house quite well. They ask that you don't take pictures into the interior through the glass because interior tours are how they fund-raise. Speaking of, if you're really a buff and willing to pay for the experience, you CAN tour the interior (prices are on their website). It was pricey for us, so we stuck with the exterior tour. Definitely right for us. We made a reservation online, but two guys who came in at the same time as us didn't make reservations and they were able to pay the docent and still do the exterior tour. It's a bit hard to find - definitely follow the instructions on the website. We parked on Corona del Mar and then walked back down the hill and then down a private alleyway (the only way to enter the property). If you enjoy architecture (especially mid-century American architecture), this house is worth a visit!

    Adele F.

    Came to visit Case Study House #8 last Thursday. It's quite interesting to learn about the history of the house, the Eameses and to see the actual architecture. I was slightly disappointed because I had just been to the Stahl House the previous night, and the house and view were just incomparable. Eames is tucked into a hill and doesn't really have much of a view until you go further into the yard. Additionally, since you can't go into the house, you really only need a few minutes to walk around and take photos. I wish I had seen the Eames House before seeing the Stahl as my expectations were just set so high. Parking is on the street right around the corner of the compound and it's an easy walk to the house. They offer interior tours and picnics but IMO, they are not worth it as you can pretty much see most everything in the house by just walking around.

    Awesome mid century modern architecture
    Richard L.

    This is a true mid century modern house at its finest. They're definitely has been some upkeep and restoration over the years and is definitely worth visiting. The tour we went on was just rocking around the outside and sticking her head in the doorway as the interior walking tour cost substantially more than $10. If you're in the Pacific Palisades area and are into architecturally amazing homes this is definitely worth a visit.

    Steve R.

    Twenty plus years after first being introduced to case study house number 8 in a college architecture class at UCLA, I finally had the opportunity to visit and tour the property. Even better was the private tour that was arranged through the Eames Foundation. Our tour guide John was such a pleasure and obviously has a passion for all this Charles and Ray Eames. Even after seeing so many pictures of the property over the years, I was not prepared for the peaceful nature of the site. Situated on a bluff that juts high above the Pacific Coast Highway, with a view of the ocean and coastline that is utterly breathtaking, the private drive that leads to the house can't be parked on so you leave your car on a side street and make the short trek to the property. My friends and I commented along the way how it felt like we were on a pilgrimage of sorts. As the house came into view it couldn't have felt more true. Our tour included just four of us and our docent John. After making our introductions, we removed our shoes and entered the world of Charles and Ray Eames. The house remains exactly as Ray left it when she died 10 years after her husband. The foundation has gone to great pains to keep everything as it was to give you a sense of what their life was like there. John was such a pleasure as a guide. He had so many interesting stories and facts to share plus engaged us in so many questions that the hours flew by. The house and studio are not large by any means and yet our two hours there seemed barely enough time to take it all in. We ended the tour with tea in the studio, discussing Eames creative history. The icing on the cake was using the marbles on the xylophone tower to play a melody. The whole experience is something I will always cherish.

    Angry A.

    The folks running the place were great. Very patient. Zoe went out of her way to make us feel welcome and answered our questions. And the portable toilet was a high tech marvel

    Grix P.

    When planning my trip to LA, I came across the Eames Foundation. I had no idea the house was open to the public and I was very excited about the opportunity to see it. I called and made a reservation. The cost is $10 per person and there is no parking, you have to find street parking. The house is a little hard to find because it's tucked in an alley. When you enter the grounds, it's really impressive to see. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, I talked to 2 of the girls that worked there for ever, they were super nice and helpful. I enjoyed my experience because I did research before I visited, I made sure I knew how it works, and what you will be allowed and not allowed to do, so there were no surprises when I was told not we are not allowed to go inside the house. To me it makes perfect sense in order to preserve the integrity of the building and furnishings. The house is in 2 parts. One part is the studio and the other the actual house, there is a cute courtyard in the middle. The studio is the Eames Foundation's offices and the house remains almost intact since the 80's. The grounds are beautiful and they also have a desk with the renderings for you to look at. I am highly impressed with the architecture, very ahead of the times. It looks more like a building from the 1960's but it was designed and constructed in 1949. If you are an Eames fan, it's a must.

    Eames House, mid-century modern
    Sabrina M.

    What a depressing visit. No tours of the interior, self guided tour of the grounds which would have taken 5 minutes at best, no pictures allowed in interior areas, kids can't play on the only piece of playground equipment. I love the Eames', I love their house. I had been looking forward to a visit here for years. It was SO disappointing. The staff seemed more like security guards rather than docents. The worst architectural visit I've ever experienced in Los Angeles... never again.

    Outside one of the most literally prolific homes ever built since the 1940's.  The premier modern designers the Eames residence.
    Dono B.

    The history of modern American design has many of it's roots firmly planted here. This monument Case Study House #8 has shown itself to be a work of love and art fused into a function that is surrounded by its own natural environment. The Eames have shown the durability and genius of its design as it had been proven to uphold minor rearrangements and has been lived in by the Eames entire lifetime since its completion in 1949. Undergoing a transitional state to prepare its survival for another quarter millennia. As my little family saw it we were unable to view much of the main house. Yet the office was still visible in its mostly preserved state. You are allowed to roam the field and go up and around the upper side of the house around their garden. To see it in person shows the human craftsmanship to the house. A side that is hidden from the photographs and brings a genuine approach to its outstanding image. If you don't know much about the "Eames Era" chances are you already have a prerequisite. Especially if you went to school, worked in an office or sat in an airport in America from the 1940's up until the end of the century. The designers have contributed timeless designs that were meant to be beautiful and minimal while providing the basic function that it is created for. Much like the Case Study House #8 itself. In more ways than can be described I feel that the house is the epicenter of the Eames era.

    Part of the official Eames House Entry, the one you're not allowed to go through.
    Liz X.

    Whether you know it or not, all of our lives have been touched by Charles and Ray Eames, the respected architect/designer couple who reigned during the mid-century Modernism era. If, like me, you frequented public libraries in the early 80s or ever sat in tandem row seating while waiting at the airport for a flight, your behind has certainly been touched by the Eames: they are famous for the form as function, molded plywood and plastic chairs. I'll know I've made it when I finally own an Eames lounge chair. The Eames House was one of 25 "case study" projects overseen by the then publisher of an arts and architecture magazine. "The magazine announced that it would be a the client for a series of architect-design homes to be built and furnished using techniques and materials derived from the experiences of the second World War and best suited to express man's life in the modern world (taken from the the Eames House pamphlet). " I believe that it is the Eames' committment to art, creativity, and social relativity that has continued to make the Eames' designs and objects part of our collective consciousness. You still see their actual designs and influences everywhere! The house is yet another example of this: form, function, and art. They used pre-fab materials ordered off-the-shelf to create their beloved abode. The couple wanted to extend the house out into the meadow, but decided against it in the end because they loved the meadow out front too much and felt that building upon it would destroy the nature surrounding them: a far cry from some SoCal residents who want to tear down historic Neutra houses to build their garish gold mansions. Although you are not allowed into the actual house, they leave some of the doors open and entire sides of the house consists of windows so you are certainly welcome to peek in; you just sort of feel like a voyeur. You can also walk out onto the meadow and behold the gorgeous spectacle of a view that the Eames had. It doesn't take too much of your time to explore the outer edges of this sanctuary, but the inspiration and thoughtfulness behind the creation of this domicile will leave an impression on you. Other info: - call the above number to make a reservation - $5 suggested donation - you park on Corona del Mar (the next street up), directions are on their website

    Anne A.

    This is a living museum, and exploring the grounds is worth it if you're already a fan of Charles & Ray Eames. You can look, but you can't photograph or go inside the building. I left extremely disappointed with my visit here or I would've given this place five stars. Five stars for the actual home and its historical significance... Two stars for the two people who work here (as I have experience better visiting the Gamble House) as I found these people here to be useless in helping understand more about this home and the architects. They more so are there to size you up to find out if you're worth speaking to and not a good representation of the foundation that supports the preservation of this building. It seems they pry and try to get information from you to find out if you're worth chatting with or offering your docent-lead tour or if they should just let you roam free to explore the grounds on your own. It was more so to tell me what I can and cannot do. It was a bit of let down that didn't tell me that I had the option to have a docent-lead tour which I expected, especially when I saw the docent spend more time with a group that arrived later. That group got the red carpet treatment and more attention from Dan, the docent there. When I arrived, they pretty much told me to go free and walk around the grounds not even telling much of anything, but only what I shouldn't do. They were only available to me if they had any questions after roaming the grounds. I originally saw the actual living space furniture on display at the LACMA so iI felt I revisited what I saw at the museum, but this time the interior inside the actual Eames home. I was told that the furniture was moved out for the first time for that exhibition I saw. After the my walk, I was more intrigued by Ray & Charles Eames that since I didn't get any info from the "docent", I bought an Eames book on Amazon to learn more about them. $10 to enter the grounds. If you're a fan of mid-century modern architecture or design, I highly recommend visiting. Go with low expectations of possibly not getting "chosen" or "screened" as good enough for the docent-lead tour and you'll leave happy. My experience felt like a trendy Hollywood club and for the first time, I felt like I was getting snubbed and not getting in on any of the action. You must call in advance to visit the grounds and park around the corner on Coronado del Mar. You can't go inside of the building but more so walk around it and if you're one of the chosen ones, you can get more information from their "docent".

    Ricky A.

    Lovely visit to the Foundation today - we visited in the rain but it was still very beautiful. One can see the exterior of the Eames House and also a peek into the interiors. Students enter for free which is super cool.

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    This is a sacred spot, the meadow where Charles and Ray stood so many times is worth the trip itself.

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    Third Street Promenade - Giant game boards you can play with

    Third Street Promenade

    4.1(996 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$$

    Third Street Promenade is an open-air, car-free mall that is home to more than 80 retailers. It is…read morethree blocks long. This mall opened in the 1960s and has been renovated many times since then. This is a nice place to go for a stroll and wander in and out of stores. Up and down the street are topiary sculptures called "The Dinosaurs of Santa Monica". Some of these dinosaur topiaries shoot streams of water from their mouths. At the south end of Third Street Promenade is a enclosed shopping center called Santa Monica Place. I used to visit Third Street Promenade a lot back in my younger days. We would grab a bite to eat and then hit a few stores after a long day at the beach. I was here recently and there was hardly anyone here. The vibe just wasn't the same. The Jacaranda Trees are pretty when they are blooming. I like coming here in the evenings when the lights are on. Some popular stores here at Third Street Promenade are Patagonia, Lululemon, Anthropologie, H&M and Urban Outfitters. On occasional evenings, you can catch live music and street performers. Third Street Promenade has a farmers market every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am to 1pm.

    It's shocking how this place turned from being everyone's shopping destination into a literal ghost…read moretown. All businesses which used to flourish back in the day are now closed. There's nothing here anymore aside from occasional popup events. That's the only reason why I still come here. It's sad but it's the reality these days. People prefer shopping online for things they need instead of going out to physically be in a store. I wonder what this place would become. Another condo/apartment buildings? Who knows?

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    Third Street Promenade - Absolutely Gorgeous!

    Absolutely Gorgeous!

    Third Street Promenade
    Third Street Promenade

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    Route 66

    Route 66

    4.5(14 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    I had high hopes for this place specially considering the prices but I was highly disappointed. The…read morelobster roll was like 3 bites and for the price you'd expect an actual roll, it seemed like it was tucked into a cut piece of Texas toast. The fries were not bad, the place itself was pretty cool. Great location really cool decorations and the service was pretty great. I don't think I'd eat here again nor would I recommend others to eat here. Totally overpriced for the amount as well as the taste.

    What is Route 66? Well, in this case, it's basically a sign on a pole that has "Santa Monica 66 End…read moreof the Trail" printed on it. It's located on the Santa Monica Pier in front of Pier Burger and adjacently across from Bubba Gump Shrimp. From what I have read from other Yelp reviews, I didn't know Route 66 runs from Chicago downtown to Santa Monica Pier. Wow... no wonder it's a popular attraction! It may get really busy here and the line can get really long so plan accordingly. I would recommend you get your photo op first before venturing off to other places within the pier. It's a really neat place to be actually. I've been here a couple times most recently myself for different venues... one for Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) fundraising event and another Heal the Bay beach cleanup volunteer event... so much fun! Come on out and enjoy your visit at Santa Monica 66 End of the Trail! See you here!

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    Route 66
    Route 66 - We made it and trekked miles on a wonderful day in sunny California

    We made it and trekked miles on a wonderful day in sunny California

    Route 66

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    Statue of Santa Monica

    Statue of Santa Monica

    4.1(8 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    One of my three sisters is named Monica, so I was interested in this statue…read more.. It is located in Santa Monica, on the beach side of Ocean Avenue, near the Wilshire Boulevard intersection. In the distance, you'll be able to see the Santa Monica Pier. There are metered stalls along Ocean Avenue, so you can take a stroll along the sidewalk between the statue and the Pier. Along the way, you will find the Memorial that pays tribute to our military, the Camera Obscura and a public restroom. If you need a snack, a taco truck may be parked along the street. Saint Monica is the Patron Saint of wives and abuse victims. She is the mother of Saint Augustine who didn't start off as a "good person". St. Monica actually kicked St. Augustine out of the house, then reconciled with him, and converted him after 17 years of prayers and tears. Saint Monica was married off to a non-Catholic Roman named Patricius and had 3 children. Patricius and his mother had bad tempers which St. Monica endured. She constantly prayed for them and eventually converted both of them one year before her husband's death. Her Feast Day is August 27th. She is the Patron Saint of Patience. This is a cool statue because she looks so peaceful with the beautiful beach as a backdrop... it's awesome!

    Beautiful. She has the best view overlooking the Santa…read moreMonica Bay, there is just something calming about her, stop by and just breathe for a moment next time you are in the area!

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    Statue of Santa Monica - Great spot for take out lunch

    Great spot for take out lunch

    Statue of Santa Monica - Patron saint of City of Santa Monica. "Nevertheless, she persisted!"

    Patron saint of City of Santa Monica. "Nevertheless, she persisted!"

    Statue of Santa Monica - Santa Monica turns her back on the sunset in Santa Monica

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    Santa Monica turns her back on the sunset in Santa Monica

    Santa Monica Veterans Memorial - Each pillar honors a branch of military   4-25-2019

    Santa Monica Veterans Memorial

    2.5(2 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    I was walking along the paved path on Ocean Blvd, when I spotted the American Flag flying. I then…read moresaw 6 pillars in a line with one of them set a little further away. So, I had to investigate. This is located in Palisades Park. This is a Veterans Memorial from the City of Santa Monica. The solo pillar says, "Dedicated by the City of Santa Monica to the Members of our Armed Services who have given their all in defense of our Country. November 11, 1999." This Veterans Memorial honors the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. The six columns that are placed so that at 11:11 a.m. on 11-11 each year, their shadows are perfectly aligned with the marble inlays across the adjacent path, on the ground. Every time I see a veterans memorial, I like to take a pause and reflect. This a nice tribute to honor the men and women who sacrifice so much, even their lives, for us & for our country. Thank you to all of our service men and women! Thank you to Santa Monica for honoring them with this installation!

    They just turned a beautiful park into a cemetary. The design is awful because it blocks the view…read moreof the ocean and creates perfect cover for muggers. Unsafe for women and children. Why do we need an ugly memorial in our beautiful Santa Monica park? This should be moved in front of a Federal building or Town Hall. Yes, indeed a nice thought to put a memorial there but it should not violate the landscape and bring a bummer morbid vibe somewhere when people come to a park to relax and enjoy themselves. We don't need this in our face. NOBODY WANTED THIS. It is obviously a waste of taxpayer money. The design is so poor everyone just walks by. In no way does this honor veterans. They deserve better than this.

    Photos
    Santa Monica Veterans Memorial - 4-25-2019

    4-25-2019

    Santa Monica Veterans Memorial - 4-25-2019

    4-25-2019

    Santa Monica Veterans Memorial - Flag flying near the pillars 4-25-2019

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    Flag flying near the pillars 4-25-2019

    401 Ocean Ave - Robert Farquhar was the architect who designed 401 Ocean Ave. His photo is on the construction barricades.

    401 Ocean Ave

    5.0(1 review)
    0.5 mi

    401 Ocean Avenue is a historical landmark residence that is currently under renovation. The…read morerenovation has just begun, and it will be under construction for approximately the next year and a half. The construction barricades surrounding the residence are elaborate, beautiful, and historical. Photographs from Santa Monica in the early 1900s are posted, along with written descriptions of the house's history, the architect who designed it, the architect's wife, and the organizations/agencies supporting the renovation. I had a wonderful time walking the length of the construction barricades and taking in all of the photographs and writing. The corner resembles an outdoor history museum with the smell of the sea in the air and the pound of the surf your ears. It is valuable to remember the history of our local communities, and this spot is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. I took a long walk by the ocean, basked in the view, admired all the photographs, and read all of the signage on the construction barricades. Then I walked up to 7th and Montana and grabbed a bite to eat. There's a nice little retail stretch at that corner with a variety of eateries. I highly recommend this spot as a place to spend an hour or two. For lovers of history, for people interested in historic landmarks, or for those who just want to have a nice walk on a pretty path by the ocean, this is a unique experience to take in.

    Photos
    401 Ocean Ave - Come read about the history of 401 Ocean Ave., a designated landmark residence

    Come read about the history of 401 Ocean Ave., a designated landmark residence

    401 Ocean Ave - The corner of 401 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica

    The corner of 401 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica

    401 Ocean Ave - 401 Ocean Ave.: a beautiful day trip to observe some Santa Monica history and take a walk by the water

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    401 Ocean Ave.: a beautiful day trip to observe some Santa Monica history and take a walk by the water

    Rubel Castle

    Rubel Castle

    4.8(58 reviews)
    38.9 mi

    I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

    A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

    Photos
    Rubel Castle
    Rubel Castle
    Rubel Castle

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    Eames Foundation - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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