Welcome To the Canyon:

Hidden in a beautiful stretch of the Santa Monica Mountains lies one of L.A.’s most unique neighborhoods. It attracts an independent, bohemian crowd who choose to live at a different speed than the rest of the city. Nowhere in the world will you likely find such a remote area this close to a major metropolitan city. The natural beauty of its surroundings and the sense of community make it an ideal place to get away and recharge. Numerous music festivals have been organized in the canyon, including the Topanga Days Festival and Topanga Earth Day.

In the 1950s blacklisted actor Will Geer had to sell his large Santa Monica home and move his family to small plot in the canyon. Since its founding in 1973, the Geer family has continued to operate the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. It occupies a natural outdoor amphitheater and features Shakespearean plays, modern classics, and original productions, as well as musical concerts.

The creative streak runs strong in the Canyon and for many young actors and singers, it’s the ideal place to call home.

History:

The Canyon was first settled around 8,000 years ago by Chumash Indians. They named it Topanga, meaning “above,” because the site of their village stood above the creek that brought them water. The name may also refer to the sky and the heavens.

The beauty and magic of the spot have drawn wave after wave of new residents. It has a special attraction to creative souls and those who feel most at home when surrounded by nature.

Facts and Figures From the 2000 Census:

• Zip Code: 90290
• Population: 5,441
• Median Age: 41.2

Real Estate:

There are about 4,500 homes in the Topanga Canyon area. Construction is carefully controlled to maintain the integrity of the community.

Restaurants & Nightlife:

You’ve got a limited number of choices for dining, but the available options serve up solidly good fair. The Inn Of The Seventh Ray is famous city-wide for its romantic atmosphere and new age cuisine. Nightlife in the area centers on local restaurants like Abuelíta’s and Froggy’s.

• Abuelíta’s Mexican Restaurant 137 S Top Cyn Blvd (310) 455-8788
• Froggy’s 1105 N Top Cyn Blvd (310) 455-1728
• Inn of the Seventh Ray 128 Old Top Cyn Rd (310) 455-1311
• The Canyon Bistro 120 N Topanga Cyn Blvd (310) 455-7800
• Cafe Mimosa 395 S Top Cyn Blvd (310) 455-4341
• Pat’s Topanga Grill 1861 N Top Cyn Blvd (310) 455-0533
• The Waterlily Café 120 S Top Cyn Blvd (310) 455-0401

Shopping:

The shops are as colorful as the people who own them. Visit Pine Tree Circle for everything from Topanga T’s to Art to the Canyon Gourmet. Hidden Treasures lives up to its name with vintage clothes, furniture and more.

• Bouboulina 108 S Topanga Cyn Blvd (310) 455-1917
• Hidden Treasures 154 S Topanga Cyn Blvd (310) 455-2998
• Topanga Homegrown 120 S Topanga Cyn Blvd (310) 455-8781
• Topanga Canyon Gallery 120 N Topanga Cyn Blvd (866) 935-8278
• Canyon Gourmet 120 STopanga Cyn Blvd
• RedHanded Artisan Shoppe 155 S. Topanga Cyn. Blvd. 

Parks & Recreation:

The Canyon itself is one of L.A.’s most beautiful spots. It’s surrounded by state parks and runs right into the Pacific Ocean. Hiking, camping, swimming, surfing and horseback riding is all at your fingertips. It’s also home to The Will Geer Theatrical Botanicum which presents theater in a gorgeous outdoor setting.

• Coyote Club 20 N Topanga Cyn Blvd
• Mill Creek Equestrian Center 1881 Old Topanga Cyn Rd (310) 455-1116
• Red Rock Canyon Park 23601 W Red Rock Rd
• Topanga Canyon State Beach 20825 Entrada Rd (818) 880-0350
• Topanga State Park (310) 455-2465
• The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum 1419 N Topanga Cyn Blvd (310) 455-2322

Annual Festivals & Events:

• Topanga Banjo – Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival (818) 382-4819
• Topanga Canyon Blues & Heritage Festival (714) 229-0643
• Topanga Earth Day
• Topanga Canyon Gallery Studio Tour(310) 455-7909
• Topanga Days (818) 932-9795
• Topanga Film Festival www.topangafilmfestival.com

.. to get more info visit www.topangachamber.org

(source: about.com)