Out & About

The Santa Monica picks of Philippe and Ashlan Cousteau

Cousteaus at Santa Monica Beach feature image

Being based in Southern California, with its diverse climate and population and its own pressing environmental issues, helps keep Philippe and Ashlan rooted in their mission. It also keeps them close to the ocean. Santa Monica is one of their favorite escapes, where they bring their little one and picnic supplies for some time on the sand. Following are several of their West Side favorites.

For beach access, the paid civic parking lots
“When we need an escape, in between the Santa Monica Pier and Will Rogers State Beach on PCH, the paid lots are often empty,” Ashlan says. “If you don’t mind spending the money, there’s usually no one there. That’s our little beach hack.”

For a local feel, the Santa Monica Farmers Markets
“There’s so much good produce, and it makes a big city feel very quaint,” Ashlan says. “It’s about community and it’s good for the environment to buy local, and better for you since micronutrients in food degrade over time,” Philippe adds.

For pampering, One Spa at Shutters on the Beach
“One of the best treatments I ever got was at the spa at Shutters,” Ashlan says.

To experience the personalities of the coastal neighborhoods, renting a bike
“I’ve ridden to Manhattan Beach,” Ashlan says. “You can go from the southern tip of Malibu.”

Read a profile of the celebrity couple that celebrates the ocean here.