Santa Monica is a long way and a different world from Simi Valley, but to get to Simi can be a nice drive. Drive north on PCH to Malibu and then take Malibu Canyon Hwy. over the hills into the valley. To come back - drive back so. to Ventura Blvd., go east to Van Nuys Blvd. and turn right – that will turn into Beverly Glen and come out on Sunset right at the UCLA campus in Westwood. Then just down to Wilshire turn right and you’re right back in Santa Monica. Much more beterer than the freeway. The Getty – get tickets in advance – there is a beautiful little meditative garden by a lake in Pacific Palisades on Sunset near SM – just walking around the promenade in SM is fun.
To promote my little west coast world a little – if you like maritime museums, try this.
Take Lincoln so (Venice Boardwalk right there, but it’s not much) turn right after you go so of the wetlands go down to Playa del Rey, turn left (you have to) go so through Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach and just as your taking a big left turn take a right and go down to Hollywood Riviera and on down to Malaga Cove (really beautiful) the n the scenic drive around Palos Verde peninsula – that will put you down into San Pedro where the maritime museum is. There’s also a great Greek restaurant down there, “Papadakus” that shouldn’t be missed.
Have fun.

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"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
Marcus Aurelius