Almost a Century Old, La Venta Inn Revamps & Readies for the Next 100 Years on the Peninsula

To commemorate its 100 anniversary in 2023, La Venta Inn is hosting a myriad of engaging, fun and food-filled community-centric events throughout the year. The property has served various roles since its development in 1923, including community center, inn, private residence, and special event venue. In 2021, Meg Walker, CEO & executive chef of Made by Meg, became the operator and exclusive caterer of La Venta Inn, and she remains committed to respecting the beloved venue’s rich history, while ensuring its continued legacy.

100 years, 100 more

Finally realizing her lifelong dream of becoming La Venta’s newest caretaker, Walker’s first task was to refresh the property while still preserving its iconic landmark status in partnership with local designer, Dannielle Albrecht. In addition to La Venta’s facelift, Walker extended Made by Meg’s signature cuisine and attentive service to guests of the venue. Looking to La Venta’s future, Walker and her team plan to continue the storied property’s long legacy of hosting exquisite seaside events. An emphasis on community will also take precedence in 2023 and beyond. Through the upcoming public centennial events, new traditions and other future initiatives, La Venta will revisit its roots as a community gathering place for many years to come.

“It is an incredible honor to be the proprietor of this historic landmark as it passes 100 years of service to our wonderful community,” Walker says. “A day doesn’t go by without someone sharing that they were married or went to a treasured event at La Venta. We are in awe of how much history La Venta holds and how much is to come.” a HospitaBle History

La Venta—which means “the sale” in Spanish—was designed by architect brothers Walter and Pierpont Davis in 1923 and originally built as the sales office for the then soon-to-be-inhabited city of Palos Verdes Estates. The Spanish-style property offered sweeping ocean views and lush gardens designed by landscape architect brothers john Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted jr.––who was behind the design of New York City’s beloved Central Park in the 1850s––and was used as a model to encourage and attract prospective landowners to build homes in the new neighborhood. Over the past 100 years, La Venta’s role within the community has evolved, being used as: a lookout during World War II, a restaurant, an inn, a private residence, a haven for Hollywood’s elite during the industry’s Golden Age, and of course, a beloved seaside venue for timeless weddings and events.

“la venta has been part of our family for nearly 80 of its 100 years and is filled with memories of our grandparents, parents and siblings.We are so fortunate to have the privilege of protecting such a special place. every year we have held family reunions at la venta to pass on the love and responsibility to the next generation. i have no doubt that between our family and meg’s team, it’ll remain in good hands.” mark matthews, co-owner of la venta

2023 Community Events at La Venta

February 14: love at la venta april 9: easter celebration + easter egg Hunt may 14: mother’s day Brunch

For the first time ever, La Venta Inn will host couples for an unforgettable dinner featuring breathtaking views of the Queen’s Necklace shoreline on Valentine’s Day. For $75 per person, couples will enjoy a romantic 3-course meal, complete with wine pairings. Reservations only.

Easter at La Venta Inn will consist of a classic egg hunt, bites from Made by Meg catering, a visit with the Easter Bunny and more!

Surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, Mother’s Day at La Venta will consist of a decadent meal for the whole family will enjoy.

June 17: centennial rally with the pv library/Historical group

Take part in a rally for the ages in partnership with the Palos Verdes Library and Palos Verdes Historical Group.

July 4: la venta Fireworks viewing party december 3: a very la venta Holiday party mention you were married at la venta, bring your wedding photo and pv magazine will feature you in our next issue. For additional information on centennial programming, please visit laventa.com.

Experience a dazzling firework display from the best view on the Peninsula! Enjoy a variety of BBQ bites and family-friendly activities, all while taking in the sights of fireworks bursting throughout the city of Los Angeles, everywhere north of Palos Verdes!

Take part in the most wonderful time of the year at La Venta Inn’s second annual holiday party! Adults and children alike can enjoy seasonal activities, holiday hors d’oeuvres and festive libations.

Save the Date, June 17, 2023

The Palos Verdes Library District Local History Center is Planning Something Big!

Doors Open Peninsula 2023

Mark june 17, 2023, 100 years to the day that a real estate rally was held in Malaga Cove to entice potential buyers to purchase property on the Peninsula, on your calendar. The rally launched the modern-day Peninsula development and put Palos Verdes on the map as one of the nation’s first planned communities. With Peninsula Friends of the Library, our local cities, and Peninsula organizations, the Palos Verdes Library District is spearheading an event to commemorate this historic occasion. Doors Open Peninsula 2023: Celebrating 100 Years of History on the Palos Verdes Peninsula (DOP 2023) will be held on june 17, 2023. What better way to celebrate a historic real estate rally than with a Peninsula-wide open house?

PV Magazine talked with Monique Sugimoto, Archivist, and Local History Librarian at the PVLD Local History Center, about DOP 2023. She explained that this event will be a Peninsula-wide public engagement opportunity that seeks to raise awareness of our community history and allow the public to experience its rich history, architecture, cultural institutions, people, and open spaces in celebration of this milestone. Members of the community may pick up printed commemorative

“passport” books with suggested routes and sites from participating organizations. Participating sites will allow free access to the public and share their stories with guided tours, printed material, virtual qR code links, etc. A few places to which the public is not usually privy, along with special activities at well-known historical locations, will exist.

For more information about DOP, contact Monique Sugimoto at msugimoto@pvld.org.

This 100-year anniversary invites the entire community to celebrate/honor our past and look toward our future. PV Magazine will share updates leading up to the event and encourages readers to mark their calendars. You will not want to miss this experience.