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In August, while weighing a move from San Diego to LA, I took a road trip to the earthy, off-beat enclave of Topanga Canyon for a reflective weekend away. The community’s serene, New Age persona lured me in with the promise of crystalizing my relocation decision over contemplative canyon hikes, expansive artist chats, and, of course, a stay at a tucked-away cabin—the ideal place to think things over away from all the usual stressors of life.
There was no shortage of quirky Airbnbs to choose from in the area, but only one could match my fantasies (and budget): a sunny studio overlooking the picturesque surrounding mountains. The renovated ’60s home, decorated in vintage finds sourced by the home’s owner, Hayley Magrini, had the perfect amount of kitsch—original wood-paneled walls, macrame art, old vinyl, and built-in shelves with assorted ephemera.
Once inside, I found the unit looked as dreamy as it did in the listing. The open floor plan came with a queen-size bed, a small sofa, and a glass coffee table dotted with secondhand books, including Pablo Capra’s Topanga Beach: A History 1820s-1920 and Mervyn Dykes's The Empty Eden. The wall-to-wall carpet, while not the most aesthetically pleasing, certainly felt authentic, and a screen door led to a idyllic covered terrace. While the allure of a few air-conditioned hours reading on the sofa was tempting, I found the shaded outdoor hammock just as pleasant.
The recently renovated kitchen and bathroom were stocked with items from Magrini’s store—The Well Refill, which she opened during the pandemic with the intention of offering low-waste essentials to the community—including nontoxic cleaning products and all-natural body care. Two blissful nights of sleep on the all-natural linens had me considering purchasing a set for my own bed at home.
A chorus of birds woke me up in the morning, which I spent on the porch—coffee in hand, taking in the view. Once it was time for a bite to eat, I drove 15 minutes into town to enjoy the trendy yet charming Topanga Living Cafe. My gourmand meets health nut breakfast—a blueberry scone, caprese toast, and cucumber salad—would feel out of place anywhere else. Satiated, I headed to Topanga State Park, where I took advantage of the 36 miles of trails that wind through the Santa Monica Mountains.
From there, I cooled off at the boutique shops in town, pursuing the unique wares like zany thrift store clothing; globally-curated jewelry, art, and body products; and specialty gourmet foods. I left with a bottle of Glou Glou by Las Jaras Wines before heading back for an in-house massage recommended by Magrini.
The space is serious about sustainability, so it’s the place to book if you’re open to an eco-friendly environment—expect to share your home with a few critters and for Magrini to check in upon your arrival about air conditioner use (which is controlled from the main house rather than within the unit). The various instructions for properly sorting trash and recycling left me feeling slightly self-conscious, perhaps because a long drive and a vicious sweet tooth meant I had ample candy wrappers to toss, but also gratified that I could do my small part in helping the environment.
My final morning I checked out early to peruse the Rose Bowl Flea in Pasadena an hour away. After 36 hours in this cozy cocoon, I was refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed—itching to get back in the mix. If my clear state of mind afterward didn't signal a great stay, my post-trip decision to move to LA certainly did.
