GET OUT OF TOWN -- OR JUST EXPLORE IT

Aside from its infamous role in the O.J. Simpson melodrama, Brentwood has maintained a reputation as an enclave for affluent families looking for small-town flavor within Los Angeles city limits. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Reese Witherspoon and Steven Spielberg call this Westside neighborhood home, while others head there for its crop of Italian restaurants and for a little museum called the Getty Center.

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COMFY CONFINES

Dutton’s Brentwood (11975 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 476-6263), pictured, is one of the few independently owned bookstores around -- but it won’t be much longer, because the store closes for good April 30. Its C-shaped exterior is modest, but the simple setup and personable service have long radiated a coziness no major retailer can duplicate. To the west is the bright-red Brentwood Country Mart (225 26th St., brentwoodcountrymart.com), a collective of pricey clothing, food and gift shops that has the look and feel of a New England seaside town. Standouts at the Mart include the plush home accessories at Turpan ([310] 451-9500), the charming children’s clothing at Flora & Henri ([310] 587-1188) and the delicate baubles at jewelry spot Broken English ([310] 458-2724).

SOMETHING FOR THE LADIES

Velour tracksuit-clad moms and trendy UCLA coeds are common on San Vicente Boulevard’s sidewalks. Many can be found at Metro (11715 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 820-2550), a spacious, bazaar-like boutique that mixes eclectic home accessories with brightly packaged beauty products and Vivienne Westwood dresses. Shoe fanatics flock to Footcandy (11934 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 820-4800) for its mouth-watering selection of Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos.

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MORE AND MORE AMORE

With its abundant Italian restaurants, Brentwood might as well be called the West Coast’s Little Italy, minus the hosts with fake accents enticing tourists. For special occasions (or big spenders), Vincenti (11930 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 207-0127) delivers prosciutto with burrata and a succulent veal chop. Risotto lovers should head to Osteria Latini (11712 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 826-9222) for its small but savory selection. Craving pizza? Try the margherita at Palmeri (11650 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 442-8446).

THE SWEETEST TABOO

Sugar fixes are easy to score on these streets. SusieCakes (11708 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 442-2253) boasts frosting-filled cupcakes, pictured, and a signature creme-filled cookie sandwich called Whoopie Pie. Handcrafted chocolate treats and truffles are the specialties at Compartes Chocolatier (912 S. Barrington Ave., [310] 826-3380). The family-operated Candy Alley (13020 San Vicente Blvd., [310] 394-0714) can whip up a custom gingerbread house or a gift basket of goodies.

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TIME FOR SOME CULTURE

Of course, a whole day can be dedicated to exploring the Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Drive, [310] 440-7300; free, but parking is $8). After strolling through its five pavilions, wander the Robert Irwin-designed Central Garden, pictured; also, don’t be afraid to try the center’s restaurant. If you plan to go this weekend, make reservations for the Getty’s Sounds of L.A. music series, which features African musicians Maria de Barros and Ricardo Lemvo on Saturday and Sunday. Fans of the stage might catch a show at the Wadsworth Theatre (11301 Wilshire Blvd., [310] 479-3003), which welcomes comedian Jackie Mason from Wednesday to March 9 (for more, see the Nightlife page).

THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

If you want to see the view from the Getty Center but don’t have time to peruse the museum, hike the Getty View Trailhead (lamountains .com). Parking and the entrance are along the east side of Sepulveda Boulevard near Getty Center Drive. The nearby Santa Monica Mountains are also home to Tumbleweed Day Camp (1024 Hanley Ave., [310] 472-7474), which offers kids horse-riding classes, swim lessons and the full summer camp experience.

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-- Enid.Portuguez@latimes.com