Wake up to sunny skies and the gently rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean here in Santa Monica. Located west of downtown L.A., this beachfront city is home to more than 90,000 residents who have been captivated by its unique charm.
Here’s why people are moving in or staying put:
- Santa Monica Beach
Watch the sunset, go for a walk along the shoreline, and swim in the clear waters at one of Southern California’s iconic beaches. This three-mile stretch of soft sand is divided into two sections: north and south of pier. The latter is level with the city, while the former is secluded by an ocean bluff and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Sport courts, open fields, and picnic areas can also be found here, giving you plenty to do to pass the time. Public parking lots with beach access are available.
- Santa Monica Pier
You can look forward to endless fun and entertainment at Santa Monica Pier. Snack on corn dogs as you go for a stroll along the oceanfront walk, or sit down for a lovely meal at one of the many restaurants here. Spend an afternoon fishing at the pier – a bait and tackle shop offers gear, bait and poles for fishing.
Don’t forget to visit Pacific Park, an oceanfront amusement park that features heart-stopping rides like a five-story roller coaster and a nine-story tower ride.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the over-water miniature golf course, while hopeless romantics can watch the sunset from the park’s nine-story ferris wheel.
Visit Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which is home to over 100 species of aquatic plants and animals. A series of interactive exhibits and hands-on presentations promotes environmental awareness and learning.
- Aero Theatre
Film buffs will love the Aero Theatre, which screens classics like “King Kong,” “Goodfellas,” and “The Shining.” Foreign language films and art films are also shown here. Screenings are sometimes followed by discussions and Q&A’s with cinematographers or makeup artists who worked on the movie.
The theatre’s comfortable seats and state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment enhance the viewing experience, while snacks may be purchased at the concession stands. The theatre may also be rented for private events.
- Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica is home to sprawling shopping areas, salons, bars, restaurants, and farmers’ markets. A number of events like film screenings, pub crawls, and yoga classes also take throughout the year.
Third Street Promenade, an open-air shopping complex, features retailers like Club Monaco, Anthropologie, Antiqua, and Sephora.
Santa Monica Place boasts a wide array of high-end stores, including DVF, Coach, and Louis Vuitton. It also has a rooftop dining deck that features chef-driven and casual restaurants and commands views of the Pacific.
The Wednesday Farmers Market, a favorite of L.A. chefs, offers a wide selection of fresh produce, while the Saturday Farmers Market has the biggest percentage of certified-organic growers in the city. The latter also showcases menu options from some of the downtown restaurants.
For more information on the city, visit the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism website.
