Facing the Pacific Ocean while surrounded by Los Angeles on land, Santa Monica is a popular seaside destination for many in the area and beyond. The Santa Monica Municipal Pier is a well known landmark at the foot of Colorado Avenue. Shopping and restaurants are found near the pier as well as on Third Street, Main Street, and Montana Avenue.
It has a fishing pier, three miles of beach, a popular promenade, a built-up downtown, and it frequently pops up in movies! It is loaded with amusements and is situated a short distance from the movie and entertainment industries. Santa Monica also has an enviable base of info-tech firms.
Santa Monica, situated on the Western edge of Los Angeles at the Pacific Ocean, is located just 8 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). While Los Angeles surrounds us on three sides, it is also worlds away. Our walkable city with it's tree-lines streets, which began as a resort community 100 years ago, continues to offer the unique appeal of a beach town with a sophisticated state of mind.
Beach
The world famous 3.5-mile Santa Monica Beach has appeared in countless movies and TV shows epitomizing the beach life of Southern California. Along the strand people jog, bike, skate, play chess or volleyball, build sandcastles or simply watch the waves as they kiss the shore.
Pier
What people do on the Pier today isn?t very different from what they did more than 100 years ago. They fish day or night, watch the waves, view the wonders of the undersea world, dance under the stars, ride a carousel horse or a roller coaster, dine at an ocean view restaurant, entertain themselves at an enticing arcade and shop for souvenirs. The Pier is a place for families and fun, for amusement and amazement.
Pacific Park
The newest extension to the Pier is Pacific Park, a by-the-water amusement park, which opened in 1996. Pacific Park features a nine-story tall, solar-powered Ferris wheel (the world?s first) and a five-story high roller coaster that juts out over the ocean. Crowds gather at the bumper cars as well as at an arcade full of games for children of all ages. The park goes beyond traditional entertainment with a motion-simulator theater and a live circus show performed by young volunteers from the audience. Open-air restaurants serving seafood and snacks from colorful booths and counters add to the atmosphere of fun and festivity.
Palisades Park
The perfect vantage point to see the sweep of Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean is from Palisades Park which sits atop Santa Monica?s famed sandstone cliffs. This gathering place for locals and visitors alike is also home to public art installations, a meditation center and the Santa Monica Visitors Center. In this ideal setting, with its majestic palms, lush green lawns and flower-filled gardens you?ll discover the quintessential beauty of California.
Muscle Beach
As you stroll along Ocean Front Walk you?ll come upon California?s original Muscle Beach, the famous outdoor workout venue. Newly restored in 2000, this bit of beach has attracted suntanned fitness buffs since 1930. The combination of gorgeous location and wide array of gymnastic and balance apparatus draw fitness experts and novices alike. There?s even an exhibition area where the fittest are likely to do some flexing for you.
Chess Park
Just past the Volleyball courts at the south side of the Pier on Ocean Front Walk is the International Chess Park, Santa Monica?s sunny response to New York City?s Washington Square Park. This public installation has recently been refurbished. Its chess tables draw game lovers so don?t be reluctant to stand and watch, but no advice, please.
Art Galleries
Santa Monica is the center of the art world in Southern California. Not only is it the home to many world-renowned contemporary artists, it boasts more than 70 galleries displaying and selling paintings, sculpture, photography, video art and more by artists from around the world.
You?ll find artwork from nearly every period executed in a broad spectrum of styles and techniques. Come browse!
Museums
Museums in Santa Monica are reflective of both its history and its passion for fine art. You?ll find a variety of museums throughout the city featuring exhibits of art work in all media, as well as unique displays of non-traditional art and history.
Nearby museums include the world-famous Getty Center and the Skirball Cultural Center. You may also want to visit the wide array of art, science, and natural history museums located in adjacent Los Angeles.
Shopping Districts
There are five shopping areas in Santa Monica, each with its own style and pace ? from beach casual to upscale and elegant. Shops and stores dot these landscapes displaying wares for men, women, children and the home. Most are within walking distance of Santa Monica hotels or are just a short bus or taxi ride away.
Dining
Santa Monica is a food lover's paradise. Whether you're into fast food or five-star dining, you'll find a restaurant, cafe, diner, coffee shop or kiosk to suit your taste and budget. Santa Monica restaurants have won numerous national and international awards. They are also routinely cited in "Ten Best" lists and surveys of excellence by top food and travel magazines. With literally hundreds of eateries to choose from and cuisine representing nearly every country in the world, it's hard to go wrong. Eat hearty and Bon Appetit!
Antique/Flea Markets
Throughout the city there are intriguing antique shops and bazaars where you can find treasures from bygone days. Look for cooperative warehouses and impromptu bazaars.
Flea markets and bazaars are held periodically throughout the City.
Fitness, Spas, Salons
Some people believe that Santa Monica is where healthy living began. It?s hard to argue with that. Our beautiful climate invites being active outdoors and looking your best.
To help nature along Santa Monica boasts an astounding assortment of spas, salons and fitness centers, many located near the beach.
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