| Santa Monica first developed into a seaside | | | | Santa Monica pier, A bustling boardwalk home |
| retreat at the turn of the last century, when | | | | to the huge ferris wheel that has become the |
| railroad owners, in order to fill empty seats | | | | city's icon. The long pier has an |
| on the trains during the weekends, built an | | | | old-fashioned amusement park, with reasonable |
| amusement park there. Santa Monica has since | | | | by-the-ride pricing, including a small roller |
| grown into an urban, eclectic, and very | | | | coaster. The pier has restaurants, bars, |
| prosperous beach city with estate value | | | | souvenir shops, and some street performers. |
| ranking among the most expensive in the | | | | |
| world. Santa Monica has a geographical | | | | At almost all hours you'll find at least a |
| location that makes it accessible to major | | | | few people fishing as well. The Santa Monica |
| sites like Venice Beach, Malibu, and Beverley | | | | Pier has terrific coastline views of Malibu |
| Hills. | | | | and the southbay. The Pier is within easy |
| | | | walking distance to the Promenade. |
| Santa Monica is located at the western | | | | |
| terminus of the 10 Santa Monica Freeway, | | | | Santa Monica beach is a large, wide, |
| about 20 miles west of downtown Los Angeles | | | | beautiful beach on either side of the pier. |
| and 7 miles north of Los Angeles | | | | |
| International Airport. The city is roughly | | | | Perry's rents bikes and roller blades or |
| bounded by Cantilena Blvd to the east, Ocean | | | | bring your own for use on the world famous |
| Park Blvd to the south, San Vicente Blvd to | | | | strand that links all of the Westside beach |
| the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. | | | | cities. For some of the best people watching |
| | | | in the world, follow the strand south a |
| The tourist center of Santa Monica is the | | | | couple of miles to Venice Beach. Hire a bike |
| downtown area located near the famous Santa | | | | or skates and travel along the cycle path |
| Monica Pier, which was once the western end | | | | (there are a number of shops to hire from |
| of historic Route 66. To get there by car, | | | | around and on the pier). |
| take the 10 Freeway to the 4th/5th Street | | | | |
| exit, then head left toward the ocean. From | | | | Third Street Promenade (several blocks of |
| the north, turn left off the Pacific Coast | | | | Third Street), A very successful Urban mall |
| Highway California 1 at the California | | | | project: a vibrant, outdoor street full of |
| Incline, which deposits you just a few blocks | | | | restaurants, movie theaters, shopping, |
| north of the pier. Santa Monica is accessible | | | | bookstores, and bars. Those who enjoy street |
| by bus from throughout the Los Angeles | | | | performances will be impressed by the quality |
| region. | | | | of musicians, dancers, and others. The |
| | | | Promenade is located only three blocks from |
| Some Things To Do In Santa Monica. There are | | | | the beach, the Promenade is one of L.A.'s |
| many, many recreational and cultural | | | | most popular places to "hang out" for people |
| opportunities in Santa Monica, including a | | | | of all ages. |
| visit to the famed pier and the many beaches | | | | |
| located throughout the city. Here are a few | | | | Twilight Dance Series (on the Santa Monica |
| highlights of places that no visit to Santa | | | | Pier). Thursday evenings in Summer, starting |
| Monica should be without. | | | | at 7:30PM. The Twilight Dance Series is a |
| | | | free concert series that has been running |
| Bergamot Station. A city-owned art gallery | | | | since 1983. Acts range from rock to reggae to |
| compound which includes the Santa Monica | | | | folk and have included artists such as the |
| Museum of Art. | | | | Indigo Girls, Patti Smith, Los Lobos, Dick |
| | | | Dale and others. There is no organized |
| Montana Avenue. A local street with lots of | | | | seating, so arrive early to stake out a spot |
| small stores and restaurants. This is where | | | | and bring something soft to sit on since the |
| the local rich folks hang out, so you'll see | | | | pier can be hard (note that once concerts |
| lots of rich folks shopping, going to Yoga, | | | | start most people end up standing). |
| and walking dogs. | | | | |
| | | | These are just some of the many, many fun |
| Main Street. A local street that attracts the | | | | opportunities that await you in Santa Monica. |
| most surfers and bikers. It is just 2 blocks | | | | For your next vacation or weekend getaway, |
| from the ocean, and is home to many hotspots. | | | | consider a visit to this famous and beautiful |
| | | | city. |