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