Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Pier.

Santa Monica [1] is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast, anchoring the West Side of Los Angeles County in Southern California.

Understand

Santa Monica [2] was originally developed as a seaside retreat at the turn of the 20th century. The railroad owners built the first version of the amusement park on Santa Monica pier as an attraction to fill empty train seats on weekends. Santa Monica grew into an urban, eclectic, and prosperous beach city whose real estate values are amongst the most pricey in the world. Santa Monica is a very desirable city whose people are drawn to its accessibility and its progressiveness as a community. Today, Santa Monica is a mixture of very affluent, single-family neighborhoods, renters drawn by the high quality of life, lifelong surfers, young professionals and students.

Tourists visiting the Los Angeles region will find Santa Monica as one of the best situated locations to base their trip. There are plenty of hotel, restaurant and entertainment options, as well as close accessibility to major sights like Venice Beach, Malibu and Beverly Hills. Visitors will also note the beach cities' moderate climate; during the summer and fall, as the mercury soars to 100 in the San Fernando Valley and 90 downtown, Santa Monica usually remains at a very comfortable 75 degrees.

Santa Monica has three Visitor Information Centers [3] that feature experienced Travel Counselors, foreign language line, tickets to area attractions and free visitor information on attractions, hotels, dining, museums, galleries and entertainment.

History

Santa Monica is named for the idyllic and secluded ‘’’Kuruvungna Springs’’’ that reminded an early settler of the tears of Saint Monica (the mother of St. Augustine). The springs don’t actually fall within the city’s limits but are in West L.A on the campus of University High School. The small city began as landholdings by a few Spanish families who subdivided their properties in the 18th century to form the 8.5 square mile city.

The small city is packed with historical landmarks and buildings that attract the attention of tourists and locals alike. Beautiful seaside Palisades Park is home to a number of monuments. At one point, Santa Monica was home to the longest pier in the world, named the Long Wharf and measuring nearly 5000 feet long to accommodate large ships and even a train. The Long Wharf no longer exists, save for a plaque and a set of train tracks leading to nowhere.

The park is also home to the statue of Santa Monica by sculptor Eugene Morahan erected in 1934. It was given to the city by the federal government in honor of the strength of mothers everywhere. At 18’ high, it is now just one part of the citywide public art works program.

The 3rd Street Promenade has existed almost in its current form since the beginning of the city. 3rd St. was the original business district for Santa Monica. The street was closed to traffic in 1965 as an urban planning move to stop the exodus of businesses to the suburbs. The open air pedestrian mall experienced moderate success until its renaissance in the 1980 when the addition of restaurants, live music and special events drew in the huge crowds it currently experiences.

The famous Santa Monica Pier has been part of the city’s culture since the start of the 20th century. It was constructed in the middle of the American love affair with the amusement park. All along California’s coast, pier owners competed with each other to create bigger and better parks. There are pieces of the history of The Pier throughout its current iteration. Perhaps not as well known, the amusement park was originally built to conceal the true purpose of the 1,600 foot pier; to dispose of sewage in the ocean. Ultimately, the sewage pipeline was closed in the 1920s but the pier remained. It survived through a century filled with depression, war and occasionally waning public interest. It’s currently a must-see landmark and popular attraction for any visitor to the city.

Santa Monica takes pride in its history of artists, counterculture and beach bum attitudes. In recent years, its popularity among celebrities and the arrival of corporations like Yahoo and Google has challenged the artistic heritage of the town. However, visitors will still find bold public art projects, free cultural events, widespread live music and focus on healthy and holistic living; all in an idyllic seaside location.

Climate

The mild year-round weather is part of what attracts so many visitors to Santa Monica. It’s perched on the wide open Santa Monica Bay, a location that tempers the weather regardless of the season. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the most inclement weather the city experiences is hail and high wind. The location is classified as a Subtropical Mediterranean climate, exchanging four demarcated seasons for temperate year round weather in a wet and dry season.

Summer in Santa Monica is typically 10-15 degrees cooler than inland temperatures. Late spring brings with it May gray or June gloom when mists off the bay will frequently settle on the city in the morning. Overcast skies are common for June, but the summer sun will frequently burn them off by noon. Average temperatures in July through October hover around 70 during the day, and drop to a low of 60 at night. The hottest temperatures occur during September. The weather can also be highly localized, with overcast skies at the beach while the sun is shining further inland. As a general rule, the beach will be 5-10 degrees cooler than even a few blocks away from Ocean Avenue.

Winter is described as “rainy season”, with the most precipitation falling November through March. The greatest average rainfall takes place in February, when the city typically sees around 3.5 inches of rain. Winter storms move in quickly from the top of the Bay in the Northwest through the city and then heading inland.

Visitors can expect that temperatures won’t stray more than 10 degrees from the average, so in the summer it likely won’t get hotter than 80 and winter nights probably won’t fall below 40. In recent years, winter storms occasionally struck the greater Los Angeles area with trace amounts of snowfall. However, Santa Monica itself is generally exempt from snow and precipitation is restricted to rain.

People

Counter culture creatives have always been drawn to the seaside town of Santa Monica. Musicians, actors and writers all make their way to the town at the edge of America, the terminal point of Route 66. In recent years, locals have bemoaned the decline of the alternative lifestyle in the face of increasing amounts of A-list celebrities, tech giants and wealthy corporations making their homes there. Creative intellectuals still flock to Santa Monica to live and play, drawn by the prevalence of galleries, free cultural events, bookshops and lectures. They can be found right alongside the beach bums and surfers who maintain the city’s steadfastly laid back attitude.

In terms of population, it’s still a small city with less than 100,000 people making their homes in the eight square miles. According to the 2010 census, residents are predominately white (almost 80%), with the next largest demographic being Asian (9%) and much smaller populations of African American, Native American and Pacific Islander. The city also has extremes of affluence and poverty. The median income for individuals is over 70K, but there’s a high homeless population on the beaches, in the parks and panhandling in the tourist-heavy districts.

These days the city attracts a wide variety of people, from students and hipsters to the rich and famous. Celebrities like Dennis Quaid, Jeremy Piven, Jack Black and Larry David make their home in Santa Monica, and the city’s shopping districts and restaurants are some of the best places for celebrity sightings. Amateur paparazzi can cut their teeth alongside the pros who favor the little city for getting the shots that will pay out big.

The see-and-be-seen culture of Hollywood doesn’t affect resident or visitors to Santa Monica. Instead, the vibe encourages people to do what feels good, from a focus on healthy and holistic food, the prevalence of yoga studios, or just retail therapy in the numerous shopping districts. Visitors to the city can expect locals to be warm and friendly, and shouldn’t be surprised if they find the city’s positive attitude infectious.

Literature

Santa Monica is California’s paradise; an idyllic seaside town with warm nights and sunny, beach-filled days. The small town attracts both established and aspiring authors inspired by the liberal Pacific coast lifestyle. Writing workshops, book signing and lectures are all regular fixtures in Santa Monica culture. Perhaps because of its station at the end of Route 66, Santa Monica has established itself in the American consciousness as a place where people can escape to, free of responsibilities. Novels set in the small city frequently tackle expansive themes, such as the struggle to achieve the California dream, affluence and American longing.

• ’’All About Lulu’’ follows its protagonist in the bodybuilding subculture of the pier. Writer ‘’’Jonathan Evison’’’ tackles themes like longing, grief and unrequited love in the Santa Monica setting. Compared to both ‘’Catcher in the Rye’’ and ‘’Lolita’’, it’s an engaging coming of age story.

• The second novel by actor Steve Martin, ‘’The Pleasure of My Company’’ follows an obsessive compulsive man through his life in Santa Monica. Martin is prolific as a musician and writer in addition to his film and television work and career as a comedian. He’s written two other novels, his debut ‘’Shopgirl’’ and most recently ‘’An Object of Beauty’’ as well as a number of humor books, a memoir and a children’s book.

• ’’The White Boy Shuffle’’ is the first novel by author ‘’’Paul Beatty’’’ and uses the overwhelmingly white population of Santa Monica as its setting for tackling themes of race in America and African American gender and sexuality. A satirical exploration of the Black messiah, the novel received a lot of positive acclaim but never reached a more mainstream audience. It is considered a work in the genre of ‘’New Black Aesthetic’’ and ‘’Post Soul Aesthetic’’.

• ’’HiStory of Santa Monica’’ by Michael J. Atwood views the unchanging nature of Santa Monica as a kind of purgatory where characters must confront failure, loss, demons and ghosts. The characters are linked together by motifs of family and ritual, as well as their exploration of religion, redemption and death.

• History buffs may enjoy ‘’Santa Monica: A History of the Edge’’ by ‘’’Paula A. Scott’’’. It’s an in-depth look into the long history of the city from the Gabrielino Indians, through its establishment by Spanish landowners, through industrialization and into contemporary times. Scott explores why Santa Monica captures the American imagination, from beach bums to A-list celebrities.

• ’’The Santa Monica Suicide Club’’ by ‘’’Jeremy C. Thomas’’’ is a hard boiled crime thriller that explores the dark underside to the glistening seaside setting. Recalling Raymond Chandler and Michael Connolly, Thomas created a charming protagonist, crackling dialog and a whirlwind adventure that delights in the Santa Monica backdrop.

Get in

By car

Vehicles waiting to make left turn across Pacific Coast Highway into beachfront parking lots. Expect lengthy delays (10-20 minutes) if you attempt this.

Santa Monica is located at the western terminus of Interstate 10 (also known as the Santa Monica Freeway), about 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles and 7 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The city is roughly bounded by Centinela Blvd to the east, Ocean Park Blvd to the south, San Vicente Blvd to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The tourist center of Santa Monica is the downtown area located near the famous Santa Monica Pier, which was once the western end of historic Route 66. By car, take the 10 Freeway to the 4th/5th Street exit, then head left toward the ocean. From the north, turn left off the Pacific Coast Highway (California 1) at the California Incline, which deposits you just a few blocks north of the pier.

By bus

Santa Monica is accessible by bus [4] from throughout the Los Angeles region. Take 720 (night owl line 20) from downtown LA or 704 (night owl Line 04) from Union Station. The fare is $2.25; buses run every two to ten minutes during rush hour, every ten to twenty minutes otherwise. Lines 720/20 travel via Wilshire Boulevard between downtown LA and Santa Monica, and Lines 704/04 travel via Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard between downtown LA and Santa Monica. Lines 720 and 704 are faster than Lines 20 and 04. Lines 720/20 connect to the LA Metro Red Line at Union Station and at the Vermont/Santa Monica station; Lines 704/04 connect to the LA Metro Red Line at the 7th Street Metro Center and at the Vermont/Wilshire station.

A Rapid 10 Big Blue Bus, the downtown LA express 10, runs between Union Station/downtown LA and Santa Monica [5]. Big Blue Bus express fare is $2. Also, the Rapid 10 Big Blue Bus connects Santa Monica to the Red Line and the Blue Line in Los Angeles subway system. Good for both local and express routes, the day pass for the Big Blue Bus is $4. The Day Pass can be purchased from the Big Blue Bus driver on board the bus. The 13 Rides pass for the Big Blue Bus is also available: add $1 to include the express routes. To purchase the 13 Rides pass, go to the online store, the Transit Store, or an authorized location.

If you are arriving via LAX, you and your luggage can access the Santa Monica Downtown area for $1 by taking airport shuttle C and asking the driver to let you off closest to the stop for Big Blue Bus line 3 [6]. Once you step off the shuttle, exit the lot, and turn right, and look for a blue triangular-shaped sign at the corner of the street. Buses arrive every 15-20 minutes on weekdays, and every 15-30 minutes on weekends; this is a regular route, the fare is $1.00. Also, Big Blue Bus line 3 connects Santa Monica to the Los Angeles light rail Green Line at Aviation Station.

By plane

Santa Monica Airport (ICAO: KSMO) is popular for general aviation and business jet travelers. Air taxi and air charter companies such as Monarch Air Group [7], Mercury Jets [8], The Early Air Way [9], Paramount Business Jets [10],Crest Jets [11], New Flight Charters [12], Great Circle Aviation [13], Jetset Charter [14], Desert Jet [15] and Prive Jets [16] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstreams down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals.

For commercial passengers, the closest airport is LAX just a short drive south.

Get Around

The city is under 10 square miles, so getting around is fairly easy. A number of options for navigating the city are designed to be convenient and approachable for tourists. Hotels will likely have resources to help you find the best way to get where you're going, whether it’s the beach, a restaurant down the street or a district on the other side of the city.

By Bus

The ‘’’Big Blue Bus’’’ services not only Santa Monica but also the west side of L.A., so travelers who are looking to do a day trip into Los Angeles don't need a car. The routes are numbered logically and run along the major boulevards or make loops around the city. The website offers a trip planner that helps bus users find exactly what route they need as well as a timetable. Depending on the route, buses come from every 10 minutes to once an hour. It’s worth it to snag one of the ‘’Little Blue Books’’ that has bus routes and schedules, or check online before heading out to make sure you’ll catch the bus when you need it.

By Train

Metro's Expo Line opened in May of 2016. The line terminates at 4th St and Colorado Ave in Downtown Santa Monica, only a block away from the Third Street Promenade. There are two other stations in Santa Monica: 26th St/Bergamot Station, 17th St/SMC station. The ride from Downtown LA takes ~40min. The travel time may vary, because the line runs partially at grade and doesn't have signal priority in Los Angeles City.

By Plane

Santa Monica has its own regional airport, about six miles north of LAX. It services private and chartered planes, but the 227 acres belonging to the airport also include a city park, artist studios, an aviation museum and popular event venues.

By Car

Everyone knows how much L.A. residents love their cars, but Santa Monica is so small that it’s not necessary to drive in order to get around. During rush hour and on weekends, the arterial streets are still grid locked with locals and day trippers in from L.A. Visitors who don’t want to spend their whole day stuck behind the wheel can likely get where they need to go by alternative methods. Many of the districts provide parking options, for when you absolutely need your car.

On Foot

The city is hugely walkable. Once you get to a district, whether by bus, train, or car, it’s easy to stay on foot to get around. There are plenty of parks, cafes and restaurants to take a break while walking or to wait out the traffic that jams up during certain times of day.

By Bicycle

Perhaps the best way to get around the city is by bicycle. Many of the bicycle rental companies will deliver beach cruisers, road bikes, mountain bikes, tandems and kids tag-alongs to your hotel. The beachside bicycle path is a great way to get from one side of the city to the other, as well as the car-free 3rd Street Promenade. Santa Monica also has its own bike share program. The green hulu bikes are ubiquitous in the city. The bikes are located at a number of kiosks around the city. An app is needed to access the bikes.

See

Throughout Santa Monica there are numerous pieces of public art to discover. From large murals to huge sculptures, there are almost 40 of these to check out.

• Bergamot Station Arts Center, 2525 Michigan Ave., ☎ +1 310-453-7535. M 9AM-4PM, Tu-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM (Individual galleries may have different hours). Over 30 art galleries, including the Santa Monica Museum of Art. Free.
• Angels Attic Museum, 516 Colorado Ave., ☎ +1 310 394-8331, [x]. Th-Sa: 12 noon to 4PM; closed on holidays. A museum of antique and contemporary dolls, doll houses, and toys. The only parking is at metered street locations. Adults - $8.00, Children Under 12 - $5.00, Seniors - $7.00. (34.014644,-118.490515)

Covering nearly 10 square miles of beachside L.A. County, Santa Monica is packed with mile after walkable mile of scenic parks, beaches and promenades. It’s also convenient to LAX, Disneyland, Universal City and Hollywood. Of the notable sites in the city, the most abundant are the works of public art. From sculptures to murals, Santa Monica believes art is a city service.

Neighborhoods

Santa Monica is composed of eight intimate neighborhoods, all with unique offerings and lots for visitors to explore. The small size of the city is walkable, so visitors can stroll through a few different districts from any of the nearly 40 hotels within the city limits.

• The Santa Monica Pier/Ocean Avenue area of the city runs along the beachfront. The pier is the most notable landmark, but there’s also oceanfront shopping, beautiful public beaches and seaside restaurants.

• Main Street is the principle artery of the city, packed with independent retailers, coffee shops, restaurants and grocers with a focus on healthy and locally-sourced food. On the weekends there’s a farmers market featuring live music that attracts many of the locals. The Frank Gehry designed visitors' center has maps, souvenirs and insider tips from residents.

• Downtown and The Third Street Promenade is a shopper's paradise. A few blocks from the ocean, The Promenade is pedestrian-only, featuring great retailers, cafes, and outdoor events like movie screenings and farmers markets.

• Montana Avenue is located at the northern edge of the city. Visitors can browse and window-shop over 150 upscale retailers. Billed as the laid-back answer to Rodeo Drive, it’s frequently packed with locals and tourists alike.

• Wilshire Boulevard cuts through the length of the city and leads into downtown L.A. It features a number of eateries, specifically great Mexican restaurants, and ends at the Palisades Park.

• Mid-City is considered the arts district of Santa Monica, with the ‘’’18th Street Arts Center’’, over 40 galleries and the Bergamot Station. The light rail will eventually have a stop in Mid-City in 2016, for visitors coming to Santa Monica by the ferry.

• Pico Boulevard is a major thoroughfare that connects the beach with downtown L.A. Santa Monica College is on the boulevard, and has two public pools on its campus for the community to use. The high school, a number of both upscale and economy hotels, retailers and specialty cafes all keep Pico bustling.

• Ocean Park Boulevard is the southernmost district in Santa Monica. The local airport is here, serving private and charter flights. There’s also an aviation museum, antiques market, restaurants and observation decks overlooking the beach and city.

Do

The Santa Monica State Beach as viewed from the Pier facing northbound towards Pacific Palisades.

Shopping and eating are the two major attractions of Santa Monica. Block after block of the city is filled with cafes, restaurants and shops. But there are plenty of great activities for visitors who want to shake up their vacation and take a break from sunbathing, shopping and eating.

True to the culture of California, Santa Monica is health-conscious and enthusiastic about wellness. There are several bicycle rental companies so visitors can take advantage of the beachside bike paths, as well as the paths through the many city parks. There are almost as many yoga studios as there are coffee shops. A wide variety of practices for different styles and ability levels offer something for everyone from yoga gurus to beginners. Crossfit studios and gyms are found throughout the districts for travelers who can’t miss a workout. And for a day of pampering there are spas featuring organic and holistic services.

A day the beach doesn’t have to be all sunbathing. There are surf instruction schools, volleyball nets and beach-based fitness and yoga classes. ‘’’The Strand’’’ is the path that connects all Westside beach cities, and Santa Monica visitors can bike, rollerblade or jog a few miles to the south to colorful Venice Beach.

Watching over the beach is the Santa Monica Pier, which is full of activities for families, locals and tourists. This old-fashioned amusement park features a huge solar-powered Ferris Wheel that the city has adopted as its icon. There are several rides and a small roller coasters that are all pay-by-ride so visitors can snag a few thrills without a big ticket commitment. The arcade has over 200 games, plus restaurants, shopping, fishing and even a trapeze school all keep visitors busy on the pier.

There’s a vibrant arts scene in Santa Monica. There are over 75 galleries and museums in Mid-City and several other districts feature everything from local talent to internationally-known artists. For those that can’t bring themselves inside a museum while visiting a beach town, Santa Monica provides plenty of culture plein aire. The city takes civic pride in providing public art around the city, and summers in Santa Monica are filled with special events. Live music, street performances and festivals can be found in every district and are usually free.

• Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Avenue (Situated at the intersection of Montana and 14th), ☎ 323-461-2020, [x]. Thursdays through Sundays and sometimes on other days also, shows start at 7.30pm. A non-profit operated movie theater in Montana Avenue's shopping district (see below), the Aero shows arthouse, foreign, classic and archival rerelease movies on four evenings a week. Hollywood A-list directors and stars make regular on-stage appearances. $11.

• Bergamot Station. A city-owned art gallery compound which includes the Santa Monica Museum of Art.

• Chess Park. How is your chess game? Chess park lies along the concrete path about 500 feet (150 m) south of the pier, and is frequented by locals who rate no less than class B in standard chess and can promise a fierce game of blitz chess. Watch a game in action, or challenge an aficionado. Be prepared for some keen competition, though.

• Montana Avenue. A local street with lots of small stores and restaurants. This is where the local rich folks hang out, so you'll see lots of rich folks shopping, going to Yoga, and walking dogs.

• Main Street. A local street that attracts the most surfers and bikers. It is just 2 blocks from the ocean, and have many hotspots on the street like Urth Cafe, World Cafe, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf along with cool local restaurants, pubs and just few blocks to Abbot Kinney, Venice.

• Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Boulevard, ☎ +1 310 828-7519 ([email protected], fax: +1 310 828-6209), [x]. $8-$25.

• Santa Monica Pier, [x]. A bustling boardwalk whose huge Ferris Wheel is the city's icon. The long pier has an old-fashioned amusement park, with reasonable by-the-ride pricing, including a small roller coaster. The Pier has restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and some street performers. At almost all hours you'll find at least a few people fishing as well. The Santa Monica Pier has terrific coastline views of Malibu and the Southbay. The Pier is within easy walking distance to the Promenade.

• Santa Monica Beach. A large, wide, beautiful beach on either side of the pier. Perry's rents bikes and roller blades or bring your own for use on the world famous *strand* that links all of the Westside beach cities. For some of the best people watching in the world, follow the strand south a couple of miles to Venice Beach. Hire a bike or skates and travel along the cycle path (there are a number of shops to hire from around and on the pier).

• Third Street Promenade, (several blocks of Third Street), [x]. A very successful Urban mall project: a vibrant, outdoor street full of restaurants, movie theaters, shopping, bookstores, and bars. Those who enjoy street performances will be impressed by the quality of musicians, dancers, and others. The Promenade is located only three blocks from the beach, the Promenade is one of L.A.'s most popular places to "hang out" for people of all ages.

• Twilight Dance Series, (on the Santa Monica Pier), [x]. Thursday evenings in summer, starting at 7:30PM. The Twilight Dance Series is a free concert series that has been running since 1983. Acts range from rock to reggae to folk and have included artists such as the Indigo Girls, Patti Smith, Los Lobos, Dick Dale and others. There is no organized seating, so arrive early to stake out a spot and bring something soft to sit on since the pier can be hard (note that once concerts start most people end up standing). Free!.
• Daniel Rolnik Gallery (DRG), 1431 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (On Ocean Ave between Santa Monica BLVD and Broadway. Look for the painted sign.), ☎ 3107293399, [x]. 11am - 6pm. Daniel Rolnik Gallery was founded by the world's most adorable art critic as a showroom of America's greatest young artists. Free.

Buy

Santa Monica is considered the more laid back L.A. experience. For shoppers, there’s no shortage of retail opportunities throughout the city. From high end stores to national chains, independent shops with unique finds and tourist spots with souvenirs, there’s a little something for every taste in the beachside city. Santa Monica’s small size makes it easy to cover several districts while walking and there’s plenty of cafes and alfresco restaurants for taking breaks and fueling up for more retail therapy.

Skater shops are sprinkled throughout several shopping districts and are a go-to source for up-and-coming designers and fashions that can’t be found anywhere else.

Montana Avenue is known for being home to more upscale designers. Quaint storefronts for ‘’’Michael Stars’’’, ‘’’Jill Roberts’’’ and ‘’’Margaret O’Leary’’’ are tucked alongside cafes and coffee shops.

For tourists who prefer what they know, or simply need to stock up on some basics, 3rd Street Promenade is the place to find the big box stores like ‘’’Anthropology’’’, ‘’’Forever 21’’’ and ‘’’Sephora’’’. However, the street has been closed to cars since 1965 and is now just a pedestrian shopping district. There’s a definite California feel to the district, with street performers, beach views and palm tree-lined sidewalks. Tucked down a number of the streets off the Promenade are more independent retailers and specialty shops.

Pico Boulevard and Main Street both celebrate independent retailers and are filled with one-of-a-kind home decor, fashions and gifts. Because shopping is tiring work, Main Street is filled with more restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops than some of the other districts. Most of Santa Monica is eco-conscious and many of the retailers in these districts are stocked with products that highlight the reclaimed and recycled. Travelers who want to shop and feel like a local will enjoy the laid back surfer feel through these districts, where locals go for fresh produce at the farmer’s markets and get their daily coffee fix.

For unabashed tourists or devoted fans of California boardwalk culture, Santa Monica Pier is a must-do shopping spot. Visitors can take a ride on the iconic ferris wheel before a meal at one of the many restaurants and stop by a few of the souvenir shops for stocking up on postcards, t-shirts and trinkets for everyone left at home. There's great views of Malibu and South Bay and after dark shoppers can grab a beer and take in the live music frequently on the Pier.

Shoppers who are more foodie than fashion diva have Santa Monica's farmer’s markets. ‘’Travel + Leisure’’ named the four weekly markets in the city some of the best in the country. Rub elbows with locals, L.A. residents and chefs while shopping fresh produce, meat, flowers, cheese and all kind of gourmet treats.

• Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place (at the south end of the Third Street Promenade), [x]. This is an indoor-outdoor mall that was extensively remodeled in 2010. It houses a variety of restaurants, shops, and pavilions. A large parking garage is attached with reasonable hourly rates.

• Main Street [17] From Pico Blvd to Navy Street, Main Street shopping is similar to Montana Ave in that it celebrates the independent retailer. Main Street also has its fair share of excellent restaurants and bars. Heritage Square on Main Street is home to the widely popular, family-friendly Sunday Farmer's Market [18].
• Trapeze School New York (TSNY), Santa Monica Pier, ☎ (310) 394-5800, [x]. 7 days a week. Trapeze School New York at Santa Monica Pier is a school of flying trapeze and aerial arts open to the public and for all skill levels and ages. Also offered are corporate workshops, events and parties, birthday parties and performance workshops. $47-$65.

Eat

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	Under $10
Mid-range	$10 - $20
Splurge	Over $20

The Californians in Santa Monica focus on organic, local and health food options. It’s a safe bet no matter where you stop for a bite to eat — from budget to high-end — there the are health conscious and organic options on the menu. Some of the best farmers markets in the country are located in Santa Monica, and visitors will likely be buying alongside local chefs. The restaurants in the city are spread through the various shopping districts, so travelers can refuel without interrupting their retail-flow. There are locals’ favorites in every neighborhood, frequented by residents because of the high quality or unique menu options. For those who take comfort in familiar restaurants when traveling, there are national chain options in some of the more tourist-centric areas of the city.

Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Avenue

Eating by the beach is a must-do for any Santa Monica visitor. There are lots of quick-bite options for beach-goers looking to grab a stash before settling into the sand for the day. Those looking for more formal dining options have plenty of places to catch the ocean breeze while chowing down on fresh seafood and local produce.

Main St

Main St. is a charming strip next to Ocean Avenue that’s packed with shopping and a dozen cafes, a few bars and plenty of restaurants. For the health-conscious, there are a couple juiceries, and for everyone else there are a few ice cream shops.

Downtown and 3rd Street Promenade

The Promenade is one of the main shopping and tourist drags in the city. In addition to some national chains and casual dining options, you can find some of the most highly-regarded restaurants and cafes in Los Angeles. Many local favorites and great cafes are just off of 3rd Street.

Montana Avenue

The upscale retail neighborhood billed as Santa Monica’s answer to Rodeo Drive has plenty of places for dedicated shoppers to refuel. Cafe’s, juiceries, ice cream and chocolate shops are all available for a quick stop. There are also several casual dining options, national chains and upscale local favorites.

Wilshire Boulevard

This district is the place to go when you’re craving Mexican. For travelers on their way to the beautiful ‘’’Palisades Park’’’, there are also several doughnut shops, bakeries and delis to stop for picnic supplies.

Mid-City

They city’s arts district keeps its dining casual. Delis, burger joints and diners can all be found here, along with a couple national chains.

Pico Boulevard

With the Santa Monica Community College and High School both located on Pico Boulevard there are plenty of casual dining options and national chains. There’s also several pizza options, ice cream shops and sandwich joints.

Ocean Park Boulevard

The southernmost district in the city offers visitors everything from Mexican to Japanese and Italian cuisine.

Budget

• Bay Cities Italian Deli, 1517 Lincoln Blvd. Some of the best sandwiches on the west side. There will be a long wait during peak hours, so browse the authentic Italian market after you take your number.

• Bagel Nosh Deli, 1629 Wilshire Blvd, ☎ +1-310-451-8771, [x]. M-F 6:30AM-2:30PM, Sa & Su 7:30AM-3:00PM. Serving breakfast, lunch, and hand-rolled bagels since 1978.

• Pradeep's, 1405 Montana Ave, ☎ +1-310-395-6675. Offers Indian Cuisine with a California consciousness. Emphasis is on healthy, so sauces are lighter, but flavor is still great.

• Snug Harbor, 2323 Wilshire Blvd, ☎ +1-310-828-2991. A great breakfast place! A small "hole in the wall" with a relaxed atmosphere and competent service, you'll find many locals trying to wake up on Saturdays and Sundays. Offering up traditional bacon and eggs with a twist the food is fresh and good. Meat lovers should try Uncle Zeke's scramble.

• Tacos Por Favor, 1406 Olympic Blvd. Mon-Sat 8am to 8pm closed Sundays. Fresh, cooked to order Mexican food in a taqueria atmosphere. It features good tacos and an excellent chicken mole burrito. Don't miss the pickled carrots and jalepeños in the salsa bar.

• Swingers, 802 Broadway (corner of Lincoln and Broadway), ☎ (310) 393-9793, [x]. Su-Wed 7AM-2AM, Th-Sat 7AM-3AM. Located within walking distance of the 3rd Street Promenade, this diner packs a lot of 50s and 60s hip attitude into its small location. Food is good and reasonably priced (egg entrees run between $5 - $9), the service is lively, and the neon pink cows on the wall will keep you wondering what medications the decorator was using. Great place for late night sit-down Americana food. $5-$10.

Mid-Range

• Blue Plate, 1415 Montana Ave, ☎ +1-310-260-8877. Blue Plate is a small, cozy neighborhood eatery that serves great American comfort food. Located in the heart of Montana Avenue, Blue Plate is close to many hip boutiques and is a great rest stop after a day of shopping. An added plus: the menu is kid-friendly, offering healthy items for kids as well as organic baby food. The turkey meatballs and mac 'n cheese are a must-try. Menu items range from $10-15.

• Taiko, 11677 San Vicente Blvd, ☎ (310) 207-7782. Taiko is a casual little Japanese restaurant located in the Brentwood Gardens. The service is very friendly, and the unique variety of dishes will satisfy anyone's tastes. The Nabeyaki udon is not to be missed.

• El Cholo, (11th and Wilshire). A Los Angeles institution and this Santa Monica branch offers great margaritas and wonderful traditional Mexican food. The green corn tamales, available from May to October each year, are a specialty.

• Typhoon, 3221 Donald Douglas Loop S. (Santa Monica Airport), ☎ (310) 390-6565, [x]. Best known for its exotic fried insects, this pan-asian restaurant also serves dim sum and sushi, Malaysian and Thai, in a unique setting with a view of the runway. Window tables have great views of the runway activity. Try the steamed whole fish (bass or catfish). Adventurous eaters can try tasty appetizers of crickets, scorpions, sea worms and ants. MSG used, so be sure to ask for your food without it if it disagrees with you.

• Warszawa Restaurant, 1414 Lincoln Blvd, ☎ +1-310-393-8831, [x]. Authentic Polish food can be found on Lincoln with a signature dish of roast duck. They have a fantastic outdoor patio in the back where you can get a great vodka martini.

Splurge

• The Lobster, (Colorado Blvd & the Santa Monica Pier), ☎ +1-310-458-9294, [x]. One of the few restaurants in Santa Monica that actually has a view of the Pacific Ocean. Located at the Eastern end of the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster provides good seafood dishes, great cocktails and a little bit of a scene. While a little noisy and on the expensive side ($120+ for two with alcohol), the food, fun and view can make it worthwhile.

• Michael's, [x]. Along with Chez Panisse in Berkeley, lead the nouvelle cuisine movement. Using fresh vegetables from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, locally caught fish and excellent meats every dish is sublime. While not cheap, a meal at Michael's does not disappoint.

• Melisse, 1104 Wilshire Blvd, ☎ +1-310-395-0881, [x]. Also featuring organic, locally grown produce and two tasting menus (including a vegetarian version), Melisse is Chef Josiah Citrin latest world class restaurant. The food is outstanding and gets the highest marks in Zagat and Michelin. $100 per person at a minimum.

• Ocean and Vine, 1700 Ocean Avenue, [x]. Chic restaurant and lounge at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. "farm-to-table" approach, California cuisine.

• 3 on Fourth, 1432a 4th St, ☎ +1-310-395-6765, [x]. This imaginative restaurant serves French-, Asian- and American-inspired food in a fresh, unpretentious atmosphere. Great wine, beer and sake list. An extensive cheese menu is available for turophiles. A must try: the sashimi with Himalayan salt, the steak frites and the blueberry pie. A great place to take a date, or any special occasion dinner. Meals are from $31-50.

• The Penthouse, 1111 Second St, ☎ +1-310-393-8080, [x]. A rooftop Santa Monica restaurant located on the 18th floor of The Huntley Hotel. Offers a bar and lounge and panoramic ocean views. Menu features contemporary American cuisine with global influences from Asia and Brazil. Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm. Also available for private events.

Drink

When the shops close for the evening and the sun goes down, Santa Monica lights up with plenty to do. From clubs and dancing, to dive bars and lounges, there's a little something for every personality. Unlike the see-and-be-seen L.A. nightlife, Santa Monica’s attitude is much more beach-casual. Relaxed dress codes are far more common and you won't find strict requirements for entry.

Happy Hour can start as early as noon, but in general the city's drink discounts start around 5 p.m. and wrap up happy hour around 7 p.m. 3rd St Promenade has some of the best happy hour deals in the L.A. area. Along with great people watching, it’s easy to score a drink and an appetizer for around $10.

While in California, a stop at a ‘’’wine bar’’’ is a must. There are several beachside options in the Ocean Avenue district where travelers can pair their glass with a picture-perfect sunset. The wine bars throughout the city tend to be much quieter, even in the late-night hours, than other bars and lounges. Whether for romance and reconnecting with friends, Santa Monica’s wine bars maintain a beach-casual feel, so travelers can focus on the vino and the company rather than being dressed red-carpet ready.

Santa Monica also knows how to do ‘’’dive bars’’’ just right. Pico Boulevard, with its college and locals crowd, has dive bars where drinkers can get a draft beer, play pool and catch the game. Many of the dives have happy hours specials for those looking for a casual place that doesn’t expect them to change out of their beachwear.

• ”Chez, ”1657, ☎ ”310-395-1741”, [x]. ”Mon-Fri. Ask any local for bar recommendations and Chez Jay is immediately going to come up. A favorite among A-List celebrities, locals and college kids, this Ocean Avenue bar has been part of the Santa Monica community since 1959.

Live music can be found all over Santa Monica. Both Downtown and Main Street have venues that showcase local musicians every night of the week, so vacationers heading out mid-week still have a few options for catching live talent. Blues, jazz and funk can all be found in the Ocean Boulevard district. Pico Boulevard is the place to go to dance the night away.

Leave the car at the hotel when you head out for the evening. The city is walkable, but there’s also bicycle rentals and convenient bus routes.

• Fathers Office, 1018 Montana Ave (near 10th & Montana), ☎ +1-310-323-BEER (2337), [x]. Best Burgers in Santa Monica in this tiny and wildly popular pub. Offers beers from over 20 different micro-breweries, a nice wine selection, but alas no full bar. The other downside is that its a small space and very popular so long lines quickly spring up. Don't try to change any of the items on the burger - it's their way or the highway.

• Britannia Pub, 318 Santa Monica Boulevard, near 3rd Street Promenade. Small but very friendly Brit style pub, popular with locals and budget travelers. Good and cheap snacks and meals.

• Etoile, 1111 2nd St. (top floor of the Huntley Hotel), (310) 393-8080. Located in a newly remodeled space on the top floor of the Huntly Hotel, decent selection of margaritas and martinis, good view of the beach.

• Circle Bar- Located on Main st at 2926, this is a deep dark space that as you would imagine has a circular bar, popular with the twenty-something I drink too much crowd.
• Mor Bar [19] Located just a few doors down on the other side of Main St. Mor Bar is a larger space than Circle Bar and is a popular dance spot. According to their website, the Mor Bar moved to a "bigger and better space" in November 2007. However, it is not indicated what and where is the new venue.

• Main on Main [20] is now where Mor Bar was. Self proclaimed "The premier night club in Santa Monica featuring great music, chill atmosphere and outstanding drinks." located next door to Obrien's Pub [21] This cozy neighborhood pub has been around since 1995, proudly serving a great range of brews, whiskeys and spirits as well as fine Irish and American cuisine.

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica Tel. +1 310-396-4725 This is your typical Irish pub, but BIG! IT has 4 parts really. The outside patio, the front seating area, the bar, and the back room with the stage. There is almost always live music on the stage, ranging from punk rock bands to acoustic sing-alongs.

• Cock N Bull Pub, 2947 Lincoln Blvd, Tel. +1 310-399-9696. Referred to as "the most OG English bar in LA" by espn's page 2, the Cock and Bull Serves typical British pub fair, has a wide array of beer on tap, and authentic British bar tenders. Although it can be quiet on the week nights this bar rapidly fills up when ever a quality soccer (football to the rest of the world) match or rugby game is on the TV, regardless of what time it is on, during the World Cup lines started forming at 4AM.

• Hidden on Main, 3110 Main St Tel. +1 310 399-4800 At the location of the old Schatzi, this restaurant and lounge opened in the spring of 2008. Lots of outdoor seating areas and a crowd which is generally in their late 20s and 30s.
• Wakano, 1413 5th St. Centrally located near Third Street, Wakano offers indoor and outdoors seating in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Ye Olde Kings Head (Kings Head), 132 Santa Monica Blvd, ☎ (310) 451-1402, [x]. British style pub. Favorite amongst local Brits to watch football and play pub quiz on Tuesdays.
• Library Ale House. On Main st and carries lots of interesting beer on tap. Food is mid-scale pub style.
• V Lounge, 2020 Wilshire Blvd. (20th & Wilshire), ☎ 310-829-1933, [x]. Located on Wilshire Blvd., this is Santa Monica's largest dance club, with a huge sunken dance floor. DJs spin pulsating Top 40, hip-hop, R&B and rock, with a down-to-earth crowd who wants to avoid the hassle of the Hollywood scene.

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	Under $100
Mid-range	$100 - $200
Splurge	Over $200

Santa Monica is largely sustained by the tourism industry and to that end there is no shortage of hotels throughout every district in the city. Visitors will find that accommodations on the beach and close to the water are more expensive than those further inland. Santa Monica as a whole is more expensive to stay than other areas of Los Angeles. However, getting around the city is a breeze and visitors may be able to skip a car rental. Both the beach as well as shopping and attractions are within walking distance from most neighborhoods, and many hotels come with additional services such as spas and restaurants. Travelers on a budget may consider visiting off-season in October-February; you risk more rainy days but also avoid crowds and can find cheaper accommodations.

Budget

Districts further away from the ocean and high-end retail districts will tend to be cheaper. The arts district, Mid-City is about 20 blocks from the beach, but is on several bus routes and the beach is also easily accessible by bicycle. Pico Boulevard lets travelers with small budgets rub elbows with upscale accommodations, the boulevard neighbors luxury hotels to budget options. The Santa Monica Airport Area has affordable rooms as well as a coffee shops and eateries within walking distance.

• ”Hostelling, ”1436, ☎ ”310-393-9913” (”[email protected]”), [x]. ”Open. Perhaps the best location for the money is the Santa Monica Hostel. Located a block away from the 3rd Street Promenade and the beach, the location of this popular hostel can’t be beat. Guests get a free breakfast in the morning. Gender specific dorms will run travelers around $40/night, and private rooms are in the range of $100/night. The hostel organizes a number of activities from food tours to hiking and museum outings.

• Bayside Hotel, 2001 Ocean Ave., ☎ (310) 396-6000 or 1-800-525-4447, [x]. $75-390.

• Ocean Park Inn, 2452 Lincoln Blvd., ☎ (310) 392-3966 or 1-800-605-5005 (fax: (310) 399-0502). $70-85.

• HI Los Angeles/Santa Monica, 1436 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (on 2nd Street between Santa Monica Blvd and Broadway), ☎ +1 310 393 9913 ([email protected], fax: +1 310 393-1769), [x]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Hostel/backpacker style accomodation. 200 beds, clean, safe, plenty of activities. Linen incl. towel provided, the bed is even made for you $30+.

• Pacific Sands Motel, 1515 Ocean Ave., ☎ (310) 395-6133 (fax: (310) 395-7206). $55-125.

• Palm Motel, 2020 14th St., ☎ (310) 452-3861 (fax: (310) 450-8635), [x]. $65-95.

• Seaview Hotel, 1760 Ocean Ave, ☎ (310) 393-6711, [x]. A 1950's art deco gem one block from the ocean. The rooms are upgraded with fresh colors, cozy fibers and trendy furniture. Each room includes free wireless, flat screen TV's and free maid service. $88-125.

Mid-Range

Main Street has maintained its artsy bohemian feel despite Santa Monica’s booming popularity over the past 20 years. There are affordable hotels located just blocks from the beach and hotels in this district are walking distance to many restaurants, shops and galleries. Main Street also attracts more locals than some of the other districts, so travelers who prefer to experience authentic local color may prefer staying in this district. The Santa Monica Pier area has affordable hotels mixed in among some of the more luxury establishments, they tend to be smaller with less remarkable views but are still close to the best parts of the city.

• Best Western Gateway Hotel, 1920 Santa Monica Blvd., ☎ (310) 829-9100 (fax: (310) 829-9211), [x]. $90-160.
• Ocean View Hotel Santa Monica, 1447 Ocean Ave., ☎ (310) 458-4888 or 1-800-452-4888 (fax: (310) 458-0848), [x]. $100-350.

• Wyndham Santa Monica at the Pier, 120 Colorado Ave., ☎ (310) 451-0676 or 1-800-947-9175 (fax: (310) 393-7145), [x]. Fantastic location, just steps away from the Santa Monica Pier. Hotel is quaint, comfortable and some rooms have a partial ocean view. $180-280.

• Sheraton Delfina, 530 Pico Boulevard, ☎ (310) 399-9344, [x]. Four blocks from the beach.

Splurge

Wilshire Boulevard is home to many of the luxury hotels. Just blocks to both the beach and the 3rd Street Promenade the hotels located in this district likely have restaurants and spas on the property. Downtown Santa Monica is off the beach, but many of the hotels in this district feature stunning Pacific Ocean views. Also expect to find top rated restaurants and to be within walking distance to popular attractions, the beach and The Promenade.

• Ambrose Hotel, 1255 20th St., ☎ (310) 315-1555, [x]. While 20 blocks from the beach, the Ambrose Hotel offers great style and comfort for less than the large beach-front hotels. Very convenient if visiting someone at St. John's Santa Monica Hospital. $175+.

• Casa del Mar, 1910 Ocean Way, ☎ (310) 581-5533 or 1-800-898-6999 ([email protected], fax: 310-581-5503), [x]. One of the only hotels in Santa Monica that is directly on the Beach and has prices that reflect this rare amenity. Share pools, spas, etc. with Shutters.

• The Fairmont, 101 Wilshire Blvd., ☎ (310) 576-7777 or 1-800-866-5577 (fax: (310) 458-7912), [x]. A great hotel, but it only has ocean views. $290-730.

• The Huntley, 1111 Second St, ☎ +1-310-394-5454, [x]. A luxury hotel featuring a business center, fitness facilities, concierge service, and fine dining at The Penthouse.

• Le Merigot (Marriott), 1740 Ocean Ave., ☎ (310) 395-9700 or 1-877-637-446 (fax: (310) 395-9200), [x]. $300-1200.

• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Avenue, [x]. A beachfront resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Around the corner from Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade.

• Viceroy Hotel, 1819 Ocean Ave., ☎ (310) 260-7500 or 1-800-670-6185, [x]. The Viceroy Hotel is perfect for travellers who are seeking an ultra-hip experience and don't have any budget restrictions. One block from the beach, and few blocks south of the main part of downtown Santa Monica, the Viceroy still is able to command $300+ per night because of its status as "One of the 50 hottest hotels in the world". $300+.

• Georgian Hotel, 1415 Ocean Aven., ☎ (310) 395-9945 or 1-800-538-8147, [x]. The Georgian Hotel is an Art Deco classic that dates back to the 1920s. Located right on Ocean Avenue and in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, it is in the thick of the action. Rooms are smaller and prices are not cheap, but it is a great place to stay. $200-400.

• Shangri-la Hotel, 1301 Ocean Ave., ☎ (310) 394-2791. The Shangri-la Hotel has huge rooms, ocean views, and free parking for guests.

• Shutters, One Pico Blvd., ☎ (310) 458-0030 or 1-800-334-9000 (fax: (310) 899-1652), [x]. One of the only hotels in Santa Monica that is directly on the beach. Share pools, spas, etc. with Casa del Mar. $450+.

• Oceana Santa Monica, 849 Ocean Avenue, ☎ (310) 393-0486, [x]. Located on Ocean Avenue, Oceana Santa Monica is a boutique hotel featuring a restaurant open only to guests.

Stay Safe

With its small size and affluent local population, Santa Monica is a relatively safe city to travel. According to reported crime statistics, the chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as armed robbery or assault is approximately 4 in 1000. As expected in tourist-heavy locations, it is more likely to be a victim of a property crime, especially in crowded and busy locations. The Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Blvd beach areas have considerably more reported property crimes than the districts located further inland.

Santa Monica also has a large population of homeless. Attracted by the mild year round climate, the beaches and parks are some of the few places for them to sleep without being harassed. Locals recommend steering clear of the beach at night, when larger groups of homeless might congregate. Panhandling takes place along ‘’’the strand’’’ path connecting the Westside beaches, as well as in parks and on the 3rd Street Promenade. While an unpleasant encounter with the homeless isn’t common, tourists should stay aware of their surroundings, and keep to main and busy thoroughfares after dark.

When heading out to the beach for the day, leave the cash behind. Try to keep valuables to a minimum and make sure someone is watching over personal belongings at all times. Keep your cell phone on your body, carry minimal cash and stick to using credit cards on the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade to keep a low profile and avoid being targeted.

Visitors should also be aware of local laws, including bans on smoking in public places, and on the Pier. Street parking is heavily regulated and parking authorities are quick to issue tickets for expired meters and illegal parking. There are a number of public parking garages throughout the city so it’s relatively easy to avoid the street parking.

Get out

• Malibu. Located just a few miles to the northwest and accessible via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Malibu is a beach town that is home to many entertainment stars and offers great beaches, surfing and restaurants for visitors.
• Pacific Palisades. A neighboring town that is home to multi-million dollar homes set amongst the hills overlooking the ocean, as well as the J. Paul Getty Villa which features classical sculpture.
• Culver City. A neighboring city and the home of Sony Studios that in recent years has been undergoing a rebirth and now has an increasing number of food, shopping and entertainment options.
• Venice. The neighboring beach town offers miles of sand, an eclectic nightlife, and the infamous Muscle Beach.
• Marina del Rey. The "marina of the king" is home to a vast number of restaurants, hotels, and the largest man-made pleasure craft harbor in the world; not as touristy as some of the neighboring beach cities is nonetheless a fun spot to spend an evening.
• Beverly Hills and its fabled shopping is accessed by driving east on Santa Monica or Wilshire Boulevards.

Routes through Santa Monica

END ←	W  E	→ Los Angeles → San Bernardino
Santa Barbara ← Pacific Palisades ←	N  S	→ Venice → Long Beach
END ←	W  E	→ Beverly Hills → Barstow

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!