Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a vibrant, beachy city west of Los Angeles. Santa Monica earns its reputation as a laid-back urban retreat replete with attractive beaches, upscale shopping, and gourmet dining options. The city’s mild and sunny climate makes sports and outdoor recreation enjoyable all year. Santa Monica’s highly walkable layout allows residents to stroll down to the beach from their homes or peruse nearby shopping.

Local Lifestyle

Life in Santa Monica is laid back, and the surf culture brings an air of relaxation to this bustling city. Residents enjoy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in California and upscale shopping and entertainment in the accessible downtown area. Locals are often soaking up the rays at nearby beaches or exploring the many beloved local restaurants.

The city offers a lively blend of urban and natural attractions, with its proximity to the beach and the Santa Monica Mountains providing ample outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Santa Monica is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with several notable galleries, theaters, and performance venues to explore.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Santa Monica is celebrated for its fresh, flavorful, and globally curated cuisine. Diners can satisfy any craving at the city's many reputable and high-end restaurants. R&D Kitchen is a trendy restaurant that takes intimate dining to the next level. Serving small parties for exclusive dining experiences, you and your companion will love the attention to detail and refined menu here. Fritto Misto is a creative Italian restaurant offering a range of dishes inspired by the flavors of Italy.

Huckleberry Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, offering a wide range of savory dishes and pastries using organic ingredients. Urth Caffe is a chic sport that serves heirloom coffees and fine teas for a distinctive palate. For a selection of delicious sandwiches and pastries, you can rely on the local favorite, Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery. Spend a day shopping at Santa Monica Place, where you can find a wide range of fashion, beauty, and home goods at high-end boutiques and big-box retailers.

Things to Do

Santa Monica is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and endless recreational opportunities. The Santa Monica Pier is a beloved landmark featuring a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a Ferris wheel, an arcade, and several restaurants and shops.

Santa Monica is filled with natural beauty and accessible greenways for everyone to enjoy. Palisades Park is the perfect place to catch the sunrise while strolling through a picturesque green space. Locals enjoy jogging through the park, and you’ll often find street performers or musicians playing under the shade of a palm tree. Sports and outdoor recreation are a way of life in this sunny city.

The famed Santa Monica Stairs have long challenged runners with a race up to the top. And if you do the climb, you’ll be rewarded with incredible city views. Douglas Park is an excellent location to bring out your competitive spirit and play a rousing game of basketball, tennis, or lawn bowling. There is no shortage of outdoor spaces for recreation and fun, including Gandara Park, which offers several sports courts, and Ishihara Park, admired for its walking paths and community garden.

Schools

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District provides exceptional schools for the Santa Monica community. Students may attend: