Welcome to Santa Monica
Easygoing beachside retreat with a dynamic lifestyle
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.
The city draws many visitors with its popular attractions, including the iconic Santa Monica Pier and the world-famous Santa Monica Beach. Downtown Santa Monica buildings feature iconic designs built by famed architects. Homes in this area are in high demand for their unique construction and one-of-a-kind views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the natural splendor of the Santa Monica Mountains.
What to Love
- Upscale dining and shopping along Third Street Promenade
- Serene yet challenging waves for beginner and intermediate surfers
- Thriving arts and culture including sculpture parks and art galleries
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: