Welcome to Santa Monica
Dreamy beach town with a laid-back yet glamorous atmosphere
A Los Angeles destination known throughout the world, Santa Monica is the epitome of sunny Southern California living and all the perks that come with it. The neighborhood is best known for the Santa Monica Pier, accessible beachfront, outdoor malls, and great weather. Santa Monica has highly desirable, glamorous real estate, from beachside mansions to luxury condominiums.
The area is laid-back and easygoing; still, locals strive to maintain an active lifestyle. Residents of the area can walk and grab a coffee or stop at their favorite restaurant. With idyllic views as far as the eye can see, Santa Monica does not disappoint. The seaside city is a Los Angeles gem for young surfers and families. Between the cool ocean breeze and vibrant boardwalk, the wealthy community of Santa Monica embodies the California dream.
What to Love
- Affluent beach town
- Bustling pier and upscale shopping
- Stunning coastal panoramas
- Cultured and vibrant
- Good weather and walkable accommodations
Local Lifestyle
Although Santa Monica is a bustling tourist neighborhood, residents can choose from quaint homes tucked away from the action or stunning beachfront property. There are plenty of unique housing options in the area, which add to the distinctive culture of Santa Monica. The coastal town emanates a casual coolness unlike anywhere else. Locals boast about the great weather with a smoothie in hand all year long!
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Despite Santa Monica’s easy-going appeal, the residents take shopping and dining seriously. Between the contemporary storefronts lining Third Street Promenade and the trendy restaurants, there is no shortage of upscale entertainment options. Starting with one of the best places to eat in Santa Monica,
The Penthouse restaurant embodies all there is to love about a penthouse experience. Located on the eighteenth-floor rooftop, visitors will encounter an ocean view with an impressive menu. Another one-of-a-kind dining option,
Elephante Restaurant, embodies the Southern Italian dining experience. Indulge all your senses with a stunning ocean view and a taste of coastal Italian cuisine. Looking for a classy place to celebrate or relax with friends? Try out
Fia Restaurant, an upscale oasis inside a secret garden in town. Taste genuine freshness by ordering a Seafood Risotto or Tender Stem Broccolini.
Just east of the pier is a fashion-lovers haven, Third Street Promenade. Here you can find all the culture of downtown Santa Monica as you pass by a live street performer while shopping at numerous luxury boutiques. It is truly the best of both worlds! All within walking distance, the open-air shopping experience is the perfect way to spend your day in Santa Monica.
Things to Do
It is no wonder so many movies highlight the Santa Monica Pier and Beaches, as they embody the marvelous SoCal lifestyle. Along with the world-renowned pier, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to soak up the California sun.
The Santa Monica Pier, around 1909, carries a longstanding tradition of community and fun. First created as a public utility, the community eventually decided to add an amusement park to compete with neighboring piers. Today, it stands as a beautiful, bustling destination for people to come together to bike ride, eat, or shop.
Look no further than
Santa Monica State Beach for soft, sandy white beaches, where sunny skies meet surfable waves. Take advantage of the great weather by spending the day tanning with the best backdrop. Dividing the beach and eastward cities, such as Thousand Oaks, is the
Santa Monica Mountains, the perfect place to embark on a hike with sweeping sea views. If you fit the category of ‘active adventurer,’ try out the 26-mile bike path, where you can bike or rollerblade along the curve of Santa Monica Bay’s gorgeous shore. Whether you’re looking for surf, sun, or shopping, there are plenty of fun adventures awaiting you in the neighborhood!
Schools
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District leads and services the Santa Monica area. Some of the top-ranked schools in the area are: