Santa Monica contains the best of the California
coast, on the westside of Los Angeles, a diverse business economy and an
unequalled quality of life for visitors and residents.
Santa Monica is 8.3 square miles of businesses and homes; high profile
corporate headquarters, a large hi-tech entertainment district, beautiful
beaches, luxury hotels, delectable restaurants and some of the finest shopping
in the Southern California. It is a stimulating atmosphere for living,
vacationing and a dynamic place for business.
Founded in 1875 on the site of the land grant of Don Francisco Sepulveda, and
incorporated in 1886, Santa Monica is situated on the Westside of Los Angeles
County, due west from downtown Los Angeles, at the crossroads of the Pacific
Coast Highway and Interstate 10. Santa Monica offers convenient access to
major freeways, bus lines and airports, and is just 8 miles north of LAX.
Santa Monica's coastal Mediterranean climate provides an ideal atmosphere for
taking advantage of the famous California lifestyle. Centered on three miles
of wide, white sandy beaches, the City enjoys a mild climate averaging about
68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Air quality is consistently good in the
coastal district.
The world famous Santa Monica Pier's origins date back almost 100 years. The
Pier covers 9 acres and attracts some 3 million visitors annually. People
come here from all over the world to enjoy the ocean breezes, spectacular
coastline views, attractions, restaurants, rides, games and shops. Its
oldest major amusement is the 1922 carousel. The end of famed Route 66 and a
National Historical Landmark, this colorful site is also a favorite location
of the entertainment industry, whose crews can often be seen filming here.
Located on the world famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park is the family
place to play! It's the West Coast's only amusement park located on a pier.
Millions of visitors each year enjoy all the rides, games and fun you'd
expect from one of Southern California's leading attractions.
It may not be small town USA, but Santa Monica's Main Street serves up it's
own brand of homey charm. From 1920's era Americana to 21st Century Design,
Main Street is a Westside destination that has it all, from restaurants to a
very wide variety of stores.
Set among one of Santa Monica's most beautiful neighborhoods, you could
spend an entire day walking Montana Avenue. That's because there are over
150 merchants with one-of-a-kind stores and warm friendly service. From the
latest fashions, to antiques, fine art and amazing restaurants, Montana
Avenue has it all.
Downtown Santa Monica is a vibrant retail, dining and entertainment area in
the heart of the city. Nestled on L.A.'s fashionable Westside, just seconds
from the Pacific Ocean, the area has become a symbol of the Southern
California lifestyle at its finest. Third Street Promenade, an exciting
open-air pedestrian street pulsates with an international mix of people
enjoying an eclectic blend of restaurants, unique retail shops, movie
theatres and nightclubs. The best in dining, shopping, entertainment and a
non-stop kaleidoscope of street performers combine to make Downtown Santa
Monica and the Third Street Promenade a favorite destination for visitors
and residents alike.
All four Santa Monica markets are Certified Farmers' Markets. They are
organized and managed by the city for the mutual benefit of all who enjoy
them. An estimated 900,000 shoppers visit the markets every year.
Collectively, vendors provide their customers year-round with a selection of
fresh, seasonal produce that is pre-eminent among market programs in the
state.
Santa Monica Place anchors the world famous Third Street Promenade with
three levels of 140 exciting shops and restaurants including Macy's and
Robinsons-May.
Housing over 40 galleries in rehabilitated warehouses on the former site of
a historic trolley depot, Bergamot Station has become a popular destination
for visitors from around the country and the world.
If hiking is your thing, you won't want to pass up the opportunity to
explore the Santa Monica Mountains. Rising above Los Angeles, along the
curve of Santa Monica Bay and reaching their highest peaks facing the ocean,
forming a beautiful and multi-faceted landscape, the Santa Monica Mountains
National Recreation Area contains a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The
mountains also have an interesting and diverse cultural history, which
begins with the Chumash and Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and continues today in
"L.A.'s backyard."
