Welcome to Santa Monica
A coastal paradise for beach lovers with waves for surfers.
Lying on the California Coast, 30 minutes west of Los Angeles, is the city of Santa Monica, also known as a surfer's paradise. The town is worthy of such a title, with its brilliant beaches containing vast stretches of white, pristine sand and crystal-clear water. With its gorgeous beachfront offering many opportunities for outdoor recreation, the city is also an excellent place for those valuing an active lifestyle.
Even though it is revered for its "beach bum" aesthetic, there are many upscale shopping and dining establishments in Santa Monica, with farm-to-table restaurants and world-renowned seafood. The city of Santa Monica is also a central cultural hub, hosting several annual festivals and housing countless museums, theaters, and galleries for residents to peruse. Anyone looking for a coastal town with sunny weather year-round will love Santa Monica, as the iconic neighborhood provides a sophisticated escape from bustling city life.
What to Love
- Eight neighborhoods with distinct vibes and lifestyles
- Nicknamed “Silicon Beach” due to its booming technological industry
- Beautiful parks such as Will Rogers State Park
Local Lifestyle
Santa Monica is worth considering if you want a lively coastal city to call home, as it is the epitome of a relaxed, beach-town vibe while still being close to a large city's amenities. It is vibrant but peaceful, with lots of running, walking, and biking paths by the beach.
With all of the opportunities for outdoor recreation, Santa Monica has a reputation for its commitment to wellness, especially as the city has many yoga studios and upscale fitness centers. The commitment to health does not stop at exercise, though, as the city works towards offering sustainable and locally-sourced cuisine as well. Santa Monica is a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys living in an area with lots of outdoor recreation and values a sustainable lifestyle.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
The city has various luxurious restaurants serving gourmet meals, including upscale establishments such as
Elephante. This Italian restaurant is set in an open lounge offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean as you dine on delicious meals such as diver scallops or Gemelli.
When you have a craving for Asian cuisine, relax at
Cobi’s, a Southeast Asian restaurant. For dinner, you can consume appetizing dishes such as satay bee hoon or devil chicken curry or partake in their weekend brunch options, including a BLT banh mi or kaya French toast. Spend a relaxing evening at
The Bungalow for an array of small plates and specialty cocktails served in a Baja-style setting.
With its many delectable dining options, Santa Monica also offers wonderful high-end retailers for shopping. Take an afternoon stroll around
Santa Monica Place and shop at retailers such as Elie Tahari and Coach.
Things to Do
The biggest attraction of
Santa Monica Pier is all of the outdoor activities residents can do at the beach. Have a fun beach day at
Santa Monica State Beach, whether it is going for an early morning surf or spending the afternoon swimming and laying out on the beach with a good book to read.
Near the beach is
Crescent Bay Park, offering beautiful ocean views while having a picnic at the tables in this grassy park. You can also take a day to explore one of the most well-known spots in this city, the Santa Monica Pier, with its shops, fishing spots, aquarium, and amusement park.
For a fun day of shopping and exploring, check out
downtown Santa Monica, full of theaters, art galleries, and special events alongside high-end retailers and restaurants.
Schools
