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Santa Monica is a seaside city on Santa Monica Bay, surrounded on three sides by Los Angeles and facing miles of wide sandy beach. The area took its name from Saint Monica, and the city was founded in 1875 and incorporated in 1886. It grew as a beach resort for Los Angeles, and early 1900s hotels, apartment buildings and the famous pier still give it a classic Southern California character.
The Santa Monica Pier, first opened in 1909, is the city's icon, with a historic carousel, the Pacific Park amusement area and its solar-powered Ferris wheel, and a sign marking the western end of Route 66. Above the beach, Palisades Park runs along the bluffs with palm trees and sunset views.
Downtown, the Third Street Promenade is a lively pedestrian street of shops and restaurants, while Main Street has cafes and boutiques near the beach. The beach bike path, Tongva Park and the galleries of Bergamot Station add to the mix.
A historic pier from 1909 with shops, restaurants, street performers, a carousel and the end of Route 66 sign. It is one of Los Angeles' best-known landmarks and is very busy on weekends. Visit early in the morning for photos with fewer crowds, or at sunset when the lights come on.
A small amusement park on Santa Monica Pier with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and family rides above the ocean. Entry to the park is free, and you pay per ride or buy a wristband. The Ferris wheel gives great views of the coast; go at night to see it lit up.
A small aquarium under Santa Monica Pier run by the Heal the Bay environmental group, with touch tanks, sharks, rays, octopus and fish from Santa Monica Bay. It is good for young children and takes about an hour. Admission is low cost, and children enter free; check the limited opening days.
A wide, sandy beach stretching about three miles along the city, with lifeguards, volleyball courts, play areas and beach paths. It is one of the most visited beaches in California. Arrive early on summer weekends to find parking, and check water quality reports after rain before swimming.
The birthplace of the 1930s fitness boom, just south of Santa Monica Pier, with rings, bars, ropes and gymnastics equipment open to the public. You can watch acrobats or try the equipment yourself. It is free; go in the morning when it is cooler and the regulars are training.
A long, narrow clifftop park along Ocean Avenue with palm trees, gardens, benches and some of the best sunset views in Santa Monica. It is good for a stroll, jog or picnic overlooking the beach and pier. The camera obscura building at the park is a historic curiosity; parking is metered nearby.
A modern park between City Hall and the pier, named for the Tongva people, with hills, gardens, fountains, play areas and an overlook with ocean views. Its design recalls the arroyos of California. It is a peaceful place to rest after visiting the pier, and the play area suits young children.
A pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, cinemas and street performers in downtown Santa Monica, leading to the Santa Monica Place mall. Dinosaur topiary fountains are a fun feature. Park in the city structures, where the first period is often free, and visit in the evening for buskers.
A relaxed shopping street south of downtown, with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, vintage shops and art galleries in older buildings. A popular farmers market runs on Sunday mornings. It is a short walk from the beach, and street parking is easier on weekdays than on busy weekends.
A cluster of contemporary art galleries in a former trolley station, with a range of shows in painting, photography and sculpture. The E Line Metro stop is right next to it. Galleries are free to visit; most are closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan a midweek or Saturday visit.
The Wednesday market on Arizona Avenue is one of the largest and best-known farmers markets in Southern California, where many chefs buy produce. There are also Saturday and Sunday markets. Arrive in the morning for the best choice, and bring bags and cash for small vendors.
A paved coastal bike path running about 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach through Santa Monica to Torrance. In Santa Monica it passes the pier and beaches. Bike rental shops are near the pier; ride on weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and watch for sand on the path.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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