Welcome to Santa Monica
Famed for its beaches and iconic pier, Santa Monica is a vibrant city that combines the best of a seaside town and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. There's an abundance of green spaces, shops, rooftop bars, and fine-dining options. It's bordered by the ocean and the mountains, with warm and sunny weather perfect for outdoor recreation year-round. During the day, the beaches and streets are bustling with people. In the evenings, there's lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, lounges, and clubs open late.
Santa Monica is a community of affluent neighborhoods. Luxury, high-rise condominiums with resort-style amenities run along Ocean Boulevard. North of Montana, you'll find grand mansions on tree-lined streets. Nestled between the Pacific Coast Highway and the Santa Monica Mountains, the canyons have a more tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, featuring everything from charming beach cottages to large modern estates. In the northernmost part of the city, stunning hillside homes feature expansive outdoor spaces, private pools, and panoramic views.
What to Love
A range of housing options and architectural styles
Year-round warm and sunny weather
Endless outdoor recreation and water activities
An idyllic seaside town with bustling city vibes
Open-air plazas, luxury shopping, and fine dining
A vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scenes
Local Lifestyle - Living in Santa Monica
Santa Monica combines a relaxed beachside setting with a dynamic cosmopolitan culture. The wealth of outdoor recreation, yoga studios, and fitness centers contribute to a healthier and more active lifestyle. You’ll see residents and visitors jogging, biking, or skating on the boardwalk and playing sports out on the sand. There’s also an active social scene with trendy bars and clubs always packed with friends getting together after work and during the weekends.
Throughout the year, Santa Monica hosts numerous festivals, cultural events, and art fairs. There’s a strong community spirit, with residents actively engaging in fundraisers and volunteer work. You’ll find local groups organizing beach clean-ups or promoting social causes.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping in Santa Monica
Home to the famous Third Street Promenade,
Downtown Santa Monica’s open-air shopping district has a wide range of storefronts, venues, and eateries. You’ll find a diverse selection of cuisines to satisfy any taste and craving, including Japanese sushi and ramen, French and Italian bistros, and vegan and vegetarian options.
Less touristy and even more upscale, Montana Avenue features an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.
Locanda Portofino serves a fusion of Northern and Southern Italian dishes using farm-to-table ingredients. With a strictly-enforced dress code,
R+D Kitchen specializes in elevated American fare, including prime steak and seafood.
Just one block from the beach,
Capo offers upscale Italian meats, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood. Their extensive, award-winning wine list features over 2,500 selections from all over the world. The setting is rustic and elegant, with white tablecloths, high ceilings, and a corner fireplace.
A local mainstay, Shutters on the Beach features oceanfront dining. Guests can indulge in handcrafted cocktails at the lounge and terrace, wine tasting at the Coast Beach Cafe and Bar, or a sumptuous sunset dinner at 1 Pico.
Things to Do in Santa Monica
One of Southern California’s most famous landmarks,
Santa Monica Pier, is popular with residents and visitors. There are amusement rides, arcade games, outdoor eateries, a trapeze school, and an aquarium onsite. Plus, it hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
Stroll along the Third Street Promenade any day, and you’ll find live music, street entertainers, salsa dancers, and yoga classes on the pedestrian-only streets. Or simply sit at one of the sidewalk restaurants that are perfect for leisurely meals and people-watching.
For art and culture, Main Street is home to art galleries and artists' studios. You can explore local artists and find unique artwork in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The weekly
Santa Monica Sunday Main Street Farmers Markets sells organic produce, gourmet foods, and artisanal products.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, peruse the boutique shops on Montana Avenue. You’ll find designer clothing, luxury home goods, and specialty shops. The street is also lined with beauty salons and full-service med spas where you can pamper yourself all day.
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