Santa Monica is not just another LA neighborhood. It is a city with its own civic and commercial center. It is one of the most popular and accessible beaches for Angelenos and visitors. It also has several popular shopping districts, great restaurants and nightlife and an interesting art scene.
1. Santa Monica Pier
Photo © 2005 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
Santa Monica Pier is home to Pacific Park, a mini-amusement park with a Ferris Wheel, a small roller coaster, a carousel and a food court. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, the New York Trapeze School and several restaurants. Summer concerts are held on the end of the pier.
2. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a small Aquarium of Pacific sea life located at the foot of the Santa Monica Pier.3. Third Street Promenade
Third Street Promenade is one of the LA area's favorite pedestrian shopping zones. Street performers provide a festive atmosphere evenings, weekends and daily during the summer. Unfortunately, many of the unique shops and food stalls that gave the Promenade its charm have been replaced by chain stores and restaurant franchises.Video Tour of 3rd Street Promenade.
4. Main Street Santa Monica
Main Street in Santa Monica also suffers a bit from chain-store overload, but still has a good selection of locally owned shops, restaurants and bars, including classic's like Wolfgang Puck's Chinois on Main.5. Bergamot Station
Bergamot Station is a complex of upscale art galleries in former industrial warehouse space in Santa Monica. You have to know where you are going to find it, since it's in an out-of-the-way area.Video Tour of Bergamot Station
6. New York Trapeze School in Santa Monica
New York Trapeze School, located on the Santa Monica Pier, offers outdoor trapeze lessons. You can sign up for one lesson or take a class.7. Santa Monica Museum of Art
Santa Monica Museum of Art is a small museum at Bergamot Station that presents interesting temporary exhibits of primarily contemporary art with complementary programming.8. California Heritage Museum
California Heritage Museum is a historic residence in the heart of Main Street that presents exhibits of American decorative and fine arts.9. Bike or Skate the Beach Path
There are plenty of places to rent bikes or skates to spend an hour or all day biking or skating along the miles of paved beach path south as far as Redondo Beach and north to Malibu. There are at least three bike and skate rental shops with varying equipment right on or near the Santa Monica Pier.Video Tour of the Santa Monica Beach Path
