Check Out Santa Monica, Brentwood
...and the entire Westside
Santa Monica, North of Wilshire for wonderful Condos and Townhomes.
Santa Monica, North of Montana for single family homes. 

Santa Monica Neighborhood Profile >

Santa Monica is a popular destination exploding with impeccable services. 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. 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.

The attractions here are second to none. For the movie buff there are many sights and activities in Hollywood close by. If the ocean is where you want to be, you will find a beach, cruise, or tour that will satisfy your desire. The history buff will find museums, art, and culture to fill up your days and the urban entertainment is plentiful for someone looking for a great time in the city. Santa Monica is so diverse it has something for everyone. So whether you plan to stay for a day, a week or a lifetime, you will find enough to make your time fulfilling.

You'll never go hungry for quality food or shopping. Santa Monica offers lots of great restaurants that will please anyone's appetite. You can eat everything from seafood to sushi and do it with a fantastic view. Restaurants serving Italian, French, American, and Seafood can all be found close by. If shopping is what you are looking for you are in luck. Santa Monica has everything from your department store chain to local gift shops and one of the greatest shopping mecas in the world, "Montana Avenue". Shopping here is great for everyday items as well as the special gift items you are looking for. So, while you are here come shopping with the stars!

The exciting city of Hollywood is close by where you will find Universal Studios, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nearby Beverly Hills offers Rodeo Drive and an endless supply of "stars" homes. Learn about all of your favorite stars and enjoy sights you won't find anywhere else on earth. That is just the start. You can take a stroll down the Santa Monica Pier, visit Warner Bros. Studios or tour Griffith Park.

Attractions & Activities

• Los Angeles Attractions - can be found at our Los Angeles site All About Los Angeles

• The Santa Monica Pier - built in 1908 is the oldest pleasure pier on the west coast. For generations it has been the focal point of the City's beach and its premier attraction. Located on the Pier are the historic Looff Hippodrome building and carousel, the spectacular rides and games of the new Pacific Park, shops, restaurants, pubs, entertainment and a fishing balcony. The Twilight Dance Series features free concerts during the summer. (310) 458-8900.

• The Looff Hippodrome Building - on the Santa Monica Pier has housed a hand-carved carousel since 1916. The current one is a 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan carousel which was brought to the Pier in 1946. The 44- original hand-painted wooden horses were restored in 1981 and were featured in the movie "The Sting" with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. (310) 458-8867.

• UCLA Discovery Center - the newest Pier attraction is actually underneath the Pier at 1600 Ocean Front Walk. This high-tech, interactive aquarium includes a wall aquarium, "wet labs," and tidepool exhibits that focus on the delicate ecology of the Pacific Ocean. Admission is $3. The Center is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays only from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (310) 393-6149.

• Muscle Beach - south of the Santa Monica Pier, is the former beach workout site for body builders Jack LaLanne and Vic and Armand Tanny. It is now marked with a sign detailing its history. Efforts are underway to restore the area to its 1950's glory, but you can still work out on its gymnastic rings and bars.

• International Chess Park - on the beachfront at Ocean Front Walk hosts hundreds of matches each day featuring players from beginners to masters. If you play, don't hesitate to pick up a game.

• Palisades Park - is the most famous and scenic of all Santa Monica's parks. This cliff top 26-acre gathering spot overlooks the Pacific Ocean, offering a spectacular view of the Bay from Palos Verdes Peninsula to Malibu. Enjoy its lush greenery, palm shaded benches and walking/jogging paths. Palisades Park is also the home of the Visitors Center where you find maps, calendars of events, tour and accommodation suggestions and traveler's assistance of all kinds.

• Route 66 - (Santa Monica Boulevard) that famed symbol of moving on, made notable by John Steinbeck, Bobby Troup and Nat King Cole enters the City at Centinela Avenue and ends its national route at Ocean Avenue. Drive along its meandering way to capture not only its history, but to see the City of Santa Monica in all its senses-delighting diversity.

The Beaches in Santa Monica

Many of the beaches in Southern California are really spectacular. Kids can spend all day without ever getting bored. Give a kid a shovel and a bucket at the beach and you will see a spark of engineering genius. Be prepared though - the water is cold! Frankie and Annette never told you that real California surfers wear wetsuits. If your kids want to try Boogie Boarding for the first time, have them wear tee-shirts to avoid a sand-chafed 'pink belly'. Look below for the area beach information.

Santa Monica Area Beaches

• Dockweiler State Beach - 8255 Vista del Mar (just west of LAX), Playa del Rey, CA 90293 Four miles of sandy beach including campground, playground, bike trail, barbecue pits. Surfing, swimming, diving, fishing, picnicking. Paid and street parking, bus stop, easy access, year-round lifeguard, rest rooms, showers.

• Marina del Rey - Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Small boat marina and sandy beach at the end of Basin D; swimming, sailing, fishing, picnicking, playground; family outings. Excursion boats, bike rentals, boat slips, restaurants, interpretive center. Paid parking, bus stop, handicapped access. Lifeguard, rest rooms, showers.

• Playa del Rey Beach and Del Rey Lagoon - Playa del Rey, CA 90293 Beautiful lagoon (with ducks and geese), white sands. Public park, picnic tables, rest rooms.

• Santa Monica State Beach, Municipal Pier, and Amusement Park - Pacific Coast Highway at California Incline, Santa Monica, CA 90402 Wide and sandy, mobbed on weekends; sunning, socializing. Bicycle and roller skating path, volleyball nets, playgrounds. Fishing, dining, and summer evening concerts on the pier. Amusement park with roller coaster, Ferris wheel, antique carousel, and arcade. Paid and street parking, bus stop, handicapped access, year-round lifeguard, rest rooms, showers, bike and skate rentals, food concessions.

• Temescal Canyon Park - 15900 Pacific Coast Highway at Temescal Canyon Road, Santa Monica, CA 90272Easy access to beach. Picnicking, playground. Street parking, rest rooms.

• Venice City Beach, Boardwalk, and Fishing Pier - 1531 Ocean Front Walk (west of Pacific Avenue), Venice, CA 90291 Easy access to beautiful, sandy beach. Boardwalk has street performers, Muscle Beach (bodybuilding, basketball, paddle tennis, and shuffleboard). Bike and skate rentals, volleyball. Paid and street parking, bus stop, rest rooms, showers, food concessions.

• Will Rogers State Beach - 15100 Pacific Coast Highway at Temescal Canyon Road, Santa Monica, CA 90272 Easy access to three-mile long mostly sandy beach. Beginner surfing, swimming, picnicking, surf fishing. Volleyball nets, gym equipment, playground; families and young singles. Paid and street parking, lifeguard, rest rooms.

Where to Shop in Santa Monica

The Promenade after dark

So many places, so little time. That's the theme for the Santa Monica shopping experience. The fashion is funky, very haute or just plain fabulous. Antiques and art works abound. Unusual fare and rare wares from around the world are side by side with arts and crafts created by local artisans. Inviting book shops - more than in any single location outside of New York's SoHo - beckon to you from nearly every sidewalk. The best way to see all of Santa Monica's shopping is to walk its three varied shopping districts just blocks from the beach and hotels. Convenient Tide Shuttles make a loop from selected hotels to art deco Main Street, the lively Third Street Promenade anchored by Santa Monica Place, and the Pier. Saunter slightly further ahead to Montana Avenue. Many consider its shops second only to Rodeo Drive in chic and sophistication.

Places to Shop

• Main Street - still maintains the art deco magic of its early days. Its shops, stretching between Pico Boulevard and Marine Street, are festooned with the out-of-the-ordinary. An eclectic mix of art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques can mesmerize you. Merchandise includes fine stationery, body oils and fragrances, vintage bridal gowns, old fashion lace and fabrics and the newest in contemporary jewelry. There's clothing for fashion and outdoor comfort, and even a place where you can buy an amazing array of movie star collectibles and clothing. Search for art in galleries and cooperatives that feature jewelry made from semi-precious stones, beads and imported crystal. At the Frank O.Gehry designed Edgemar, there are an array of shops featuring avant garde home fashions, contemporary men's fashions and a contemporary arts shop with works from Warhol and Mondrian.

• The downtown shopping district - is highlighted by Third Street Promenade isn't just a shopping experience it's a happening. Alive with street performers and musicians, sidewalk cafes and movie theaters, the 3-block long pedestrian mall, is dotted with fountains, coffee carts and sparkling lights. Stroll from the beach through the downtown district and you'll find everything from designer doorknobs and home gadgets to velvet pillows and table ware that's almost too beautiful to eat off of. There are shoe shops galore, cutting edge outdoor and actionwear sellers side by side with leather shops and jewelry stores. You can even purchase a photograph of yourself that displays your eletrical aura.

• Santa Monica Place - is an oceanview mall at the Broadway end of Third Street Promenade, houses three stories of one-of-a-kind shops, Macy's and Robinson-May department stores, famous name national merchandisers, and an international food court called EATZ. In and among its 140 stores is merchandise you won't find just anywhere. Like a myriad of hot sauces and salsas, fresh squeezed juices from California fruits, cartoon character apparel and lots more.

  
  Great Seaside Shopping Mall
  
  

• Montana Avenue - is north of downtown, on a stretch between 7th and 17th Streets, is an upscale shopping area with a neighborhood touch. Here you'll rub shoulders with movie stars who consider this their neighborhood shopping district. The best in fashion is a Montana mainstay. Ball gowns and casual overalls in sorbet colors are easy to find, as are brightly colored cotton clothes for kids, Asian accented evening wear, European bridal gowns, handmade sweaters, and Italian leathers. Home fashion from around the world lines the Avenue. And when you're too loaded down with bundles to take another step. Relax at a coffee bar or cafe, bakery or lucheon spot that offers just the right pick-me-up.

• Farmer's Markets - are European in origin and oh so Santa Monica in style. Here you can see and sample the abundance of California fruits and vegetables delivered fresh from nearby farms. Or pick a bunch of bright hued flowers to enliven your hotel room. Wednesday's markets at 2nd and Arizona bring out nearly 90 farmers and is the biggest market in the state. On Saturday at the same location, the choice becomes organic. You might even spot a celebrity chef buying herbs and vegetables for that evening's "special." There is another farmer's market on Saturday at Cloverfield and Pico Boulevards that gives you another opportunity to get fresh. And even on Sunday, you can delight in the community gathering at the Main Street Market where kids enjoy pony rides and you can breakfast on espresso, fresh baked breads and vine ripened fruit.

Historic Sites & Museums in Santa Monica

Santa Monica's museums are as eclectic as it is. The city's art exhibit spaces take you back in time to view the beginnings of modern aviation; illustrate the cultural roots and growth of the beach city; and bring you face to face with the contemporary art scene. Below we have highlighted some of the more popular museums to visit. Please use the links to the left for your hotel and car rental needs.

Historic Sites & Museums

• Angel's Attic - mixes afternoon tea with history. This unique collection of antique dollhouses, miniatures, dolls and toys, housed in a Victorian era house, reflects the innocence of childhood in every era. Be sure to view the miniaturized Colonial mansions and Southern Plantations that are authentic in every detail. Angel's Attic is open Thursday-Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $6.50 for Adults, $4 for Seniors and $3.50 for Children under 12. (310) 394-8331.

• The Santa Monica Historical Society Museum of History and Culture - features an exhibition gallery, vintage clothing and a photography archive detailing the growth of Santa Monica from a sleepy seaside village to a dynamic center of business, arts, entertainment and dining. Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 2nd & 4th Sundays 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Docent tours are available by appointment. Admission is $3 for Adults, $2 for Seniors, and Free for Children under 12. (310) 395-2290.

• Autry Museum of Western Heritage - Opened in 1988, the Autry Museum receives major support from the Autry Foundation. Although Gene Autry was best known as a crooner of western ballads, the spirit of this museum is the preservation and acquisition of fine art, books, manuscripts, and artifacts that document the American West and its history. (323) 667-2000.

• California African American Museum - as begun in 1977, and opened to the public in 1981. It was temporarily located at the California Museum of Science and Industry. The Museum opened in its own building in 1984. CAAM's 44,000 square foot building contains a large front lobby, a research library, a museum store, and several galleries that display both its permanent and visiting collections. The California African American Museum's permanent collection focuses on works of art from the 20th century, reflecting the African American experience in the United States, and its large part in the history and the diverse culture of California. Its various changing exhibits not only display African influenced art, but also portray African American history.

• Craft & Folk Art Museum - While its hours are now reduced, the museum¹s second-floor galleries still boast a rotating collection of fascinating work. Recent exhibits have included "Dancing in the Streets: Carnival and Festival Arts," a collection of carnival and festival photographs and costumes from Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Trinidad, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the U.S. The museum¹s first floor is devoted to a gift shop chock-full of hand-made crafts from around the world. A popular gift-buying spot for people who work in the area, the museum¹s shop sells Guatemalan molas, Tanzanian musical instruments and Japanese tea sets, among other crafts. Future exhibits will feature the craft of quilting, embroidery on Turkish rugs and cushion covers, and a celebration of the life of author Zora Neale Hurston. 5814 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 937-4230

• Fort MacArthur Museum - Still a work in progress, Fort MacArthur Museum is committed to preserving and collecting the relics that played an important role in Los Angeles' historic Harbor Defenses. Battery Osgood-Farley itself has not gone through much modification since it was built, and could probably be the only type of gun battery of its kind left in the continental United States. (310)548-2631

• Museum of Television and Radio - Founded on the belief that television and radio have been major contributors to our cultural history, the Museum of Television and Radio is a non profit organization that offers a wide variety of opportunities to study the impact that radio and television have had on our society. From Wednesday through Sunday, it offers an extensive library of television and radio broadcasts, two theaters, a listening room, as well as several special exhibitions and seminars that are open to the public.

• Museum of Flying - this museum is definitely worth a visit. Both adults and children will enjoy many elements of this ten year old museum. Built at the site where the Douglas Aircraft Company manufactured, tested and produced military and commercial aircraft for forty-six years, visitors of this unique, non-profit museum can see a rare collection of civilian and military aircraft through World War II. These include fighter planes, "war-birds," the popular "DC-3". Notably, the majority of the displayed aircraft are in flight-ready condition. (310) 392-8822

• Hollywood Wax Museum - exhibits over 200 wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and movie characters. Some of the figures are quite realistic, while others are virtually unrecognizable. There is an eeriness in the air due to the hundreds of pairs of glass eyes staring out at you, a mood that enhances the spookiness of the Wax Museum's Chamber of Horrors. (323)462-5991.

Where to Eat in Santa Monica

A broad variety of restaurants cluster near the beachfront and the city's most popular gathering spots including the Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Avenue, Downtown Santa Monica, Main Street and Montana Avenue. In midtown you'll find restaurants that have been serving area diners for generations. The Pacific Dining Car, El Cholo and Knoll's Black Forest Inn are of special significance. Look below for some of Santa Monica's best. Bon Appetite!

Places to Eat

Golf Courses in the Santa Monica Area

Looking for a game of golf? Sunny Santa Monica has some great courses for you game. While the climate remains moderate all year round Santa Monica golf ranges from driving ranges, to public & resort courses. After a day at many of Santa Monica's activities and attractions you may wish to relax the next day with a game of golf in a serene setting. Look below for a highlight of what Santa Monica has to offer!

Area Courses

Santa Monica is nestled between the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu, and flanked by the lush, green Santa Monica Mountains and the sandy beaches of the blue Pacific - a location which provides an ideal mild climate cooled by sea breezes. Founded in 1922 as a residential community, Santa Monica is located on the "westside" of Los Angeles.

Today, with a population of 23,000 residents and 630 businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, and professional services, the "village" atmosphere still persists. Personal concern over the quality of the community remains high, bolstered by support from homeowners associations and numerous philanthropic and community organizations. There is a real "hometown" atmosphere and several events each year bring out residents to participate in community activities. The Palisades has outstanding public and private schools and is in close proximity to U.C.L.A., Pepperdine, and Loyola-Marymount.

Santa Monica is accessible by Pacific Coast Highway (the famous Route 1 which winds its way down the entire California coastline), freeways, the L.A. Airport, Museum and Restaurant Row, Beverly Hills andf Downtown Los Angeles.

PACIFIC PALISADES SCHOOLS
I will happily provide more detailed information on any or all of the following schools. Just call or email me!

Pacific Palisades has an excellent Public School system. Canyon Charter Elementary School, 421 Entrada Drive serves 328 students K-5. Enrollment is limited to 20 students per class in grades 1-3. Marquez Charter Elementary School, 16821 Marquez Ave. has 665 students enrolled K-5. Palisades Charter Elementary, 800 Via de la Paz serves 457 students K-5. Palisades High School, 15777 Bowdoin St. has about 2,460 students enrolled in grades 9-12. Paul Revere Middle School, 1450 Allenford Ave. includes a mathematics and science technology magnet center and has an enrollment of 1,700 students. Temescal Canyon High School, 777 Temescal Canyon Rd., has 85 students enrolled in grades 9-12 with about 20 in each classroom. Village School, 780 Swarthmore Ave. serves students from K-6 with currently 255 students enrolled.

A guide to Restaurants in Pacific Palisades

Italian

• Atrio Cuchina 1032 Swarthmore Ave. 459-9423
• Cafe Delfini 147 W. Channel Rd. 459-8823
• Dante's 1032 Swarthmore Ave. 459-7561
• Domino's 860 Via de la Paz 459-4406
• Misto Cafe 538 Palisades Dr. 573-1411
• Mondo Mio 15200 Sunset 450-0979
• Tivoli Cafe 15306 Sunset 459-768

Mandarin/Chinese

• Cathay 15315 Antioch St.
• House of Lee 15229 Sunset 454-0606

Mexican

• Fiesta Feast 17336 Sunset Blvd. 459-7380
• Marix Tex Mex 118 Entrada Dr. 459-8596

Salad Bar

• Gelsons 15424 Sunset Blvd. 459-4483
• Gladstones 17300 PCH 454-3437
• Gourmet Gala 15324 Antioch St. 459-7419
• Il Sogno 863 Swarthmore 454-6522

General and Full Menu

• Greg's Grill 15317 Antioch St. 459-0396
• Hughes 15120 Sunset 454-3001
• Terri's 1028 Swarthmore Ave. 454-6467

Other

• Haagen-daz 15302 Sunset Blvd. 230-1132
• Jack-In-The-Box 17346 Sunset 459-9470
• KFC 17332 Sunset 459-8602
• Mort's Deli 1035 Swartmore Ave. 454-5511
• Naturally (health) 15200 Sunset 459-1010
• Noah's Bagel 15270 Antioch 230-1461
• Palisades Bakery 15231 1.2 La Cruz 459-6160
• Patrick's Roadhouse 106 Entrada Dr. 459-4544
• Sparkies Froz. Yog 16605 Sunset 459-6695
• Starbuck's 15300 Sunset 573-0177

North of Wilshire Neighborhood

Will Roger's State Park

In 1922, Will Rogers, often called the "Cowboy Philosopher", bought poperty above Sunset Boulevard commanding a view of the western Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and the Pacific Ocean where he built a small weekend cottage. The ranch became a state park in 1944.

Check out these links for more information:

	The J. Paul Getty Museum
	The Hollywood Bowl
	L.A. Opera
	L.A. Weather
	UCLA
	Los Angeles Dodgers

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