Things to do in Santa Monica California

The seaside paradise of Santa Monica, California blends the charm and appeal of a coastal getaway with an unforgettable beach and a sophisticated urban center – a magical combination that has long enchanted visitors. Located right on the beach yet just minutes from shopping, world-class restaurants, movie studios and museums, Santa Monica offers something for everyone.

Situated within an 8.3 square-mile setting, Santa Monica’s various districts each features a distinct mix of shopping, dining and entertainment options. The downtown and pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade (also known as the Bayside District) offer a highly concentrated array of al fresco dining, world-renowned shopping and entertainment including national stores, boutiques, street performers, book stores, movie theaters and more. Santa Monica Place, a multi-story shopping mall, anchors the south end of Third Street and comes alive after dark with residents and visitors shopping or just strolling about soaking up the scene.

The expansive and varied Mid-City includes several of the world’s major film, television and music companies including Universal Music, MTV and Sony, lawn-bowling in Douglas Park, the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum and a growing art community with the renowned 18th Street Arts Complex and Bergamot Station Arts Center.

Other districts include Montana Avenue with one-of-a-kind boutiques; the Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Avenue intersection right in front of the world-famous sign for the Santa Monica Pier; Ocean Park with its friendly coffee shops and galleries; and the Pico Boulevard district with attractions and boutiques from Santa Monica College’s performing arts venues and the planetarium. For the airplane buff, a visit to Santa Monica’s private airfield is a must. The former home of the Douglas Airplane Company, today the airport is home to private aircraft, restaurants and a weekly farmers’ market.