Is California your dream? Read the post and you will be ready to visit Santa Monica: between leisure, relaxation, shopping, culture and a wonderful beach.
Santa Monica, Los Angeles municipality, is located in the bay of the same name a few kilometers from the city, along the west coast of the United States.
It is easily accessible from the LA airport - thanks to various shuttles made available - or from nearby cities, thanks to the Big blue bus service.
Santa Monica: what to expect
Always seen as a tourist resort, it is perfect for lovers of relaxation. It enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, never too hot due to the presence of the sea breeze.
From October to March there is the possibility of rain, while in the months of July and August the morning fog coming from the ocean is frequent (going in those months, therefore, do not worry if the sun has not yet risen at 11.00, it is normal ).
Santa Monica is synonymous with recreation, entertainment and culture as well famous is his image linked to the world of cinema.
But what to see in Santa Monica?
1. The Santa Monica Pier
First of all, the most popular and representative attraction is the Santa Monica Pier: the world famous pier and symbol of the city for more than a hundred years.
A popular destination for tourists, the pier is always open. It can be accessed, coming from the city center, from the characteristic blue and white arch Santa Monica Yacht Harbor, continuing there is the Santa Monica Merry go round (the carousel of horses) made in the 20s.
A large car park runs along the beach and is open 24 hours a day for $ 3 an hour.
2. The Santa Monica Aquarium
Continuing towards the jetty is the Aquarium, open every day except Monday, with various interactive activities and the Santa Monica Pier shop.
The Pier marks the end of the famous Route 66, the city is the last stop with the famous sign Route 66 end of the trail which is located right in the dock.
3. Oceanside Fun in Santa Monica: Pacific Park
Arriving on the actual Pier there is the games room Playland Arcade and Pacific Park: the famous amusement park on the ocean where you can try various attractions for adults and children such as the roller coaster and the Ferris wheel, which offer a magnificent view of the ocean, the beach and the city.
There is no single ticket for the park but each attraction has its own ticket.
Santa Monica Pier is often a place for filming: many films have been shot in these places (such as Forrest Gump, Iron Man, Hanna Montana The movie, Baywatch and many others).
4. Palisades Park and the Santa Monica Camera Obscura
Ocean Avenue is the street that runs along the beach from which you can access the Palisades Park which extends for over 2 km with various benches, picnic areas, bowling green and Santa Monica Camera Obscura: a historic darkroom accessible to the public.
5. Tongva Park: view of the Santa Monica Pier
Tongva Park, located between Ocean Avenue and Main street, offers beautiful views of the Santa Monica Pier as well as fountains, benches, picnic areas, an amphitheater, play area and public restrooms.
6. Towards downtown: Santa Monica shopping and restaurants
Continuing towards downtown, there are various streets dedicated to shopping, restaurants and places of interest. First of all Main Street with shops, restaurants and the City Hall.
3rd St. Promenade with Santa Monica Place: an open-air shopping mall on three floors. Montana Avenue with Aero theater, cinema open 24 hours a day.
7. What to see on Main Street
Moving away from the Pier, you can visit, in Main Street, the California Heritage Museum which promotes Californian culture and its history and Santa Monica Catholic Church founded in 800.
8. Santa Monica beach: unmissable
My favorite part of Santa Monica is the beach, a huge expanse of sand that disappears visibly and leads to the ocean. The style is typically Californian: beach volleyball courts, outdoor gyms, skateboard tracks, lookout towers ...
The city is located in a bay where the waters are calmer, but it is still possible to go surfing.
A special dinner in Santa Monica
For dining there are various restaurants in the city where you can experiment with different types of cuisines, but my advice is to enjoy dinner right on the pier, at sunset, at the Mariasol - exactly above the ocean - to enjoy what makes that view magical that you will not easily forget.
