Santa Monica: Soak Up the Sun

Sunset Over Santa Monica Pier1

Blessed with more than 340 sunny days a year, 3.5 mi (5.6 km) of sandy coastline, world-class dining and popular shops, Santa Monica, California offers visitors a brilliant sun-kissed getaway. Located on the Pacific Ocean coast, this seaside community is the perfect base for both leisure and business travelers seeking to visit metropolitan Los Angeles and every other hot spot in Southern California. Santa Monica offers some of the best conveniences of an urban center with the laid-back charm of a small seaside city. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or have a fun afternoon shopping or learning about Santa Monica culture and history at one of the many local museums. Don't forget to make a stop at the local art galleries that are sure to amaze and inspire adults and children alike. Whatever activity is chosen, Santa Monica has something for everyone, ensuring an unforgettable vacation.

HISTORY

The city was named after Saint Monica of Hippo, a Christian saint and the mother of Saint Augustine. The name was chosen because the Spaniards first visited the area on which the city is located, on the feast day of Saint Monica in the 1760s. The city was first developed as a seaside retreat at the turn of the last century. In the 1900s, Santa Monica grew into a diverse beach city when the railroad industry built an amusement park on Santa Monica Pier. It was their way to fill empty seats on the weekends as they transported people to various beaches in the area.

Santa Monica is credited with the development of beach volleyball in the 1920s as well as other noteworthy highlights such as the completion of the Santa Monica Freeway in 1966 and up-starting the booming health and fitness industry in the 1970s. The 1980s saw the ever popular and successful Santa Monica Third Street Promenade come to life, while in the 1990s several major corporations set-up shop in the city. Today, Santa Monica's healthy lifestyle, diverse business economy and high quality of life has attracted many families, young professionals, students and surfers.

	A Beautiful Sunny Day in Santa Monica2

CLIMATE

The stereotypical California lifestyle of sunny days and daily visits to the beach is lived to the fullest in Santa Monica due to its coastal Mediterranean climate. Mild and comfortable temperatures are enjoyed year-round, averaging around 68ºF (20ºC). September is usually the warmest month of the year where temperatures peak around 82ºF (28ºC), while the coldest month is January with the mercury dipping down to 50ºF (10ºC).

It can rain throughout the year in Santa Monica, on average 13.27 in (33.71 cm) is expected. February is the wettest month with an average rainfall of 3.29 in (8.36 cm).

TRANSPORTATION

Santa Monica is easily accessed by land and air. The city is served by Santa Monica Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, located 7 mi (11 km) away. By land, drivers typically travel the Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10), which ends in the city near the Pacific Ocean. This road goes in an east/west direction, from Los Angeles to Santa Monica. The highway is reputable for being one of the busiest in North America. For those not keen on driving, motorcoach services such as Greyhound, which commutes to numerous destinations in the USA and Canada, is a less stressful alternative.

Once in the city, travelers can relax knowing that many attractions are conveniently situated within walking distance to each other. Santa Monica is a pedestrian friendly city and a vehicle is not necessary for a fun filled vacation. However, if having a car is desired or needed, the city has many rental options.

The Big Blue Bus is another alternative for navigating Santa Monica, this public transportation service has several routes throughout the area. Taking a taxi is also a great way to get around sunny Santa Monica.

ATTRACTIONS

Santa Monica Pier
Once located next to the Santa Monica Municipal Pier, Santa Monica Pier is the creation of the pioneer amusement entrepreneur, Charles Looff. He was also responsible for the first carousel in Brooklyn, New York's Coney Island. Construction began on the pier in 1916, which became home to the landmark Hippodrome building, and its vintage merry-go-rounds and Wurlitzer organs.

The Hippodrome on Santa Monica Pier3

Over the next few decades the pier's popularity continued to soar as more attractions were later added to the 270 ft (82 m) by 1080 ft (329 m) pier. Due to weather conditions and some severe storms, both piers were ordered to be demolished by city council in 1973. The residents of Santa Monica were angered by this and formed the “Save Our Pier Forever” initiative. One of thier main goals was to establish the Pier as a Los Angeles County Historical Landmark. Following restoration projects, the United States Government declared the Hippodrome and its carousel a National Historic Landmark in 1983. New construction projects have joined the two piers together and reinforced them to withstand severe storms. Retail, food and entertainment venues were also added, not to mention a world class amusement park, which now attracts over three million visitors a year.

Today on the Pier, visitors enjoy concerts by popular performers and special events among all the amusement rides. This is also a popular destination for still photographers and film crews. Many might remember the Pier being featured during the opening titles of the popular 1970s and early1980s comedy show, Three's Company. The must-see Santa Monica Pier is also the finish line of the famed Route 66. The Pier is open everyday of the year and admission is free.

Third Street Promenade
Located in downtown Santa Monica, is the pedestrian only Third Street Promenade, which has been dubbed as a “shop 'til you drop area”. The colorful Promenade consists of three blocks, along Third Street, with Wilshire Boulevard on the north side and Broadway and Santa Monica Place mall on the south side. No traffic runs through these three blocks.

Visitors will have much to do here with hundreds of restaurants, shops and theaters to choose from. The close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and mild climate allows for al fresco dining at many of the restaurants on the Promenade. All types of cuisine are served here and can satiate any palate. Numerous varieties of shops line the streets, giving travelers something unique to take home. Various street performers entertain the crowds throughout the three blocks and the Promenade is also a well-known spot for many special events.

	Fun Rides on the Santa Monica Pier 4

Palisades Park
A good location to view the ocean is at Palisades Park which sits high above it. Visitors will find the park along Ocean Avenue at the top of Santa Monica's sandstone cliffs. This is a great place to take the whole family for a walk on well maintained pathways or enjoy an afternoon picnic among tall palm trees and lush green grass.

Public art displays are often viewed here and the park also features Camera Obscura, which is a life-size walk-through pinhole camera. Beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast Highway and the Pier are also seen from here. Located within the park, the Santa Monica Visitor Information Kiosk offers travelers local information and free maps. Over the years, Palisades Park has become a hot spot for filming movies and TV shows.

Santa Monica State Beach
No Santa Monica vacation is complete without spending some quality time at the beach. Santa Monica State Beach offers nothing but good times and fun in the sun. Being the nearest beach to the Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier, visitors who tire of being outdoors can make a quick escape to the nearby entertainment and shops. However, for those who relish being outdoors, this beach offers activities such as swimming, volleyball and basketball courts, surfing, picnic tables, a running strip and of course plenty of warm sand to lay on to ensure getting a fabulous golden tan. Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, visitors should be aware that this 2 mi (3 km) long beach is very popular, especially during the summer months.

1. Sunset Over Santa Monica Pier; Santa Monica, California, USA
2. Sunny Santa Monica; Santa Monica, California, USA
3. Hippodrome on Santa Monica Pier; Santa Monica, California, USA
4. Rides on Santa Monica Pier; Santa Monica, California, USA