Santa Monica
Beach symbolizes Southern California Beach lifestyle. Located near the cultural
heart of Los Angeles, Santa Monica offers virtually any attraction a visitor
could want when visiting southern California. If there is only time to choose
one beach in the Los Angeles area during your visit, it should definitely be
Santa Monica Beach.
The Santa
Monica Pier, located at the end of Colorado Street, is the focal point of the
beach area. The wide, sandy beach extends for about a mile north and south of
the pier. Pacific Park, an amusement park located on the pier, is anchored by a
9-story solar powered Ferris wheel. Thrill seekers might also enjoy the 5-story
roller coaster. Hey, what's not to like about a beachfront amusement park
reminiscent of those that lined the coast in the old days. Romantics and little
ones will enjoy the Santa Monica Carousel (as seen in the Hollywood classic
The Sting.) Underneath the pier is the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a beach
level aquarium with exhibits the whole family will enjoy.
By Southern
California standards, this is a top-notch beach. The large sandy area between
the water and the bicycle path is great for sunbathing, people watching, tossing
a ball or simply lying in the soft, warm sand. An offshore breakwater was
installed to keep the surf gentle, great for kids but not so good for surfers
looking for the best waves. The fun includes swimming, body boarding and just
splashing in the water. The kids will enjoy the play area located near the pier.
For a little extra exercise while enjoying the sights, running through the beach
is a paved bicycle and walking path that extends for miles to the south. No
doubt, most people have seen this path: it stars in countless movies and
in TV shows such as Three’s Company. Visitors will see a variety of
non-motorized transportation on this trail. Bicycle and Rollerblade rental shops
are plentiful.
The entire
downtown area is great for shopping including the Third Street Promenade, an
open-air pedestrian street. The Promenade epitomizes Southern California
lifestyle with an eclectic mix of people, shops, restaurants and galleries. Be
sure to bring a camera and a pen, as several Hollywood notables have been known
to frequent the area.
At the southern end of Santa Monica Beach is the renowned "Muscle Beach". Remember those “Beach Movies” of bygone days? They featured reels of copper toned hard bodies flexing rippled muscles on the beach. Well, they built those bodies right here at Muscle Beach. Visitors will find an outdoor workout venue with gymnastic and balance equipment and an exhibition area for "flexing". Muscle Beach has been around since 1930, but was newly restored in 2000.
Santa Monica is privileged to experience ideal weather and climate year round. With the humidity rarely over 55% and a gentle breeze from the nearby Pacific Ocean, the city offers its visitors an ideal climate. Fall and spring usher in many festival and events. Sun, fun, excitement, tranquility, muscles and more! Santa Monica is a vacationer's paradise.
