Santa Monica You''re Not That Far

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Santa Monica was once a town in itself. It was built as a seaside retreat for Los Angeles residents way back at the turn of the last century. Now however, it has been gobbled up by the ever-growing city limits of LA. However, it still maintains a character of its own, that is much more appealing than its big sister up the coast.

This chic, city-by-the-sea is less try hard than LA. It doesn''t have to puff up is feathers to get people''s attention; it''s natural appeal does it automatically. This is probably why property prices here are some of the highest in the entire world.

When you''re planning out what you might get up to in Santa Monica, the beach should play a fairly central part. The surf is great and the water is surprisingly clean. You simply must rent roller blades and cruise along ''The Strand'' to Venice beach. But be warned, you may feel a bit self-conscious as everyone else will be honed, toned and golden. This is where the beautiful people live.

The Pier, iconic particularly at sunset when the outline of the wooden supports and Ferris wheel are in silhouette, is a fun old-fashioned amusement ...
... park. It also has some great restaurants, particularly good for seafood and some of the areas best bars. During the summer, there is street dance performed on the pier every evening from 7.30pm.

Shopping is fantastic in the US generally and Santa Monica is no exception. Third Street Mall is a modern outside mall complete with a huge range of shops from designer to surfer style, restaurants, bars and cinemas.

If you are into art, as many of the local residents of Santa Monica are, head over to Bergamot Station Arts Centre. You''ll find over 30 galleries all in this one spot, including the Santa Monica Museum of Art. Plus, entry is free. However, don''t forget to keep your eyes peeled as you wander the wide boulevards and promenades. Santa Monica has art installations everywhere, from the more rudimentary street art to huge murals and sculpture.

It''s not just indoors that you''ll find art here, though, as the town is famous for hosting little bits and pieces, from sculptures to murals, all over the place. Santa Monica has art installations everywhere, from the more rudimentary street art to immense pieces covering entire walls.

Bonny Kominek is a travel expert and freelance writer. They recommend Octopus Travel for Santa Monica hotels.