Santa Monica

 

Just west of Downtown Los Angeles and across the way from the valley, Santa Monica is an absolutely iconic oceanside oasis that has residents loving where they live. The city offers the best of both worlds in every sense: breathtaking, scenic glimpses of both the Santa Monica mountains and the Pacific Ocean, as well as a bustling and exciting lifestyle setting. In Santa Monica, you don’t have to choose a favorite view or activity. Enjoy a sunset stroll down the busy boardwalk or one of the sandy beaches one day, then hike through some of the state’s most beautiful trails and canyons on the fringes of Palisades Park the next. The natural world is at your fingertips, as are a smattering of award-winning restaurants and eclectic stores. From eateries perched on piers to art galleries and locally owned boutiques lining casual yet upscale streets, you’ll never run out of things to do in the very special city of Santa Monica.

• Beautiful coastal beaches and parks
• A progressive and vibrant community
• Excellent local schools
• Incredible social and dining scene

What draws people to the destination beach city of Santa Monica is its exciting personality. The laidback yet luxurious community is beloved because of its beauty and dynamic nature. The people are quite progressive and enjoy getting out on the beaches and bluffs to explore, hike, surf, or take a walk through town after a nice meal. You’ll meet people of all ages, from working professionals to retirees, all of whom infuse the seaside community with a hip, fun aura. The excellent school systems draw waves of young families, and there is a shared love for local activities and businesses.

Santa Monica comprises unbelievable places to dine and be dazzled. Rustic Canyon is a local favorite, with a delightful patio and romantic lights overhead — perfect for a mood-setting dinner experience. The stylish yet casual establishment serves fresh, farm-to-table Californian small plates and wine. Milo + Olive is a go-to for woodfired pizza and delicious baked goods, while Huckleberry is great for sweet treats and breakfast eats. If you’re a fan of thick, overstuffed deli subs, look no further than Bay Cities Italian Deli — known for its gourmet Godmother sandwiches. Don’t forget to grab a ticket at the counter first! Gilbert’s is a fun and informal family-owned, multi-generational local restaurant with the friendliest service, killer margaritas, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex. At Locanda Portofino, you’ll find yummy Italian meals made from fresh, local produce in an airy dining setting discreetly tucked in a corner shopping strip. They have the best pasta in town! Be sure to order their uni noodles off their secret menu.

If you like to get outdoors — and prefer gorgeous views while doing it — Santa Monica is the perfect place for you. At the magical and majestic Tongva Park, you’ll find pretty playscapes for the kids and playful water fountains to look at (and even leap through!). Santa Monica Pier is a classic Californian spot that features a small amusement park, a cool array of concession stands, and areas for beautiful views and fishing. 3rd St Promenade and Mall is a fun stroll that takes you through three open-air, car-free blocks of upscale stores, as well as places to sit, people watch and eat. For weekly fun, stop by Music at the Pier, a summer concert series that draws an electric crowd.

Santa Monica has several highly rated schools and educational facilities of note, including: