Welcome to Santa Monica
Lowkey beach town with a cutting edge tech scene
Known for its bustling pier, tech startups, and sprawling outdoor malls, Santa Monica radiates vibrancy and culture. Its stunning ocean views, great weather, and world-renowned retail and dining scene lure in those looking for the quintessential SoCal beach lifestyle with access to cosmopolitan amenities. Despite being a touristy haven, it’s impossible not to relax in the calm of Santa Monica’s laid-back ambiance, brimming with modest luxury and idyllic views beneath sunny blue skies. Clean streets and eco-friendliness go hand in hand here, and locals are never far from the beach. With a mix of lavish apartment complexes, beachfront properties, and single-family homes set back on quiet, tree-lined streets, Santa Monica has a little bit of everything.
What to Love
- Quick access to the beach
- Eco-friendly tech-fueled city
- Bustling Santa Monica Pier
- Incredible shopping and dining scene
- Bustling downtown
- Mild sunshine with clean ocean breezes
Local Lifestyle
Ocean views, beachfront strolls, and early sunrise jogs across the bustling Santa Monica Pier are just bits of the lifestyle here. In Santa Monica, locals enjoy a relaxed environment with access to cosmopolitan treasures and the attractions of downtown LA. The city has proved a wonderful place for thriving tech startups, many big corporations setting up offices all over town, but this does nothing to push back its residential allure.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Santa Monica bustles with retail activity, an oasis of luxury designer brands, noteworthy global restaurants, and specialty shops set back against a facade of beautiful palm trees.
Culinary options range from seafood restaurants to sushi bars, new American cafes and grills, including places like Blue Plate Oysterette, where upscale plates of grilled oysters, fish tacos, mussels, and lobster rolls are served with wine and enjoyed in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean, or Ye Olde King’s Head offering fish ‘n’ chips along with British pub fare in a country-inn style location.
Craving a taste of what the A-listers have for dinner? The luxurious Giorgio Baldi serves some of the freshest seafood dishes and pasta smothered in delicious sauce. Forma is a stylish modern spot with an iconic cheese bar and extensive cocktail menu. Stop into R & D Kitchen for veggie burgers, steak, and salads, or pick up some warm country bread and hearty pizza from Milo and Olive.
Things to Do
The Santa Monica Pier stands out among the city’s beach landmarks as the most popular and iconic, stretching above the Santa Monica Bay and a backdrop for countless movies and pictures over the years. Come watch a beautiful sunset over the beach, cheer on street performers or even play arcade games with your friends at the oceanfront amusement Park— Pacific Park.
A stroll along the charming tree-lined Montana Avenue is a thrilling venture into a world of elegant restaurants, shops, and cafes lying minutes from the ocean. Looking for a picturesque workout moment? Then try ascending or descending the popular outdoor flight of stairs called Santa Monica Stairs with a promising panorama at the top. A major perk of the stairway is its proximity to the beach, but if you’re just looking to brush past lush leaves and take a photo against a panoramic backdrop of the city, the exercise is more than worth its hype.
Schools
Santa Monica is served by some of California’s top-rated schools, renowned for their innovative academic programs and outstanding extracurricular activities. Top educational opportunities include: