Socal Beaches Magazine

Welcome to Santa Monica California!

About Santa Monica:  Santa Monica balances vibrant commercial districts and neighboring residential communities within 8.3 square miles of land beside the Pacific Ocean. The city is 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles, bordered by the city of Los Angeles on three sides and the Pacific on the west. Santa Monica was founded in 1875 on the site of the land grant of Don Francisco Sepulveda, and incorporated in 1886. Santa Monica is best known for it's great beaches which include miles of scenic boardwalks stretching down into Venice Beach to the south and Malibu to the north. Santa Monica also boasts for having one of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast and the best amusement park on the beach which feaures a ferris wheel, roller coaster, dining and other entertainment.

Downtown Santa Monica is 30 city blocks chock full of great shopping, entertainment and wonderful dining. This is a great place to walk and you will find the beach, Palisades Park and Santa Monica Pier only a few blocks away. In addition, you can park your car in any of our 7 public parking garages and then take the Tide Shuttle to nearby shops and hotels in the Main Street district.

The city's coastal Mediterranean climate provides an ideal atmosphere for taking advantage of the famous California lifestyle. Centered on three miles of wide, white sandy beaches, the city enjoys a mild climate averaging about 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.  Air quality is consistently good in the coastal district that surrounds Santa Monica.