santa monica

SANTA MONICA CA

Introduction

Santa Monica is the perfect beach town with a plethora of attractions. More so than adjacent Malibu or Venice Beach, Santa Monica manages the ideal balance of seaside charm and coastal sophistication. This makes it an entirely attractive travel destination. At just 8.3 square miles, you’ll find Santa Monica to be very walkable, yet with a laidback warmth to it.

SANTA MONICA CA LANDMARKS

The main landmarks in Santa Monica CA are;

Santa Monica pier: The Pier features an amusement park, dining facilities, gift shops, an arcade, and designated areas for fishing. You do not need a license to fish from the Pier.

Pacific park: this is a carnival style amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier. A ferris wheel offers spectacular views of the Santa Monica Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica, Ocean Park and Venice Beach. There are carnival games, a roller coaster and other rides.

Santa Monica State Beach:Santa Monica State Beach is an iconic destination that draws visitors from around the globe. It is 3 miles long, covering 245 acres of sand along Santa Monica Bay. Residents and visitors enjoy broad stretches of sandy beach, rolling waves, meandering bike and walking paths, and inspiring views of the Santa Monica Mountains year-round. Santa Monica State Beach is managed by the City of Santa Monica in cooperation with California State Parks.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium: this is a marine science learning center and aquarium located under the Santa Monica Pier (near the Carousel). The features interactive lessons and activities to introduce students to the basic concepts of marine environmental studies. Open to the general public, or to student groups.For just $5, you can feel a spiky sea urchin, a sea star, and get close to a swell shark at the Santa Monica Aquarium.

Third street promenade: The promenade is popular among both tourists and locals. You can do endless shopping, but if you get tired or have to wait for someone who spends hours in one store, the promenade also has talented street performers to keep you entertained. The newly updated mall also has a dining terrace where you can eat gelato while people watch on the outdoor top floor.

Palisades park: This park is different than most – it stretches along the bluff overlooking the Santa Monica beach, is filled with art and sculpture, has

plenty of trees to relax under and gardens to have picnics, and the best part is the food trucks that stay there to satisfy your hunger. It is conveniently located between the ocean and the promenade – letting you rest between the best of both worlds.

Saddle Peak: Saddle Peak is one of the more prominent peaks on the long sharp ridge of the Bridger Range in southwest Montana. Impressive views from the summit include the Gallatin and Madison Ranges as well as the Crazy Mountains and the Absorkas. Much of southwest Montana is visible from this highpoint and the Gallatin Valley sits just below you with views of the Bozeman Airport and if you are lucky, maybe a closely flying plane. Hiking is allowed on the site, but no camping is allowed. Hiking can be done mostly any time of year that is snow free or when snow conditions are stable which is typically June-October. Early season and winter ascents are very possible and only requires an ice axe, and maybe crampons and avalanche beacons/probes.

Muscle beach: Muscle Beach was established on the beach area south of the Santa Monica Pier in 1933 as a part of a beachfront movement of gymnasts, acrobats and many other talented athletes who converged on a small section of the Santa Monica coastline.

Museum of Flying: At the Santa Monica Municipal Airport, there are two observation decks, where you can not only see the planes land and take off at a close view, but you can bring the family and have the little one sit inside the cockpit of a real airplane! Located on the property is the Museum of Flying, where you can learn about the history of flying and have your children learn with interactive exhibitions.

Angels Attic: angels attic Museum was founded in 1984. The museum is located near the corner of Colorado Avenue. The museum houses dollhouses and miniatures which are magical and fascinating. There are seven galleries and many display cabinets at Angels Attic which provide intense experience.