About Santa Monica, California

With nearly four miles of beaches and a vibrant urban scene, Santa Monica blends the sophistication of an international coastal city with the laidback vibe of a California beach town. Due to its favorable climate, the city became a famed resort town by the early 20th century attracting many celebrities, like Marion Davies, to build magnificent beach front homes on Roosevelt Highway (AKA Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)).

Recently named by National Geographic as one of the Top “10 Beach Cities in the World” and by TIME as one of the “Best Places to Live”, Santa Monica features three miles of Pacific beaches and the Santa Monica Pier.

Santa Monica has a strong and diverse economy. Known as “Silicon Beach,” local businesses are at the leading edge of the nation’s creative economy. Shopping hotspots range from open-air Santa Monica Place to the showcases for major brands that line downtown’s Third Street Promenade, an area made all the more lively by street performers. The City also boasts numerous art galleries all around the city, with the biggest concentration at Bergamot Station, a former railroad station and industrial site where you’ll find leading 20 galleries.