Santa Monica, More than Just a Pier

Santa Monica is a beautiful seaside city close to metro Los Angeles and all of Southern California.  Some say it has two personalities because it is half urban center and half beach town.  It welcomes equal parts vacationers and business travelers every year.  So, if you’re planning a vacation to this quaint town, make sure you check out all the Santa Monica vacation rentals that are available.  It’s only eight miles from LA’s airport and it completely walkable itself.  Santa Monica has eight districts and each and every one of them is unique to the other.

Downtown contains the city’s fanciest shops, and famous retailers and two farmer’s markets.  It also has an open-air Third Street Promenade for pedestrian shopping, dining, street performers, book stores, and movie theaters.

The Pier puts you in contact with the ocean.  There is an amusement park over the ocean.  Ocean Avenue is lined with palm trees and has a several restaurants and hotels with ocean views.

Mid-city is a street that features a wide variety of pubs, shopping, a new performing arts venue, and major film and music companies.  Main Street has the chic shopping and dining destinations, art galleries and a farmer’s market just two blocks from the ocean.  You can also find the visitor’s center on Main Street.

Montana Avenue feels like a European Boulevard mixed with a residential neighborhood with quality shopping and dining options.  Pico Boulevard is known for its record stores and an enormous Saturday Farmer’s Market, clothing boutiques and restaurants.

Ocean Park is an artsy part of town which is home to many art galleries, coffee shops, and a culinary arts school restaurant.  The Airport is a destination as well.  Wonderful restaurants, a outdoor antique market and the famous annual Barney’s sale at its Barker Hangar can be found in this one of a kind location.

Oh, and for the kid in all of us, Disneyland isn’t too far away either!   So, not matter how you like to spend your vacation time, Santa Monica has it all.  If you are planning an extended stay so you can better take in all this town has to offer, the best bet is to find a Santa Monica Vacation rental to suit your needs.  That way you can feel at home, while away from home.

Santa Monica is a great place for families, singles, couples, business folks, those seeking adventure and those seeking peace and quiet.  This town has something for the whole family.  Don’t miss out!

Jill Burbank is an inbound blogger with a love for Santa Monica. Follow Jill @JillBurbank2.