West of the 405 Freeway is Santa Monica. A huge sprawling city itself of immense economic diversity with its own neighborhoods.
For teens and tourists, the mall, the pier and the boardwalk are big draws for other LA natives not so much. But LA natives will tolerate the 3rd Street Promenade as its one of the few areas of Santa Monica with nice restaurants, shopping, movie theaters and parking. For shopping, Santa Monica has little hidden pockets like Montana Street, Wilshire Blvd. and others who are willing to venture off the beaten path.
Santa Monica definitely has everything to relieve you of your stress while travelling. You can forget your worries (if you have any) and play vollyball, bike, rollerblade or just take it easy in the sand. For the more active traveller the Santa Monica mountains are there where you can hike. See Pacific Palisades for more on outdoor activities in the mountains.
If people watching is what you're really after, go to the Santa Monica Pier for its boardwalk ambience. The heart of Santa Monica is the 3rd St Promenade, a sort of small mall where you can find about anything and where musicians and mimes perform and artists sketch among sidewalk cafés and shops. The famous Santa Monica pier, built between 1908 and 1921, is the oldest pleasure pier on the West Coast.
Besides the friendly beaches Santa Monica also offers nice restaurants and perfect bars for dancing or just to simply take a cup of coffee there during daytime... So, come and see the things Santa Monica has to offer and if you want you can visit the nearby Beverly Hills, Hollywood or Pasadena.
Popular hangouts
The Beach and everything from that goes with it; the sunshine, the lingerin around and the sporting is what Santa Monica is well known for.
The Beach Bike Path attracts generally everyone into sporting, roller bladers, joggers, basically everyone for there is an average of 300 sunny days in Santa Monica. In the way you will meet many street performers, musicians or you can join in with beach volleyball or hang out at the place called 'muscle beach'.
The Pacific Ocean makes an ideal place for enjoyng the water, surfing, swimming or just walking. Lifeguards are present.
The Santa Monica Mountains are just 15 minutes north of downtown Santa Monica. Enter the 150,000 acre Santa Monica Mountain Recreation Area from Sunset Boulevard. You will also find many locals here to enjoy hiking and bird watching. Park sites are open 7 days a week. More information; call the park's information line (818) 597-9192 extension 201.
Douglas Park (24th Street & Wilshire Boulevard) features a green, bowling. Apart from the bowling the park also features outdoor tennis courts.
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