Santa Monica State Beach is the most visited beach located along Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica. The 3.5 miles long beach is popular among local and international visitors. The state beach offers many activities for kids and family. It includes picnic areas, restrooms, parks, and playgrounds. Popular beach activities include surfing, swimming, and volleyball. Near by attractions include Santa Monica Pier and Palisades Park.
Santa Monica Pier offers a wide range of activities for everyone including carousel, an arcade, an amusement park, and outdoor concerts. The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with Ferris wheel. Other attractions include Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, shops, trapeze school, pubs, and restaurants.
Pacific Park located on the Santa Monica Pier is a popular amusement park. The park offers 12 amusement rides including Rollercoasters, Thrill rides, Family rides, Games, and Children's rides. Admission to the park is free and ride tickets can be purchased from ticket booth. Unlimited ride wristband also available to enjoy rides for the whole day.
Heal the Bay Aquarium, previously named the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is located under the Santa Monica Pier. The aquarium exhibits include over 100 local species. Heal the Bay Aquarium also offers hands-on activities and daily educational programs. The aquarium features two-spot octopus, touch tanks, rocky reef, kelp forest, tidal surge, dorothy green room, sea jellies, and sharks.
Located in downtown area, Third Street Promenade is the most visited pedestrian mall. Known as shopping and dining district, the mall stretches for three blocks. The street attracts people from all over Los Angeles area. Popular attractions include public art topiary sculptures and fountains. The Third Street is also home to street performers, artists and entertainers.
Palisades Park is a popular public park located along Ocean Avenue. The 26.4 acres park extends from the Santa Monica Pier to Adelaide Drive. Palisades Park is known for best views of Santa Monica Bay and the coastal mountains. The park features rose garden, totem pole, Santa Monica concrete sculpture, Gestation III wood sculpture, Beacon Overlook, and public arts.
Tongva Park is a 6-acre urban park located between Ocean Avenue and Main Street. The park is best known for overlook that offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and of the Santa Monica Pier. Tongva Park features 4 areas: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill, and Gathering Hill. The park includes garden, fountains, picnic areas, playground, and amphitheater.
Annenberg Community Beach House is a public facility that is open to everyone. The unique beach house is built on location of mansion that was built for Marion Davies. The facility features mansion's rehabilitated historic pool with spectacular views. Other attractions include Marion Davies Guest House, gallery, playground, beach courts & fields, and splash pad. The beach house is also available for hosting private events and celebration.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area includes many hidden parks and beaches in the greater Los Angeles area. It includes over 500 miles of trails and historical sites. Popular places to see include Griffith Park, King Gillette Ranch , Franklin Canyon Park, Whitestone National Park, Point Mugu State Park, Topanga State Park, and Malibu Creek State Park. Things to do in Santa Monica Mountains area include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, and wildflower viewing.
Santa Monica Place is a popular shopping mall located at the south end of Third Street Promenade shopping district. It is located just two blocks away from the beach and Santa Monica Pier. The mall is open every day and it includes premier shops, luxury shopping stores and restaurants. It also has a movie theater called ArcLight Cinemas.