No matter what time of the year it is, I always wish to be in Santa Monica. California is a big state, but I can confidently say that Santa Monica is what really keeps people “California dreaming”. Santa Monica has some of the west coast’s best beaches alongside an extensive shopping and entertainment district. It also has 310 days of sunshine in a year, so all those white sandy beaches are never put to waste. It’s because of these assets that this city holds one of the world’s most expensive housing, usually purchased by Hollywood celebrities and multi-millionaires.
Seawall of Santa Monica
The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is a modern and eclectic outdoor shopping and entertainment district that is walking distance from its beaches. Despite its non-urban location, this area actually has some of the hugest flagship stores in all of the west coast. From Forever 21 to Kitson, anybody can find something in their budget here.
Third Street Promenade
At the tip of Santa Monica is its famous Santa Monica Pier. This old-school pier has existed for over a hundred years and hasn’t changed much since. Connected to the pier is Pacific Park, a kid’s amusement park on the beach that looks out straight into the Pacific Ocean. Although its rides aren’t very intense, they are notable because they are all entirely run by solar power. The roller coaster in the park has actually been there since 1930 and is a thus historical monument of the area.
Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Park
My most memorable part of visiting Santa Monica was biking along its beaches. Bikes can be rented at any point along the bike trail at reasonable rates. I myself biked down to Venice beach, the neighbouring beach down east. It was about a half an hour ride and with the sunshine and sandy beaches along the way, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Biking in Santa Monica
California Sunshine
For a good time in the sun, Santa Monica certainly won’t disappoint. The entire atmosphere of the city makes one feel constantly lively and refreshed. This is one of those places where I can spend a lot of time, since it’s a hub of everything and anything I like. The thought of being able to go biking in the morning, shopping in the afternoon, and clubbing at night is quite dreamy; that’s why Santa Monica is sometimes claimed as a resort town. This is California at its finest!
