Downtown Santa Monica - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

A wonderful beach located just west of Downtown Los Angeles. The beach is two miles long, has a picnic area, shops and pier. Visitor activities include volleyball, basketball and a running strip along the beach.

Large double-jointed pier containing a small amusement park, concession stands, and areas for views and fishing.

Pacific Park is the family place to play! It's the West Coast's only amusement park located on a pier. Millions of visitors each year enjoy all the rides, games and fun you'd expect from one of Southern California's Leading attractions. There are a total of twelve rides in Pacific Plunge, including the world's first and only solar powered Ferris wheel that provides a view of the Pacific Ocean and a roller coaster that circles the majority of the park.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a mile-long road lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries located in the southern part of Venice, Los Angeles, California. It stretches from Washington Boulevard to Main Street and is home to one-of-a–kind local goods as well as internationally recognized brands. The street has numerous international flagship stores, boutiques, art galleries, salons, and fitness studios. Abbot Kinney is also a popular nightlife spot.

The canals are located right off 25th street in Venice Beach. The area is primarily a neighborhood of houses that line four canals about a quarter-mile long each. Along these channels are sidewalks and bridges you can walk to take in the views of this beautiful area. Read all about the canals below so you can check them out for yourself. The Venice Canals are one of the city’s quirkiest neighborhoods as well as a picturesque reminder of the grandiose beginnings of Southern California.

An art museum and cultural center known for its artist-centric and progressive array of exhibitions and public programs. Particularly important among the museum's critically acclaimed exhibitions are presentations of both historically over-looked and emerging contemporary artists.