Since its incorporation in 1887, Santa Monica has been one of So Cal's hot-spots. Many affluent people of the late 19th and early 20th centuries built their grand mansions here because of the incredible combination of beauty, entertainment and relative proximity to important destinations. Today, in the early years of the 21st century this all remains the same.
With the centennial of Santa Monica Pier being celebrated in 2009, this spectacular seaside community still enjoys its beautiful beaches, the iconic pier that serves as its heart and soul, and an abundance of high-end lodging, dining, and shopping. Throw in the fact that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is only 8 miles away and metropolitan Los Angeles is also short ride and Santa Monica still holds true to the foundations that made it so popular.
While still holding true to its beginnings, things have changed a little in Santa Monica as time has progressed. The 1970's saw this area become a hotbed for the So Cal surf and skate scene, which still carries on today. In addition to this, the 1980's saw a revitalization project bring forth the Third Street Promenade, an outdoor pedestrian shopping and entertainment district full of fantastic dining, shopping and plenty of entertainment where Hollywood A-Lister's can be spotted.
Between the amazing beach and its crashing waves, food and fun on Santa Monica Pier, world-class dining and hotels of Ocean Avenue, skating and surfing scene in the Ocean Park neighborhood, fine dining and entertainment of Third Street Promenade, or the laid-back, chic style found throughout this community there is something here for everyone. Only a short distance to metropolitan Los Angeles or LAX, Santa Monica serves as the perfect base for trips of all purposes, most especially business and pleasure.
