About
Santa Monica is a coastal city on the Pacific shore of California, in the United States. It is a place where the ocean meets a lively, relaxed urban life, and many visitors come for the beaches and the famous pier.
The pier and the beaches
The city's best-known landmark is its pier, which reaches out over the water and gives the shoreline its character. The wide sandy beaches stretch along the coast, suited to a long walk, a swim, or simply watching the light change over the sea.
The end of Route 66
Santa Monica is also the western terminus of historic Route 66, the road that has long carried travellers across the country. Reaching its end here gives a visit a sense of journey, and many people treat the stop as a fitting finish to a road trip.
Plan your visit
- Spend time on the pier and the beach, which form the heart of the city.
- Walk the coastline and take in the open views of the Pacific.
- Look for the Route 66 connection if you are following the historic road.
Whether you come for a single afternoon by the water or as part of a longer California trip, Santa Monica offers a clear mix of seaside scenery and the easy pace of a coastal city.
