It's become one of my favorite places in the southern California area, the view of the Pacific Ocean, hotels, restaurants, shops, people, great vibe..
We take a walk on a regular basis when visiting our Son and his young family who live in Santa Monica it is a people watchers paradise the keep fit fanatics the rough sleepers but the views from the top of the Bluff are amazing you can take a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk anything goes that's what makes it such a special place
We had a wonderful time biking on the beach. It was so easy since it was completely flat !even the teenagers enjoyed it ! we stopped here and there. Once at some kind of outdoor play area where the teenagers had a lot of fun. then for lunch . I would love to go and rent bikes again.
Just a note that this street (Ocean Avenue) runs parallel to the beach and goes through Venice and ends at Marina Del Rey.
Some high end hotels on this street help the car watching and beautiful palm trees in the area. Best to be on the east side of the street after dark. Many restaurants from a cheap pizza place to fine dining.
Its a great ocean view, way higher than the coast line. You can see all the way to Malibu, in the north west direction, and maybe San Pedro in the south direction. Pacific Coast highway will be directly under u, the beach and some beautiful homes. The section by the Pier is always busy and full of Tourists( if you like people watch, which I do) the Park extends along the Blvd and has a great northern side of it which is quite and relaxing, and that's where the locals hang and jug. Plenty of hotels and restaurants all along the Blvd, and a block or two in there is the new hopping area, and Third St. Promenade , with more shops and restaurants . There are there to move theaters and they are renovating a third one. Music and entertainment is part of the seen all day and night on the week ends. Have fun, its worth visiting. If you like Photography, like me, don't forget to take your good Camera with you and wait toward the end of the day, so you can get great Sunset shots!
Enjoyed the area being this was the first time I have been to the west coast in 30 years. Loved walking around also and looking at the views.
What's not to like, its an avenue on the ocean! From the restaurants to the shops to the ocean, everything about it is awesome!
Lived here for 3 years... can't imagine leaving! Fabulous views of the Pacific and unbeatable sunsets...Great local facilities, fabulous restaurants and a Brit Pub (Kings Head on Santa Monica Boulevard) only 2 minutes walk away. Life just doesn't get better! :-)
Take time to drive down Ocean Ave from Santa Monica pier to Venice its a great drive along the beach wit plenty to stop and do.