Santa Monica Bay

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Bay spans about 20 miles (32 km) between two of the richest communities in California - Malibu and Palos Verdes. It's truly the "Cold Coast" of the Golden State, and its shores have some of the finest beaches anywhere, including Topanga, Santa Monica, and Venice on through Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo, and Torrance. American surfing, and the youth culture it spawned, was born here. In the movies, these fabled beaches have stood in for everything from Guadalcanal and Tahiti to Shangri-la. The rows of mammoth palms along the Santa Monica promenade cliffs epitomize California. Access to the Pacific along the beaches - whether by ferry to Catalina Island, surfing, taking a gondola cruise through the canals of Long Beach, or just popping into the local waves from a newly discovered favorite strand - is bountiful. Take the plunge! Santa Monica's main attraction however, is Santa Monica Pier which offers sundry entertainment options and a lively carnival atmosphere.

Malibu Adamson House & Malibu Lagoon Museum

Located on a bluff overlooking the Malibu Lagoon, this Spanish Colonial-style mansion was built by Rhoda Rindge Adamson and her husband, Merritt, in 1928. The complex showcases hand-painted ceramic tiles manufactured by Malibu Potteries, owned by the Rindge family. The Rindges also built the Malibu Colony, a celebrity enclave now home to Tom Hanks and Barbra Streisand. The Malibu Lagoon Museum next to the Adamson House chronicles Malibu's history, from its Shumash Indian origins to its position as movie star Shangri-la.

23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

Santa Monica Pier

For a variety of entertainment, visit Santa Monica Pier. A/here else can you hop on to a historic carousel, visit an aquarium, or ride a roller coaster? California's oldest amusement pier (built in 1908) also marks the western terminus of Route 66. Its oldest attraction is the 1916 Hippodrome, a merry-go-round that has made many movie appearances. Its newest 5 Pacific Park, a compact amusement park, anchored by a solar-powered Ferris wheel. Tucked beneath the pier, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a small, family-oriented facility where you can observe and pet local marine life. At the end of Colorado Ave

Bergamot Station Arts Center

This former historic trolley station has been imaginatively recycled into an industrial-flavored complex of nearly three dozen galleries, shops, artists' studios, and a cafe. A highlight is the Santa Monica Art Museum, exhibiting cutting-edge artists, many of whom work in non-traditional media including video installations. It also organizes lectures, workshops, and other events designed to involve the community in the creative process.

2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica

Third Street Promenade

Downtown Santa Monica's main artery, this three-block mall is one of the most pleasant walking areas in LA. The product of a hugely successful revitalization effort in the late 1980s, it is flanked by upscale shops, movie theaters, and eclectic restaurants, bars, and cafes. Street musicians from around the globe shower strollers with flamenco, jazz, and hip hop. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the farmers market attracts large crowds.

3rd St between Broadway & Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Venice Boardwalk

Santa Monica

It is perhaps fitting that Venice Beach, masterminded by an eccentric visionary named Abbot Kinney, is LA's epicenter of counterculture. The circus-like scene reigning along the seaside boardwalk (officially known as "Ocean Front Walk") must be seen to be believed. Avoid after dark.

Ocean Front Walk between Venice Blvd & Rose Ave

Venice Canals

Abbot Kinney's Venice of America was once laced with 16 miles (26 km) of canals. The area anguished until the 1960s when beatniks such as Stuart Perkoff discovered its unique charm, dragging flower children - most famously Jim Morrison - in their wake. In 1994, the city restored 3 miles (5 km) of canals, which have since become a beautiful, upscale neighborhood. A narrow walkway that is known as the Venice Canal Walk threads through here.

Between Washington & Venice Blvds

Marina del Rey

With over 6,000 yachts and pleasure boats, Marina del Rey is the largest small-craft harbor in the world and the place to come for those seeking fun on the water. Active types could explore the harbor on kayaks. You can also catch a dinner cruise, book a whale-watching trip (January to March), or charter a sport fishing boat. Favorite landlubber activities include a sunset dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants.

South of Venice Beach

South Bay

Surfing, swimming, tanning, beach volleyball, and other outdoor pursuits govern the laid-back lifestyle of the string of three picture-perfect beach towns in the southern Santa Monica Bay. Of these, Manhattan Beach is the most sophisticated, Hermosa the liveliest, and Redondo the most Historical. A paved trail paralleling the beach and connecting all the three communities is perfect for bicycling and inline skating.

Palos Verdes Peninsula

This posh enclave straddling a rocky precipice is one of the most exclusive in America. A drive along its coastline affords great ocean views with Catalina Island in the distance. Malaga Cove and Abalone Cove are popular for tidepool explorations and Point Vicente for whale-watching. Flower lovers should head inland to the sprawling South Coast Botanic Garden.

Follow Palos Verdes Dr along the coast

Wayfarer's Chapel

The most famous structure by Lloyd Wright is a striking 1951 glass and stone memorial to 18th-century theologian Emanuel Swedenborg. The chapel, overlooking the Pacific, is surrounded by landscaped grounds that include a reflecting pool and terraced amphitheater.

5755 Palos Verdes Dr South

Venice Boardwalk Attractions

Places to eat