Santa Monica, California is a historical city that is located on the west coast of the United States and has a huge importance to the state of California. It's is 8.3 square miles and has a coastline stretching just over 3.5 miles. Winter temperatures average around 62*F and residents enjoy 340 days of sunshine out of the year. There are beautiful beaches just outside of the city and is a great place to enjoy yourself along with family and friends. On the beach is located the world famous Santa Monica pier where amusement park Pacific Park and Santa Monica Aquarium can be found where you can have fun throughout the night.

California is known for its great surf and Santa Monica is a prime example of that. There are many surf spots that will suit any surfer from any skill range from beginner to advanced. Unlike any other place in the continental U.S. California is the only place where you can enjoy the ocean without a wetsuit depending on the season. If you don't know how to surf, throughout the city there are many surf schools like Aqua Surf that will have advanced surfers out in the water with you to teach you first hand.

The beautiful beaches and surf aren't the only things to enjoy in Santa Monica, but you can emerge yourself around the cities unique art culture where there are 30 public art pieces for you to see. Also recognized as one of the top ten most sustainable cities in the U.S. 100% of Santa Monica’s public transport system, The Big Blue Bus operates on alternative fuels and bio diesel. It's extremely bike friendly with clearly marked roads so everything is just a bicycle ride away.

Santa Monica is located centrally and is close to many other amazing cities in California. A 30 minute drive north up the coast will get you to Malibu, Ca another beautiful coastal city where you are within minutes from. You are a 35 minute drive away from Hollywood where you never know who you might see out. Santa Monica High School has been a virtual factory for top Hollywood talent, alumni include Sean Penn, Heather Thomas, Rob Lowe, Charlie Sheen and Robert Downey Jr. Another

The city emerged as a international culinary destination in the mid 1980s and is still in the top echelon of American dining. Restaurants like Hillstone and Tar and Roses are ranked the best among the cities dining places. Fortunately, there are no restaurants in Santa Monica that require a jacket and tie so you can enjoy gourmet food casually.

Route 66 – the most famous historic road in America officially ends at the Santa Monica Pier. This city has a lot of value to California because of its innovation and impact on the rest of the U.S. For example, skateboarding as an extreme sport originated in Santa Monica by local legends Tony Alwa and Jay Adams. Also, the original Muscle Beach started in this city which started a country wide physical fitness movement.

Not only known for its surf and culinary destinations Santa Monica has some of the top shopping plazas around. Santa Monica Place is a three story, entirely outdoor shopping mecca and is located just three blocks away from the beach.

If you aren't looking to live here, there are many beautiful hotels that you can stay at. Santa Monica is home to 36 hotel properties and home to world famous beachside resorts.

Santa Monica is a one of a kind city that you will not find anywhere similar in the world. The great art culture and top class cuisine mixed with the accessibility to some of the best waves in California is why it is one of the most desired cities in the U.S.