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Santa Monica, CA

Frequently asked questions

Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica is a city in Los Angeles County, situated along Santa Monica Bay on California's South Coast. Santa Monica's 2020 U.S. Census population was 93,076. Santa Monica is a popular resort town, owing to its climate, beaches, and hospitality industry.It has a diverse economy, hosting headquarters of companies such as Hulu, Universal Music Group, Lionsgate Films, and The Recording Academy.

Santa Monica traces its history to Rancho San Vicente y Santa Mónica, granted in 1839 to the Sepúlveda family of California. The rancho was later sold to John P. Jones and Robert Baker, who in 1875, along with his Californio heiress wife Arcadia Bandini de Stearns Baker, founded Santa Monica, which incorporated as a city in 1886. The city developed into a seaside resort during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the creation of tourist attractions such as Palisades Park, the Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Park, and the Hotel Casa del Mar.

Santa Monica rests on a mostly flat slope that angles down toward Ocean Avenue and toward the south. High bluffs separate the north side of the city from the beaches. Santa Monica borders the L.A. neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades to the north and Venice to the south. To the west, Santa Monica has a 3-mile coastline fronting Santa Monica Bay, and to the east of the city are the L.A. communities of West Los Angeles and Brentwood.

The Tongva are Indigenous to the Santa Monica area. The village of Comicranga was established in the Santa Monica area. One of the village's notable residents was Victoria Reid, who was the daughter of the chief of the village. During the Spanish period, she was taken to Mission San Gabriel by her parents at the age of six.

The first non-indigenous group to set foot in the area was the party of explorer Gaspar de Portolá, which camped near the present-day intersection of Barrington and Ohio Avenues on August 3, 1769.

Santa Monica focuses on health and wellness. Law enforcement services are provided by the Santa Monica Police Department. The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center in Santa Monica. The Department's West Area Health Office is in the Simms/Mann Center. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Santa Monica’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include John Reed Fitness, Burn Fitness, and Santa Monica Wellness. Explore the walking and biking trails in and around Santa Monica, including the Backbone Trail and the Mishe Mokwa Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Santa Monica, CA are Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, and Downtown Santa Monica. 

Population: Around 90,729 - 91,024 (2025). Zip codes: 90401–90411. Area codes: 310, 424. Elevation: 105 ft (32 m). Area: 16.00 sq mi (41.43 km2).

FAQs

Is Santa Monica, CA a good place to live?

Santa Monica is in Los Angeles County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Santa Monica offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Santa Monica, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Santa Monica and residents tend to be liberal. 

How Long is Santa Monica, CA from Los Angeles?

The tram journey time between Los Angeles and Santa Monica is around 50 min and covers a distance of around 26 km. Operated by Metro Los Angeles, the Los Angeles to Santa Monica tram service departs from Historic Broadway Station and arrives at Downtown Santa Monica Station. Typically 657 trams run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.

Is Santa Monica, CA the Most Expensive City?

The city of Santa Monica, situated on the western coast of Los Angeles and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, ranks as the 2nd most expensive place to reside in California. It is famous for its serene ambiance, stunning beaches, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The North of Montana locality in Santa Monica is among the most costly neighborhoods in the entire United States, occupying the third spot overall, and it is the priciest area in California.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica Police Department

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services 

Simms/Mann Health 

The Department's West Area Health Office 

Santa Monica’s Recreation and Community Services Department

John Reed Fitness

Burn Fitness 

Santa Monica Wellness

Backbone Trail

Mishe Mokwa Trail

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica State Beach

Downtown Santa Monica

Niche

Rome2rio

High Rise Condos

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