Santa Monica & Beverly Hills

 

Santa Monica is as picturesque a beach town as you can get. It’s bordered by the mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Santa Monica Pier is always bustling with locals and tourists, and Ocean Boulevard is lined with upscale outdoor dining. You’ll find spacious single-family homes along palm tree-lined streets, modern beachfront cottages, and luxury high-rise condominiums. All have ocean views or easy access to the beach.

Beverly Hills is all about the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Spanish villas, Tuscan-style estates, and sleek contemporary mansions line immaculate streets. The residential areas are quiet and peaceful, but the shops around Rodeo Drive are always bustling with people. On Rodeo Drive, the streets are lined with every luxury and designer brand, including Cartier and Hermes. Bugattis and Ferraris are parked out on the street as wealthy patrons peruse the stores or take leisure lunches.

 

Santa Monica has a definite beach vibe, with plenty of active people jogging, biking, or surfing in the glorious weather. There are even yoga classes out on the sand. In Beverly Hills, you’ll find residents in designer suits and dresses while they are out and about. It’s a mix of laid-back and upscale chic.

Santa Monica and Beverly Hills are meccas for fine dining. In Santa Monica, The Penthouse has trendy California cuisine and unique handcrafted cocktails. Perched on top of the Huntley Hotel, it offers panoramic views of Santa Monica Beach. Boa Steakhouse, Meat on Ocean, and Del Frisco’s Grill are among the best steakhouses in Los Angeles. For seafood in Santa Monica, Water Grill, The Lobster, and Blue Plate Oysterette are all popular with locals and tourists alike.

In Beverly Hills, Mastro’s Steakhouse serves decadent entrees and is always bustling with diners talking over cocktails before dinner. Cut by Wolfgang Puck and Mr. Chow are also very popular.

If you’re looking for a social night out, Santa Monica has a lot of bars and lounges open late, even on weekdays. Harvelle’s is great for live music. The Bungalow is an upscale hangout with a retro theme. Elephante is a restaurant, bar, and beach house that has incredible views from its Sunset Room and a live DJ throughout the night.

For shopping, the 3rd Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place have retail shops, boutique stores, and numerous other eateries. On Sundays, Main Street Farmers’ Market and Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market have organic produce, baked goods, and artisanal vendors.

The stretch of coastline along Santa Monica Beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, paddling, or sunbathing. Set in what was once a Hearst mansion, Annenberg Beach House is a community facility with a historic outdoor pool and event spaces. 

A short drive away, Will Rogers State Historic Park and Temescal Canyon Park have networks of trails and several viewpoints. In the summer, there are outdoor concerts, festivals, and marathons on Santa Monica Pier. This is also a great place for people-watching.

In Beverly Hills, Rose Gardens Park has jogging paths, public art, and the iconic Beverly Hills sign. In the holiday season, Two Rodeo hosts an elaborate tree-lighting ceremony complete with concerts and fireworks.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and Beverly Hills Unified School District serve Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. Notable schools here include: