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| What
to See & Do in Santa Monica |
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 There's
much to see and do while staying in Santa Monica. But to make
your trip complete, you shouldn't miss seeing at least some of
these special places we have listed below. Don't forget
the exciting city of Hollywood is close by where you will find
Rodeo Drive, Universal Studios, and the Hollywood Walk of
Fame. Learn about all of your favorite stars and enjoy
sights you won't find anywhere else on earth. That is
just the start. You can take a stroll down the Santa
Monica Pier, visit Warner Bros. Studios or tour Griffith
Park.
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Attractions & Activities
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Anaheim
Attractions - can be
found at our Anaheim site All
About Anaheim
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Los
Angeles Attractions - can be found at our Los
Angeles site All
About Los Angeles
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The
Santa Monica Pier - built in 1908 is the oldest
pleasure pier on the west coast. For generations it has been the
focal point of the City's beach and its premier attraction.
Located on the Pier are the historic Looff Hippodrome building
and carousel, the spectacular rides and games of the new Pacific
Park, shops, restaurants, pubs, entertainment and a fishing
balcony. The Twilight Dance Series features free concerts during
the summer. (310) 458-8900.
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The
Looff Hippodrome Building - on the Santa Monica
Pier has housed a hand-carved carousel since 1916. The current
one is a 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan carousel which was brought
to the Pier in 1946. The 44- original hand-painted wooden horses
were restored in 1981 and were featured in the movie "The
Sting" with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. (310)
458-8867.
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Pacific
Park - also on the Santa Monica Pier, is the only
west coast amusement park to be located on a pier over the
ocean. Guests pay only for the rides they use in this non-gated
park which features a 9-story tall Ferris wheel, an oceanfront
rollercoaster that rises 5 stories above the water, nine other
family rides, midway games, a food plaza and boutiques. (310)
260-8744
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UCLA
Discovery Center - the newest Pier attraction is
actually underneath the Pier at 1600 Ocean Front Walk. This
high-tech, interactive aquarium includes a wall aquarium,
"wet labs," and tidepool exhibits that focus on the
delicate ecology of the Pacific Ocean. Admission is $3. The
Center is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays only from 11
a.m. - 5 p.m. (310) 393-6149
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Muscle
Beach - south of the Santa Monica Pier, is the
former beach workout site for body builders Jack LaLanne and Vic
and Armand Tanny. It is now marked with a sign detailing its
history. Efforts are underway to restore the area to its 1950's
glory, but you can still work out on its gymnastic rings and
bars.
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International
Chess Park - on the beachfront at Ocean Front
Walk hosts hundreds of matches each day featuring players from
beginners to masters. If you play, don't hesitate to pick up a
game.
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Palisades
Park - is the most famous and scenic of all Santa
Monica's parks. This cliff top 26-acre gathering spot overlooks
the Pacific Ocean, offering a spectacular view of the Bay from
Palos Verdes Peninsula to Malibu. Enjoy its lush greenery, palm
shaded benches and walking/jogging paths. Palisades Park is also
the home of the Visitors Center where you find maps, calendars
of events, tour and accommodation suggestions and traveler's
assistance of all kinds.
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Route
66 - (Santa Monica Boulevard) that famed symbol
of moving on, made notable by John Steinbeck, Bobby Troup and
Nat King Cole enters the City at Centinela Avenue and ends its
national route at Ocean Avenue. Drive along its meandering way
to capture not only its history, but to see the City of Santa
Monica in all its senses-delighting diversity.
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