Best Santa Monica Day Trips & Things to Do

Identified often by its landmark pier containing Pacific Park, the beach resort city bordering Los Angeles draws many tourists for its gorgeous beaches and pleasant weather. Santa Monica was established in 1886 and named after Saint Monica. Santa Monica Pier and its amusement park contains a giant ferris wheel, 1920s carousel, wooden roller coaster, aquarium, arcade, eateries and stores. The Southern California city that is located along Pacific Coast Highway also has many retailers and restaurants as well as multimillion dollar beachfront homes.