The Ocean & Beach
Three miles of open Pacific shoreline that belongs to everyone — the reason the city faces west.
The Pier
A wooden landmark known worldwide and still used every day by locals.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Sunsets
The nightly gathering ritual along the bluffs, the sand, and the pier deck.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Walkability
A city where errands, school, coffee, and the beach are often a walk away.
Where to find it
Downtown Santa MonicaThird Street PromenadeMain StreetMontana AvenueOcean ParkMid-CityNorth of MontanaWilshire / MontanaNortheast Santa MonicaDowntown ResidentialMajor CorridorsE Line Stations
Issues that touch it
Parks & Green Space
Neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and bluff-top lawns that hold daily life.
Where to find it
Santa Monica Airport AreaPalisades ParkReed ParkMemorial ParkVirginia Avenue ParkAirport ParkCivic CenterPico NeighborhoodMid-CityNorth of MontanaWilshire / MontanaSunset ParkNortheast Santa Monica
Issues that touch it
Neighborhoods
Distinct pockets with their own rhythm, from Ocean Park to North of Montana.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Local Businesses
Independent shops and family-run storefronts that give streets their character.
Where to find it
Downtown Santa MonicaThird Street PromenadeMain StreetMontana AvenueOcean ParkPico NeighborhoodMid-CityWilshire / MontanaDowntown ResidentialMajor Corridors
Issues that touch it
Restaurants & Cafés
Corner cafés, taquerias, patios, and counters where neighbors run into each other.
Where to find it
Santa Monica PierDowntown Santa MonicaThird Street PromenadeMain StreetMontana AvenuePico NeighborhoodWilshire / MontanaDowntown Residential
Issues that touch it
Arts & Culture
Galleries, murals, theatre, music, and street performance woven into public space.
Where to find it
Santa Monica PierDowntown Santa MonicaThird Street PromenadeSanta Monica Airport AreaSanta Monica CollegeReed ParkCivic CenterE Line Stations
Issues that touch it
Education
Public schools, libraries, and a community college that opens doors.
Where to find it
Santa Monica CollegeMemorial ParkVirginia Avenue ParkPico NeighborhoodNorth of MontanaSunset ParkE Line Stations
Issues that touch it
Diversity
Many languages, generations, and backgrounds sharing the same square miles.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Community
Volunteers, organizations, and neighbors who show up for each other.
Where to find it
Third Street PromenadeMain StreetSanta Monica Airport AreaSanta Monica CollegeReed ParkMemorial ParkVirginia Avenue ParkAirport ParkCivic CenterOcean ParkPico NeighborhoodWilshire / MontanaSunset ParkNortheast Santa MonicaDowntown ResidentialE Line Stations
Issues that touch it
Outdoor Lifestyle
Surfing, swimming, running, volleyball, and year-round outdoor living.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Historic Places
Bungalows, storefronts, and landmarks that carry the city's memory.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Architecture
Craftsman courts, mid-century modern, deco, and coastal contemporary side by side.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Farmers Markets
Weekly markets that connect the city to regional farms and to itself.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Bikes & Paths
The beach path, bike lanes, and flat streets that make riding realistic.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Public Spaces
Plazas, promenades, courts, and lawns where the city meets in the open.
Where to find it
Santa Monica BeachDowntown Santa MonicaThird Street PromenadeSanta Monica Airport AreaPalisades ParkCivic CenterDowntown ResidentialMajor CorridorsE Line Stations
Issues that touch it
California Coastal Character
Light, salt air, palms, and low-slung streets that could only be here.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Recreation & Sport
Courts, fields, pools, and playgrounds in constant use.
Where to find it
Santa Monica PierSanta Monica BeachSanta Monica Airport AreaSanta Monica CollegeReed ParkMemorial ParkVirginia Avenue ParkAirport ParkSunset Park
Issues that touch it
Views
Bluff overlooks, ocean horizons, and mountains on a clear day.
Where to find it
Issues that touch it
Trees & Landscape
Street canopies, ficus tunnels, and the palms along the bluff.