Santa Monica

Essentially Santa Monica is a resort town offering an escape from the pollution and heat of LA. However, it is a fiercely independent enclave with its own distinct character.

Set on the palm lined 'Palisades' overlooking the mighty Pacific; Santa Monica is a pleasant liberal community keen on maintaining itself as such. Planning restrictions have ensured there has been no befouling of the coastline.

Santa Monica Pier reflects the towns past as a giant funfair, the pier still has a Ferris wheel and a restored 1920's Carousel (this is where we first encounter Paul Newman as Henry Gondorf in 'The Sting'). For more a modern 'funfair' visit Pacific Park with the usual array of lunch churning rides.

Rather better is the Museum of Flying, which does a decent job of presenting the history of flight. Better still is the UCLA Ocean Discovery Centre. This has numerous exhibits explaining the nature of the local marine environment.

Elsewhere there is the Santa Monica Museum of Art which sits alongside Bergamont Station an 'arcade' with over 40 galleries.

For shopping and a lively street life go to the Third Street Promenade a pedestrian area with all the best bars, shops and restaurants.

At the end of the day, take a stroll through Palisades Park sitting atop the bluffs this is a great place to catch a Pacific sunset.