Santa Monica is a beachfront city in Western Los Angeles. Due to its climate and close proximity to Los Angeles, it became a famous resort town by the early 20th century, attracting many celebrities. Santa Monica has experienced a boom in the late 1980ies through the revitalization of its downtown core, increased job growth and increased tourism.
Popular tourist sites include the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and Palisades Park.
Santa Monica has three main shopping districts: Montana Avenue on the north side, the Downtown District and Main Street on the south end.
Third Street Promenade: A major outdoor pedestrian-only shopping area in the Downtown District. People are strolling, shopping and enjoying street performers.
Santa Monica Place: at the south end of the Promenade, is a three level modern outdoor shopping, entertainment and dining complex.
Santa Monica hosts the annual Santa Monica Film Festival. The Santa Monica Promenade alone hosts more than a dozen movie screens.
Elementary Schools:
Edison Language Academy, Franklin Elementary School, Grant Elementary School, John Muir Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School, Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH), Roosevelt Elementary School and Will Rogers Learning Community;
Middle Schools:
John Adams Middle School, Lincoln Middle School and Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH)
High Schools:
Olympic High School, Malibu High School and Santa Monica High School
Private Schools:
Carlthorp School, Santa Monica Montessori School, Crossroads School, Saint Monica Catholic Elementary and High School, Concord High School, Pacifica Christian High School, Lighthouse Christian Academy, St. Anne Catholic School, New Roads School and PS1 Pluralistic School