The neighborhood niche calls Santa Monica's "City Center" area — the small downtown area near the Santa Monica Pier home to 4,332 residents — jumped 399 slots from last year's ranking, SFGate ...

Spend the day at Santa Monica Pier and Beach is ranked #4 out of 33 things to do in Los Angeles. See pictures and our review of Spend the day at Santa Monica Pier and Beach.

Fun things to do in Santa Monica – about 15 miles from Los Angeles – include strolling the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade and relaxing on SoCal beaches.

Hike from Santa Monica to San Diego without a tent. ... Santa Monica Pier to Manhattan Beach. 12.4 miles. ... Turn right on the Toledo and stroll along the canals in the Naples Island neighborhood.