family's » Santa Monica, CA

quote:

A stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean, this pedestrian-only walkway is a shopping, dining, and entertainment extravaganza day and night, year-round. Established in the late ‘80s to rejuvenate a decrepit downtown Santa Monica, the outdoor Southern California life is at its most vivid. Surf punks skateboard by, barely-clad babes file in and out of shops selling street wear to couture, and all the accoutrements, families, seniors, and tourists lounge on café patios. You can also catch the latest flick at one of the cineplexes or munch from every nation under the sun. Topiary dinosaurs and old-timey benches invite you to take in the many street musicians, dancers, and magicians who further jazz up the scene. All this on a few city blocks flanked at the south end by the indoor Santa Monica Place mall, and by a gigantic multi-storied Barnes and Noble bookstore at the north. Spas and salons dot the side streets for more indulgence. Parking’s a cinch at nearby lots, and if you happen to be there on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, don’t miss the renowned farmers’ market where you’ll probably spot Wolfgang Puck or Nancy Silverton squeezing the tomatoes.

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