Santa Monica’s creative beach community gave way long ago to families, young professionals living in upscale condos, and tourists. Residents typically avoid the Third Street Promenade, preferring to window shop along the boutique- and café-lined Main Street, while Montana Avenue hosts a wealth of pricey cafes, boutiques, and jewelry stores. Some of our Santa Monica houses for sale are near the ocean bike path, the picturesque bluffs, and the famous Santa Monica stairs, which encourage shutting down the laptop and playing outdoors. A weekend in Santa Monica should begin at the Farmers Market (on Arizona on Saturdays, Main Street on Sundays).

Then take a walk along the bluffs or bike ride or rollerblade on the beach path called the Strand, followed by lunch and shopping on Main Street. The Strand runs from Will Rogers State Beach to all of the South Bay beach communities and the two harbors, Marina del Rey and King Harbor at Redondo Beach. Depending on where you park, the distance can be as much as 40 miles round trip! For the artists, check out the eclectic art gallery compound called Bergamot Station. Next, swing over to the Library Alehouse for its personal brews and the neighboring Rick’s Tavern for its burgers. Finally, you must check out the Pier, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and the Ferris Wheel.