Santa Monica contains the best of the California coast, a diverse business economy and an unequalled quality of life for visitors and residents.

The city of Santa Monica is 8.3 square miles of businesses and homes, high profile corporate headquarters, a large hi-tech entertainment district, wide beaches, luxury hotels, first class restaurants, and some of the finest shopping in Southern California. It is a stimulating atmosphere for living and a dynamic place for doing business.

Founded in 1875 on the site of the land grant of Don Francisco Sepulveda, and incorporated in 1886, Santa Monica is situated on the Westside of Los Angeles County at the crossroads of the Pacific Coast Highway and Interstate 10. Santa Monica offers convenient access to major freeways, bus lines and airports, and is just 8 miles north of LAX.

Santa Monica's coastal Mediterranean climate provides an ideal atmosphere for taking advantage of the famous California lifestyle. Centered on three miles of beaches, the city enjoys a mild climate averaging about 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Air quality is consistently good in the coastal district.

Some of the most popular spots in Santa Monica are the Santa Monica Pier which dates back almost 100 years; Pacific Park, the West Coast's only amusement park on a pier; Main Street, a retail and restaurant destination with 1920's Americana charm; Montana Avenue, where you can spend an entire day shopping the more than 150 boutiques; Downtown Santa Monica which houses the Third Street Promenade--an open air pedestrian street that pulsates with an international mix of people enjoying an eclectic blend of restaurants, unique retail shops, movie theaters and nightclubs; the Farmer's Market where local venders provide residents and restaurants alike with fresh produce; and of course the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.