Santa Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California, located along the Pacific Coast Highway. With a population of over 92,000 according to the Wikipedia page, it is considered a mid-sized city within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Population
As of 2023, the population of Santa Monica is estimated to be around 92,330 people. The city has seen steady population growth over the past several decades. In 1980, the population was only 88,289, so it has grown by about 5% in the past 40+ years.
Santa Monica has a high population density of 11,920 people per square mile. This is because it is a compact coastal city constrained by the ocean on one side and the Santa Monica Mountains on the other side. The dense urbanscape contributes to its reputation as a vibrant, active community.
The racial makeup of Santa Monica is predominantly white, with nearly 80% of residents identifying as white alone. Hispanics and Latinos make up around 13% of the population, Asians around 7%, and African Americans just under 4%. The rest identify as two or more races or some other race.
With a median age of just over 40 years old, Santa Monica has a slightly older population compared to the country as a whole. It attracts many young professionals but also has a sizeable retiree community who enjoy the seaside lifestyle.
Economy and Major Employers
Santa Monica has a strong local economy, with major industries including tourism, tech, healthcare, education, and retail. Some of the biggest employers in the city are:
- RAND Corporation – over 1,500 employees
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Santa Monica – over 1,300 employees
- City of Santa Monica – over 1,600 employees
- Santa Monica College – over 1,100 employees
- ViacomCBS – over 900 employees
Tourism brings in significant revenue, with visitors attracted to Santa Monica’s beaches, shopping districts, restaurants, and entertainment. Silicon Beach, centered around Santa Monica, has emerged as a West Coast tech hub. Meanwhile, education and healthcare drive many jobs in the city as well.
Attractions and Landmarks
One of Santa Monica’s most iconic attractions is the Santa Monica Pier, which extends into the Pacific Ocean. The pier features an amusement park, an aquarium, shops, restaurants, and more. It provides beautiful ocean views and is a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Just south of the pier is the luxury shopping district known as the Third Street Promenade. It is a pedestrian-only street filled with upscale retail stores, movie theaters, street performers, and cafes. The Promenade reflects Santa Monica’s chic, resort-town vibe.
On the south end of the beach is the historic Santa Monica State Beach. The wide sandy beach stretches for miles and is excellent for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and volleyball. The beach bike path runs parallel to Ocean Avenue, linking Santa Monica to Venice Beach further south.
Palisades Park sits atop the coastal bluffs overlooking the beaches. The landscaped parkland features winding walking paths, ocean overlooks, public art, and the Camera Obscura photographic art installation inside a small structure.
Local Government
Santa Monica has a council-manager form of government. Residents elect 7 council members who serve 4-year terms. The City Council appoints a City Manager to oversee the daily operations and delivery of public services. You can learn more about the city’s leadership and services on the City of Santa Monica website.
Sports and Recreation
The city is home to the Santa Monica Seagulls, a minor league baseball team established in 2020. They play at the Santa Monica Sports Complex Field and are part of the Pacific Suns League. Baseball games provide family-friendly entertainment during spring and summer.
Santa Monica has many parks for recreational activities like tennis, basketball, swimming, and playgrounds. Popular parks include Tongva Park along Ocean Avenue and Reed Park in the southeast part of the city.
Extensive bike infrastructure makes cycling around Santa Monica convenient. Bike rentals are readily available near the beach. The 26-mile beach bike path is enjoyed by leisure cyclists and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Surfing and stand up paddleboarding are popular ocean activities thanks to Santa Monica’s prime location along the coast. Equipment rentals and lessons can be found near the pier and beach.
Culture
The City of Santa Monica Facebook page is a great way to stay up to date on upcoming community events and happenings around town. The city hosts many festivals, farmers markets, outdoor movies, concerts, and more throughout the year.
Santa Monica has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to museums like the California Heritage Museum and Angels Attic dollhouse and toy museum. There are also many live music and performance venues, including the Santa Monica Playhouse and Miles Memorial Playhouse.
Downtown Santa Monica offers excellent dining, entertainment, and nightlife options. The beaches are lively during the day and transition to a more relaxed, neighborhood vibe at night with many restaurants remaining open late.