Monday, June 10, 2013

California: Santa Monica/ Malibu

Santa Monica is a seaside city comprised of eight distinct districts and located just eight miles north of the Los Angeles International Airport.  Each district offers visitors a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Santa Monica Pier

The Pier which currently houses a full over the water amusement park opened in 1909 and was primarily used to carry sewer pipes beyond the breakers.  The adjoining Pleasure Pier was added in 1916.



© 2013 KS Ohkubo

© 2013 KS Ohkubo

The Carousel was built in 1922 on the Pleasure Pier and features 44 hand-carved horses. It was rebuilt in 1990 inside the Hippodrome.


Santa Monica Pier was featured in several films over the years including, The Sting, Forrest Gump, and Ruthless People, to name a few.


Third Street Promenade

The Third Street Promenade has been the center of business in Santa Monica since the town's inception in the late 19th century. Today, this pedestrain only section of downtown Santa Monica offers upscale shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

© 2013 KS Ohkubo

Street performers and entertainers are a frequent sight on the Third Street Promenade.  Here you will find singer-songwriters, guitarists, magicians, clowns, hip-hop dancers and drummers lining up 40-50 feet from one another entertaining the gathering crowds.

© 2013 KS Ohkubo
 
 
Main Street

Main Street is a one-mile stretch which offers a wide selection of boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and cafes.  Before its closure, Arnold Schwarzeneger's restaurant, Schatzi on Main and Wolfgang Puck's bistro, Chinois on Main were right across the street from one another and were very popular with the upscale crowds and Hollywood celebrities.  Main Street is still a great place to stroll and star gaze.


Pico Bloulevard

A huge Saturday Farmers' Market takes place on Pico Boulevard.  One can also find record stores, restaurants and clothing boutiques here.



Malibu

Malibu is an affluent beach community famous for its warm, sandy beaches and for being the home of many Hollywood movie stars.


Malibu Pier is a historic landmark located in the heart of California's surf culture. Surfers from around the world come to Surfrider Beach adjacent to Malibu Pier.

Photo courtesy of California State Parks
 
 
Cher's home in Malibu
 
Located on the ocean near Malibu Point, Duke's is a restaurant and bar dedicated to Duke Kahanamoku, the father of surfing.
 

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