Let’s be real for a second. Most people who fly into LAX and head for the coast think they’ve seen it all once they hit the Santa Monica Pier. They ride the Ferris wheel, grab a burger, and figure that’s the "SoCal experience." But honestly? If you stay within those few blocks of the Promenade and the sand, you’re missing the actual heartbeat of the Westside.
The cities near Santa Monica aren't just suburbs or overflow parking lots for the pier. They are entirely different worlds. One minute you’re in a gritty, mural-covered skate park in Venice, and twenty minutes later, you’re sipping a $15 matcha in the quiet, manicured "Village" of Pacific Palisades. It’s a weird, beautiful, and often expensive patchwork of neighborhoods that locals navigate with a mix of love and "I-hate-this-traffic" frustration.
The Neighbor Next Door: Venice Beach
If Santa Monica is the polished older sibling who went to law school, Venice is the younger one who dropped out to join a circus and then somehow became a tech millionaire. They share a border, but the vibe shift is immediate. You cross Navy Street and suddenly the sidewalks get narrower, the art gets louder, and the smell of salt air mixes with... well, other things.
Venice isn't technically its own city anymore—it was annexed by Los Angeles way back in 1925—but try telling a local that. From the iconic Boardwalk to the high-end boutiques of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, it feels like its own republic.
You’ve got the Venice Canals, which are actually incredibly peaceful despite being two blocks from the chaos. Most tourists skip them. Big mistake. It’s a series of man-made waterways built by Abbot Kinney in 1905 to bring a slice of Italy to California. Today, it’s where you’ll see people paddleboarding past multi-million dollar architectural homes while ducks ignore them.
Why People Actually Go to Venice
- The Boardwalk: It’s a circus. It’s loud. It’s gritty. But it’s the best people-watching on the planet.
- Abbot Kinney Blvd: Once a row of industrial shacks, it’s now the "coolest block in America" (according to GQ, at least). Think high-end linen shirts and flagship stores for brands you can’t pronounce.
- Muscle Beach: Yes, people still work out there. Yes, it’s still a spectacle.
The Quiet Luxury of Pacific Palisades
Head north. Like, really north, until the flat beach turns into massive bluffs. This is Pacific Palisades. If you’re looking for cities near Santa Monica that feel like a sanctuary, this is it. It’s nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the ocean, and it feels remarkably private.
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The center of the action is "The Village." It was recently revamped by Rick Caruso (the guy behind The Grove), and it basically looks like a movie set. It’s where celebrities go to buy groceries in sweatpants that cost more than my car. But the real draw here isn't the shopping; it’s the geography.
The Palisades is home to Will Rogers State Historic Park. You can hike up to Inspiration Point and see the entire sweep of the Santa Monica Bay. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island. It’s a different kind of energy here—less "hey, look at me" and more "I’m very rich and I’d like to be left alone with my hiking boots."
Malibu: 27 Miles of Scenic Ego
Okay, Malibu is technically its own city, and it starts just past the Getty Villa. It’s about a 15-to-20-minute drive from Santa Monica if the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) isn't behaving like a parking lot.
Malibu is long. Really long. It’s 27 miles of coastline, but most of it is hidden behind massive gates and "No Parking" signs. To really enjoy it, you have to know where to pull over. Zuma Beach is the classic choice for families because it has actual parking lots, while El Matador State Beach is the one you’ve seen in every perfume commercial and engagement photo ever taken. It has these massive sea caves and rock arches that make you feel like you’ve left California entirely.
Honestly, the best way to do Malibu is to eat at Malibu Seafood or Neptune’s Net. You sit on a wooden bench, eat a fish taco, and watch the bikers and the Ferraris zip past. It’s the ultimate equalizer.
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Brentwood and the "Inland" Westside
Technically, Brentwood is an L.A. neighborhood, but it functions as one of the primary residential hubs for people who work in Santa Monica. It’s separated from the beach by a few miles and a whole lot of money.
Brentwood is famous for two things: The Getty Center and San Vicente Boulevard. The Getty Center is that massive white travertine museum on the hill. It’s free to enter (though parking costs a fortune), and the gardens are spectacular. Even if you don't like art, go for the view. It's ridiculous.
San Vicente is the main drag where people go to jog. Seriously, the median strip is a designated "Coral Tree" parkway, and there is a constant stream of people in high-end activewear running toward the ocean. It’s very "L.A. lifestyle" in a way that’s almost a cliché.
The Marina Del Rey Micro-Climate
Just south of Venice is Marina Del Rey. It’s the world's largest man-made small-craft harbor. If you like boats, you’ll love it. If you don't like boats, it’s still a pretty decent place to grab a drink.
It’s much quieter than Santa Monica. There isn't much of a "downtown" feel; it’s mostly high-rise condos and hotel bars. However, Burton Chace Park is a hidden gem. It’s surrounded by water on three sides and is the perfect spot for a picnic if you want to avoid the sand.
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Navigating the Geography
| Location | Vibe | Travel Time from SM | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venice | Gritty, Artsy, Eclectic | 5-10 mins | Walk the canals, avoid the boardwalk at night. |
| Pacific Palisades | Polished, Green, Wealthy | 15 mins | Hike Will Rogers; the view is better than the pier. |
| Malibu | Coastal, Rugged, Iconic | 20-40 mins | Go to El Matador for the caves, not Zuma. |
| Marina Del Rey | Nautical, Calm, Relaxed | 10 mins | Rent a "Duffy" boat and cruise the harbor. |
| Brentwood | Suburban, High-end, Green | 10 mins | Visit the Getty on a weekday to avoid crowds. |
What Most People Get Wrong About This Area
The biggest misconception is that all these cities near Santa Monica are basically the same "beach town." They aren't. If you wear your Venice outfit to the Palisades, you’ll get looks. If you try to drive from Santa Monica to Malibu at 5:00 PM on a Friday, you will spend two hours in your car staring at a bumper that says "My Other Car is a Surfboard."
The Westside is a series of micro-climates. It can be 65°F and foggy in Santa Monica while it’s 80°F and sunny in Brentwood. Always, always bring a hoodie. We call it "June Gloom," but honestly, it can happen in August, too.
How to Actually Do the Westside
If you’re planning a trip or looking to move, don't try to see it all in one day. You'll just end up stressed.
Start with a morning hike in the Palisades. Grab lunch on Montana Avenue (the "locals" part of Santa Monica). Spend your afternoon wandering the Venice Canals. End with a sunset drink in Malibu. That’s a real day.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Surf Report: Even if you don't surf, it dictates the crowds. Big waves mean Malibu will be packed.
- Download a Parking App: Cities like Santa Monica and West Hollywood are aggressive with ticketing. Don't risk it.
- Explore "North of Montana": Walk the residential streets between 4th and 26th Street. It’s some of the best architecture in the city and much quieter than the tourist zones.
The real magic of the area isn't the landmark you saw on a postcard. It’s the weird little coffee shop in a Venice alleyway or the secret staircase in the Palisades that leads to a view no one else knows about. Get out of the "tourist triangle" and start exploring.