Shutters on the Beach

Shutters on the Beach is more than just a spectacular place to stay, it’s the epitome of Southern California’s breezy lifestyle. This captivating hotel is located directly on the sand and within walking distance of the area’s biggest attractions including the Santa Monica Pier.

Historic Hotel
Shutters on the Beach
Hotel on the Beach

Santa Monica Beach Scene

On the south side of the pier, Santa Monica Beach is level with the city, with parking lots, parks, homes and hotels bordering the beach. The Original Muscle Beach (featuring gymnastics equipment) and Carousel Park are located just south of the Santa Monica Pier. The ever present palm trees complete the California beach scene.

Santa Monica Beach Scene

Santa Monica State Beach

Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, the 3.5 mile Santa Monica beach is an iconic example of the famed beautiful beaches of Southern California. 

Clouds Over the Ocean

The beach sign below has cutouts for the umbrella and the birds so that the colors change depending upon the shade of the sky in the background.

Cutout Beach Sign

Walking Bridge to the Pier

Santa Monica State Beach on the north side of the pier is separated from the city by the palisades (an ocean bluff) and the Pacific Coast Highway. A series of bridges, walkways and stairs provide access to the beach. One doesn’t have to face heavy traffic on Pacific Coast Hwy. 1, but can cross over from Ocean Blvd. to the Santa Monica Pier and beaches via a walking bridge.

Walking Bridge to the Pier

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, California. Santa Monica Beach is fringed by Palisades Park, with views over the Pacific Ocean. Will be posting images from our recent trip to Santa Monica.

This 18′ high art deco sculpture “Santa Monica” by Eugene Morahan is located on the bluff at the foot of Wilshire Blvd. It is a statue of Saint Monica, for whom the city of Santa Monica was named. Apparently, Spanish explorers were reminded of the tears Saint Monica shed for her errant son while they were drinking from a refreshing spring in West Los Angeles. Because that particular day was St. Monica’s day on the religious calendar, they named the area “Santa Monica.”

Santa Monica