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The Santa Monica Pier- The 115-year-old Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world
Known as Hollywood by the Sea, Santa Monica has long played a starring role in countless movies and television shows. With 3.5 miles of shimmering coastline, world-famous landmarks and eight distinct neighbourhoods, the beachside city offers a living and breathing film set unlike any other in the world. Stardom starts here in Santa Monica, the birthplace of icons like Shirley Temple, Charlie Chaplin, Marion Davies, Robert Redford and many more. With Santa Monica’s proximity to Hollywood and its rich past as a stomping ground of Old Hollywood stars as well as continued popularity among today’s biggest celebrities, it’s easy to see why the city is top-billed in film and TV productions.
The Santa Monica Pier– The 115-year-old Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. As the first concrete pier on the West Coast, the storied Pier features unparalleled sightseeing, classic pleasure pier attractions found at Pacific Park, the Heal the Bay Aquarium, ample dining options and eclectic shopping. Ahead of Route 66’s Centennial in 2026, visitors can snap a photo in front of the iconic End of the Trail Sign and even receive a certificate of completion for driving the route at the Santa Monica Pier Shop & Visitor Center. The Pier has been prominently featured in dozens of movies and TV shows including “Iron Man,” 2008; “Her,” 2013; “Forrest Gump,” 1994 and “Three’s Company,” 1977-1984.
The Looff Hippodrome– An icon in its own right, The Looff Hippodrome on the Santa Monica Pier is a National Historic Landmark. First opened in 1916, the building houses the Santa Monica Pier Carousel featuring 44 hand-carved wooden horses and Soda Jerks Ice Cream Parlor which serves guests sweet treats with vintage charm. The Looff Hippodrome serves as the filming location for the carousel Paul Newman’s character operates in the legendary 1974 film “The Sting.”
Pacific Park– Opened in 1996, Pacific Park is the West Coast’s only amusement park operating on a pier. This ever-popular location features 12 rides, including the West Coaster and the solar-powered Pacific Wheel, the only solar-powered Ferris Wheel in the world. With arcade games and the new food area Snackville featuring Smashie’s Burgers and four fun other food concepts, Pacific Park has been seen in numerous clips of the Pier in shows and movies including “Modern Family,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Gilmore Girls,” and serves as the backdrop for a performance by Miley Cyrus’s alter-ego in 2009’s “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”
Downtown Santa Monica– Downtown Santa Monica is a thriving hub for shopping, dining, and arts and culture. Located just east of the Santa Monica Pier, the neighbourhood is also a popular spot for filming. The walkable, open-air Third Street Promenade serves as the backdrop in the famous shopping scene in the 1985 hit “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” directed by Tim Burton. The nearby Santa Monica Place, with its elevated shopping, entertainment and inspired restaurants, can be seen in the 1982 comedy “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” starring two-time Oscar-winner Sean Penn. This year, Santa Monica Place will welcome new businesses like the world-renowned Din Tai Fung, known for its delectable soup dumplings and noodles.
Santa Monica High School– Many A-list celebrities can be spotted in Santa Monica High School’s yearbooks, with alumni including Rob Lowe, Carson Daly, Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn, Tessa Thompson, Dean Cain, Emilio Estevez and more. SaMoHi is also a star in its own right, appearing in “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955) and “17 Again” (2009). Santa Monica High School continues nurturing the stars of tomorrow with an award-winning drama program and live performance opportunities.
Santa Monica Airport– The Ocean Park neighbourhood is home to the Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar, which most recently hosted the prestigious 2025 Frieze Los Angeles art fair. A popular location for pop-ups, special events and filming, the Barker Hangar serves as the set for the out-of-this-world bowling dance dream in 1998’s “The Big Lebowski” starring Academy Award winners Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore. Those visiting the area can enjoy a meal at The Cloverfield neighbourhood restaurant, stroll the unique stores along Ocean Park Boulevard and immerse themselves in the history of aviation at the Museum of Flying.
The Aero Theatre– Audiences can experience movie magic at the Aero Theatre located on Montana Avenue, the historic movie house that was built by Donald Douglas for employees of the once Santa Monica-based Douglas Aircraft in 1939. Centred on repertory screenings that celebrate cinema and programmed by American Cinematheque, the Aero was featured in the 1995 cult-classic film “Get Shorty” and is within walking distance of numerous high-end boutiques and quaint restaurants perfect for dinner and shopping before a show. Insider’s Tip: American Cinematheque hosts panels and Q&As featuring acclaimed filmmakers and actors ahead of moving screenings. Visitors may catch a star on stage at the Aero and find them strolling Montana Avenue, a low-key hotspot for celebrities, after the show.
Big Blue Bus– Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock were in for an action-packed ride when they hopped on board Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus in the blockbuster film “Speed” (1994). The award-winning Big Blue Bus system remains a popular transportation option today, taking locals and visitors on a convenient, albeit less thrilling, ride throughout the city.
Santa Monica State Beach– Featuring broad, sandy beaches, 3.5 miles of sparkling coastline and The Original Muscle Beach, Santa Monica State Beach is known around the world for its picturesque setting and natural beauty. From the setting of the beloved 1977-1984 sitcom “Three’s Company” and the 1989-1999 television hit “Baywatch,” which became synonymous with Santa Monica’s red lifeguard uniforms and blue lifeguard towers, to “Rocky III” where Sylvester Stallone trains on the sand for his next big fight as the legendary character Rocky Balboa, Santa Monica State Beach can be spotted in dozens of productions. Santa Monica’s sands offer visitors a full day of fun activities including pickup games of beach volleyball which was first played along the city’s shores in 1930.
Palisades Park– Located along the scenic stretch of Ocean Avenue and perched above the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Palisades Park is a 26.4-acre green space recognized around the world. Featured in the 2001 revival of the Rat Pack classic “Ocean’s Eleven” with George Clooney and Brad Pitt and most recently seen in the 2023 mega-hit “Barbie” by acclaimed director Greta Gerwig, this public space is perfect for picnics, taking in a sunset and is just a quick walk away from Downtown Santa Monica with its prime shopping and dining at the nearby Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place.
Main Street– Main Street offers visitors and locals alike laidback vibes, the weekly Main Street Farmers Market, award-winning restaurants and bespoke shopping experiences. Regarded as the birthplace of modern skateboarding and affectionately known as Dogtown, the neighbourhood is heavily featured in the 2005 film “Lords of Dogtown” starring Heath Ledger which tells the true story of the Z-Boys of the Zephyr Competition Team and their rise to skateboarding fame in the mid-1970s. Today, Dogtown Coffee serves organic coffees and casual bites in the location of the former Zephyr Surf Shop.
