Everything You Need to Know About Santa Monica’s Online Presence

Everything You Need to Know About Santa Monica’s Online Presence image 4

Your Guide to Doing Things Online in Santa Monica

Whether you’re new to Santa Monica or just looking for some ideas of how to access services and stay connected while social distancing, this guide covers the top ways to go online in Santa Monica.

Shopping and Services

Many Santa Monica retailers have shifted operations online due to the pandemic. Here are some of the top options:

  1. Third Street Promenade and Downtown Santa Monica Shops: Browse photo galleries of merchandise on individual store websites like Anthropic, Verdes, and Adrift. Many offer curbside pickup, local delivery, or shipping.
  2. Santa Monica Farmers Markets: Order baskets of fresh local produce for pickup from the Downtown or Arizona Avenue markets through their online ordering systems.
  3. Santa Monica Public Library: Access the library’s digital collection of eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music and more with your library card number on their website.

From my experience, shopping online has been very convenient, though I do miss browsing stores in person sometimes. Using services like curbside pickup has helped me support local businesses safely.

Entertainment and Recreation

While indoor venues remain closed, Santa Monica offers many outdoor and virtual activities:

  1. Santa Monica Pier: Check the Pier website and social media for upcoming virtual events like magic shows or musical performances you can enjoy at home.
  2. Third Street Promenade: Follow their Facebook page for daily dance parties and other livestreamed activities.
  3. Annenberg Community Beach House: Sign up online for virtual yoga, meditation or art classes held on the beach via Zoom.
  4. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: Explore hiking trails on your own after reviewing trail maps and safety guidelines on the NPS website.

I’ve basically become an expert on virtual recreation since the pandemic! It’s really amazing how many free classes and activities organizations have put online.

City Services and Information

The City of Santa Monica makes it easy to access services and stay informed from home:

  1. City Website: Find information on everything from permits and business supports to public meetings on the main Santa Monica site.
  2. COVID-19 Updates: Review health guidelines, testing locations, and current restrictions on the City’s dedicated pandemic page.
  3. Recreation Classes: Browse descriptions and register online for virtual art, music and wellness programs on smgov.net/register.
  4. Public Meetings: Watch City Council, commission, and community sessions via live video stream on CityTV cable channel 16 or the City’s YouTube page.

The City does a great job keeping online resources up-to-date. It sure makes following local policies and participating in governance a lot easier!

Working and Learning Remotely

Santa Monica is home to coworking spaces, cafes and educational institutions that are supporting remote activities:

  1. WeWork, Industrious and other shared office spaces: Book desks, meeting rooms or private offices for day rates on their websites for a change of scenery from home.
  2. Cafes: Sites like Coffee Utility publish daily schedules of WiFi passwords so you can work comfortably from your favorite local cafe.
  3. Santa Monica College: Take virtual classes online through SMC’s Continuing Education program or credit-bearing courses through the main portal.
  4. Chapman University: Earn a degree through Chapman’s wide selection of fully online undergraduate and graduate programs.

Working from cafes has been a pleasant change of pace from my apartment on occasion. The flexible learning options have also made continuing my education very convenient.

Community and Connection

While it’s still important to avoid large gatherings, Santa Monica offers online ways to stay engaged:

  1. Neighborhood Facebook Groups: Join your local groups for info on activities, recommendations and to meet new friends virtually.
  2. Nextdoor: Use the private social network to find lost pets, local services, and stay informed about your area.
  3. Ocean Park Association: Check their site and emails for virtual town halls, walkabouts and family-friendly online events.
  4. Third Street Speak Easy: Tune in to the city’s storytelling series now held as livestreamed show via Zoom every other week.

I’ve met some really nice people online in my neighborhood groups. It’s been a great way to feel connected while we’re all spending more time at home.

Wrapping It Up

As you can see, thanks to innovative adaptations, Santa Monica continues to thrive online even with ongoing COVID restrictions. Whether you need shopping, activities, school, work or social support – the resources are there virtually.

While it will be wonderful once we can fully return to enjoying this beachside city in person, for now, I hope this guide has helped reveal some of the possibilities available to keep you engaged with Santa Monica online. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rental Car in Santa Monica

Car Type Sedan, SUV, Convertible
Seating Capacity 2-8 passengers
Mileage Limit Unlimited or with set daily limits
Additional Drivers Included or at an extra cost
Insurance Collision damage waiver included or optional
Drop-off Location Same location or different location for a fee
Minimum Rental Age Usually 25 years old
Payment Options Credit card, debit card, cash

FAQ

  1. What are some popular things to do in Santa Monica?

    Basically, Santa Monica has tons of fun activities for everyone. You can hang out at the pier or check out the aquarium. The beach is amazing too – walking, swimming, sunbathing. You can also shop till you drop along the famous Third Street Promenade with its shops and restaurants.

  2. How can I get around Santa Monica without a car?

    Fortunately, Santa Monica has great public transportation options. The Big Blue Bus runs all over the city and connects to Los Angeles as well. You can also use Uber, Lyft or rent bikes/scooters to get around. If all else fails, your feet will do – Santa Monica isn’t that huge. At the same time, parking can be a nightmare so it’s best not to drive.

    blank
  3. What areas should I stay in for an affordable hotel in Santa Monica?

    If you’re on a budget, you may want to look at hotels kind of near, but not right on the beach. Places like downtown Santa Monica or along the Promenade tend to be more affordable than ones right on Ocean Avenue. Check out motel-style options too – they can be surprisingly decent. You may have to walk a little bit further but it’s sort of worth it to save some money.

  4. Is Santa Monica safe to visit alone?

    Mostly yes, Santa Monica appears pretty safe. Like any city, use normal caution – don’t leave stuff unattended, be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night. However, petty theft can happen anywhere so don’t flash expensive things. But the police keep a close eye on things and locals are friendly. Maybe bring pepper spray just in case but you’re unlikely to need it. Don’t psych yourself out – enjoy your trip!

  5. What food should I try in Santa Monica?

    You really can’t go wrong with the food in Santa Monica. Perhaps check out some famous cafes like Celestino or Café Montana for breakfast. Third Street Promenade has tons of options from pizza to sushi. The Santa Monica Place mall food court has global cuisines too. The beach restaurants serve amazing seafood – fish tacos, crab cakes. You basically can’t go wrong with anything on Main Street or along the Pier either. Tons of celeb chef places too. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

  6. Is it easy to park in Santa Monica?

    Unfortunately, parking in Santa Monica can be a struggle. Meters fill up fast, structures get pricey, and streets have tight time limits. It appears tickets are handed out like candy too. Your best bet is to avoid driving on weekends when it’s a total zoo. Use public transit, rideshares or a bike/scooter whenever possible. Maybe check for parking options near your hotel ahead of time. On the other hand, some super quiet side streets have free parking if you’re lucky – it’s hit or miss. Overall, it’s pretty not worth the hassle of a car.

  7. What is there to do in Santa Monica at night?

    At night, things cool off a bit in Santa Monica but there’s still lots to do. Catch a movie or show – the arcade has classics and the pier has mini golf. Some cafes turn into wine bars too. Third Street has nice spots to grab drinks whether fancy cocktails or casual beers. Be sure to check the schedule – concerts randomly pop up. You could also wander around admiring the gorgeous houses if you’re into architecture. Stroll the strand under the moonlight – very romantic. Just be safe and don’t go alone after dark.

    blank