Choosing to study at an American university can be one of the most important periods in an international student’s life, and students who choose Santa Monica College have several wonderful neighborhoods near Santa Monica to explore and get to know while they pursue their academic studies. Let’s have a quick overview of fun, exciting and engaging activities that you can take advantage of while going to school at Santa Monica College and living in American homestay.
Outdoor Activities
If you are all about fitness, water activities, or beachside bike paths, MARINA DEL REY is your place. This beautiful seaside location is about 5 miles to Santa Monica College and is a popular homestay neighborhood with a relaxed casual lifestyle and a wide-known coastal playground of Los Angeles. On your free weekends from when you are not studying or attending classes, you may go surfing, biking, or visit the local FARMERS MARKET. And for those international students over the age of 21 years old, when the sun goes down, go sip cocktails in NUMEROUS BARS or dance under the stars all night long.
In case you feel the need to reunite with Mother Nature today, grab another home stay student or your new American friend and head to Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden of WESTWOOD VILLAGE. Going on a self-guided tour will make you feel like a real explorer. You may find there the most fascinating trees and plants from all over the world. For example, a mysterious Dragon Tree from the Canary Islands and Weeping Myrtles from Australia.
If you want to explore a New England FISHERMAN`S VILLAGE – there is one closer than you think! Live music, joyful atmosphere, and gorgeous seafood – this is what we all need from time to time.
Smart Leisure
If you are looking to hang out with other American or international students head to Westwood Village (or the UCLA Village) which is one more fun and casual neighborhood popular among students in Los Angeles. UCLA is a popular transfer school among international students who begin their studies at Santa Monica College. Don’t forget to check out this campus while you are exploring the area. This neighborhood near Santa Monica College is an area is also known for the concentration of exciting cultural activities and places of interest. HAMMERS MUSEUM is a cultural center affiliated with the University of California that is famous for its edgy and progressive view of art. It constantly keeps track of the most relevant cultural and social events, so every visitor can feel belonging to the fascinating and engaging world of modern art.
FOWLER MUSEUM is one more remarkable art museum that you may find in UCLA Village. There you may find various exhibitions for any taste: from Tibetan Buddhist prints to the edgiest modern European and American artwork and installations.
FOX VILLAGE THEATRE is a place not only for cinema lovers, but also a fascinating architectural landmark of the US. ROYCE HALL is one more center of gravity for performance art lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
One more noteworthy art gallery is satiated in Santa Monica. BERGAMOT STATION is a creative art complex. This former railroad station now houses over 30 different art galleries and creative businesses and startups.
If you want to feel all the creativity and ethical diversity of Santa Monica, you should visit PICO BOULEVARD. Constant outdoor performances, street artwork, and creativity of local businesses have turned this area into an open-air art gallery.
Shopping at 3rd Street Promenade
Of course, one of the most popular places for international students who attend Santa Monica College and live in a neighborhood near Santa Monica is 3rd Street Promenade. You will find a variety of shops and cafes not to mention tons of other college-level students just hanging out.
In case you are fascinated by antiques and artifacts turned into relevant artworks, CALIFORNIA REDISCOVERED is the place for you.
Are you a bookworm with exquisite taste looking for the hottest books and art albums or antique editions? BOOK MONSTER is your happy place.
SANTA MONICA DOWNTOWN can also offer shops for everyday buy and special events. There is a three-level Open-air shopping center for every need and wallet.
Santa Monica Downtown is also a cradle for many small businesses if you are looking for some conscious consumption and willing to support local entrepreneurs.
And if you are looking for ultimate gifts of the ocean, your path lays through The OCEAN AVENUE. Just like every coastal region, Santa Monica has a lot to offer to those who are fascinated by oceanic jewelry and gifts. But this neighborhood is the capital of them all. Amazing rocks, unique crystals, and seashells turned into eye-catching jewelry and beautiful souvenirs – this coastal neighborhood of Los Angeles is heaven for nature-loving shoppers.
Foodies` Heaven
When we are talking about food in neighborhoods near Santa Monica College, we should first of all note the Farmer’s markets that are so popular in the area. This is the place where you may buy the highest quality organic products that are grown and sold according to all principles of fair trade. The Westwood Village FARMERS MARKET will welcome you every Thursday. In case you are making plans for the weekend, Marina Del Ray FARMERS MARKET is at your service on Saturday.
Generally, neighborhoods near Santa Monica don`t lack the diversity of restaurants and cafes you may find all over the Universe. PICO is an area for sophisticated foodies who are looking for an original and unusual experience. Ocean Avenue offers a wide range of seafood and every other neighborhood from RANCHO PARK to WEST LOS ANGELES will welcome their guests with numerous pubs, cozy restaurants, food trucks, and vivid nightlife.
Moving to a new country or town and choosing to study at Santa Monica College and live in a neighborhood in Santa Monica will be an exciting experience. You may feel like an explorer, going deeper in the urban jungle every day, looking for hidden gems in every neighborhood. These neighbors are a perfect area to spend the most fun and exciting study abroad college years. This is the area for adventure, new experience, crazy memories, and fascinating discoveries.
https://www.santamonica.com/santa-monica-neighborhoods/santa-monica-pier-ocean-avenue/