Santa Monica sits on Santa Monica Bay west of Los Angeles, where the beach, the Pier, and Palisades Park create a coastal city that feels both relaxed and lively. Santa Monica Pier, with its amusement park, carousel, and aquarium, has drawn visitors for generations, while Third Street Promenade offers open air shopping and street performers a few blocks inland. Palisades Park runs along the bluffs above the beach, giving walkers ocean views, palm trees, and sunset gathering spots.