Ocean Park - Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica was once part of a large Mexican land grant before becoming a vacation spot for wealthy patrons from the eastern part of the country in the mid to late 1800s. Built as a beach community branching out from Santa Monica Pier near the turn of the century, Ocean Park remains one of the city's oldest neighborhoods.

A piece of the old-fashioned beach community sill stands in historic buildings like the Ocean Park Library. The neighborhood also hosts the California Heritage Museum on Main Street, a charming building displaying Mexican pottery and decorative arts. Over the years, Ocean Park culture has developed into a thriving Pacific art scene with numerous art galleries and dotting surf schools dotting the streets.

Ocean Park's culinary scene draws on its multicultural appeal and thriving California-beach culture to bring locals and tourists an eclectic collection of laid-back cafes, delis and coffee houses. The neighborhood's restaurant and nightlife scene comes alive on Main Street with most eateries offering grab-and-go fare to eat on bistro-style sidewalk tables.

For an authentic meal straight out of the Land Down Under, stop into the Aussie Pie Kitchen to order savory, fresh-baked pies lying on a bed of mashed potatoes and smothered with gravy and peas. Take your pick from traditional meat pies such as the lamb and rosemary or Surfers Paradise for a home-style meal that never leaves you hungry. The chefs always have a smile on their faces, and additional options like sweet pastries and vegan pies await.

If chic coffee shops suit your style, head to Amelia’s Espresso & Panini, a trendy place to grab a vanilla latte with a touch of cinnamon. For lunch, try a grilled turkey breast panini or goat cheese panini, and remember to eat at the outdoor tables to enjoy a sunny day in SoCal. Keep in mind that Amelia's discourages laptops, so sit back and enjoy your meal while chatting with your neighbors.

Stop by Sunny Blue for unique Japanese favorites like omosubi, stuffed rice balls sandwiched between sheets of dried seaweed with flavors like spicy salmon and miso beef. Take advantage of the complimentary barley tea inside, and see if you're up to the restaurant's challenge of 10 omusubis in six minutes. If you leave room, don't forget to try a cup of frozen yogurt with toasted coconut sprinkled on top.

When the sun sets, Main Street transforms into Party Central with a vibrant local crowd strolling through the neighborhood's bars, pubs and lounges. For a taste of Ocean Park's nightlife flavor, stop by Library Alehouse to gawk at a chalk board filled with an endless selection of foreign and domestic brews. If you get a chance, sit on the back patio for a more private evening.

Ocean Park's popularity leaves it well-connected to the rest of L.A., but this tourist hot spot also draws heavy traffic during the summer months. Take the Santa Monica Freeway for a quick commute to downtown L.A., but take a different route during rush hour to avoid a congested crawl. Like the rest of Santa Monica, parking meters charge a little more than downtown L.A. and both free and paid spaces are hard to find in the summer. For a quick ride home from the beach, you can always call Uber or a Santa Monica City Cab.

Wait at one of the neighborhood's frequent bus stops to take the Big Blue Bus to popular city spots like the University of California Los Angeles. Metro buses also service certain stops for access to central L.A. If you prefer the greener route, ride your bike through this bike-friendly neighborhood with paved trails along the beach and dedicated lanes on Ocean Park Boulevard and Main Street. Ocean Park also welcomes pedestrians with ample sidewalks, crosswalks and nearby amenities. Feel free to ditch your car to explore the retail area where foot traffic reigns supreme.

Ocean Park's sandy beach holds a reputation as one of the more family-friendly stretches of beach from Santa Monica to Venice, entertaining locals with volleyball nets, surfing and sunbathing. Pack up your beach towels for a day in the sun, and be sure to grab a mango from one of the beach vendors walking down the shore.

If you're looking for some green space, stop by Ocean View Park, a beautiful public treasure just above the beach with great views of the Pacific sunset. Stroll along the paved walking path winding up a small hill, or take your kids to the playground. This park also houses world-class tennis courts that you can enjoy for a small fee. Feel free to walk your beloved pooch on the grass as long as you keep him leashed.

Ocean Park's prime location on the beach near Santa Monica Pier makes it one of L.A.'s most upscale neighborhoods. Find beautiful apartment complexes and condos throughout the neighborhood, but get ready for an average rent rate of around $2,700.

Snag a Metro bus to reach downtown L.A. with a $1.75 fare for a one-way trip. When you stop for gas, expect to pay around 12 percent above the national average. Main Street bars such as Library Alehouse generally charge $8 to $9 for a pint.

Ocean Park's retail heart along Main Street creates a unique shopping experience with a mix of local boutiques, high-end national brands and gift shops mixed in with cute coffee houses. Fashion lovers and designers from all over the country come here to open their upscale boutiques, bringing an eclectic blend of big-city style and laid-back Pacific-coast culture. Stop by Hip'tique for business casual attire with a subdued color palette. Score a day dress from Tucker, a top from T-Los Angeles and some luxury bath soaps, or just spend an hour browsing the latest styles. Keep an eye out for big sales and trunk shows to meet top designers and score big discounts.

If you like thrift stores, you're sure to love The Closet Trading Company, a high-end resale boutique with a mixture of vintage and modern fashions. Snag a Chanel handbag, a PINK button-up or some Steve Maddens boots for a fraction of the original price. Like all consignment shops, you're shopping selection is hit or miss, but The Closet Trading Company is always a great place to find an outfit for the office or some casual L.A. styles. When you need to grab your groceries, stop by Budget Market to pick up some snacks, beer and fresh-brewed coffee. Ocean Park also hosts a weekly farmers market on Main Street.