Pico - Santa Monica, CA Area Guide

Santa Monica's history as a city dates all the way to the 1880s, when investors invited the public to purchase lots in the future City by the Sea. Pico was on the southern outskirt of this initial plan. Over time the neighborhood became a family enclave but was decimated by the construction of the 10 freeway in the 1960s. It wasn't until the boom of the 1980s and the opening of the phenomenally successful Santa Monica Promenade just a few blocks away that Pico became desirable location again, particularly among creative types drawn to the beauty and strong community in the area.

Many successful artists and film industry professionals work and live in Pico. The monster movie "Cloverfield" was actually named by producer J.J. Abrams after the Pico freeway exit near his offices.

For young people across the city, Pico is a nightlife destination. To attract the local creative crowd, bars and restaurants have to be high-end, chic and clever.

Where else in the world would you find a bar that takes for its namesake and theme from the poet Charles Barkowski? Meet up with your literary, hard-drinking friends at Barkowski for domestic and micro beers starting around $5. Don't come hungry; the only food on offer are White Castle mini burgers and bags of Lays potato chips.

If you're seeking a more collegial atmosphere, head down the street to the Daily Pint. Enjoy a malt or microbrew in peace, or challenge a stranger to one of the bar's classic games, including pool and shuffleboard.

Get your farm-to-table fix at Josie, a restaurant much beloved for its expansive wine list and straightforward approach to fine dining. Enjoy wood-roasted quail, chicken sous la terre and mesquite-grilled lamb sirloin in the cozy, romantic dining room.

If you really want to impress someone – or you just appreciate good food – head to the Buffalo Club. This ambiance-heavy restaurant, set up like an intimate supper club, has garnered national attention for chef Patrick Dealy's French techniques applied to classic American dishes. Try the black-truffle-infused chicken pot pie or a dry-aged prime rib.

Most commuters and residents prefer using their personal car to get around Santa Monica and greater Los Angeles in general. Since the creation of the 10 freeway, Santa Monica has been a destination for drivers across the city heading out for a day trip or some holiday shopping.

Locally, however, a large contingent of the population prefers bicycles to get around town. Santa Monica can brag of being one of the most bike-friendly cities in Los Angeles. Streets on the west side of town near the college and the Promenade feature dedicated bike lanes and bike parking. And if you prefer somebody else to do the driving for you, Uber and Lyft car services are available. Taxis are also just a phone call away. Maybe that's why it's so hard to find parking in this part of town.

Locally, residents and visitors rely on Santa Monica's highly popular local transit system, fondly known as the Big Blue Bus. With fares as low as $1 for regular riders and even further discounted for students, senior citizens and the disabled, it's one of the least-expensive and most-used city transit systems in the county.

In addition to Pico's proximity to beautiful Santa Monica beach and pier, the Pico area has two parks and community centers of its own.

Catch a kids baseball game at Memorial Park, or join a pick-up game yourself on the adult field. Hit the tennis courts or the soccer field for more exercise, or head over to the playground with the family. Teens come from across town to practice their tricks at The Cove Skatepark, and dog lovers flock to the off-leash dog run. You can even get in a workout at the fitness center or attend a local event in the community meeting rooms.

During hot summer months, families head to Virginia Avenue Park for the playgrounds and popular splash pad for kids of all ages. At the Thelma Terry building, take advantage of year-round programming for teens and adults, community outreach events and youth orchestra rehearsals.

Unquestionably, Pico is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, but since it's the only rent-controlled city in L.A., Santa Monica renters happily pay more in the short term to get a great deal in a few years. Expect to pay an average rent of $2,283.67 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

In general, you can expect to pay more for everything, with the exception of Santa Monica's public transit which is only $1 per ride. Expect to fork over $6 or $7 in your local bar for even the cheapest can of beer, and the area typically has some of the highest gas prices in the region.

Angelenos from across the city flock to Santa Monica for the shopping. Check out the open-air Third Street Promenade, where you can browse through world-class flagship stores for luxury brands, or duck off the beaten path to find hidden gems like popular bookseller Hennessey + Ingalls, which specializes in graphic design and art books. Don't plan on rushing home until you catch a performance from the popular local street entertainers. Everybody from singer/songwriters to acrobats competes for permits for one of the coveted spots in the center of the mall.

Crafters, makers and sewers can head to the other end of Pico for a world-class selection of crafting goodies at the Sewing Arts Center. As part of the booming maker movement, this shop not only sells notions, but builds community between Angeleno manual artists with classes and groups.

People in this area care deeply about their food. Take your pick of the two Whole Foods within a few miles, or head to the Co-opportunity Natural Foods for your organic, natural grocery needs. The Santa Monica Farmers Market operates every Saturday in Virginia Avenue Park, featuring mostly produce. However, for an entertainingly delightful farmers market on Sunday, the Santa Monica Farmers Market in Pico has the feel of a weekly street fair with pony rides, live entertainment, and booths selling meals and treats right beside the farmers selling their produce and goods.