My favorite neighborhood in Los Angeles, and the one I know best (unless Disneyland counts as a neighborhood) is Santa Monica. My friend Kathleen lives not far, in West LA, and I tend to spend my vacations as close to the beach as possible. This most recent trip West was no exception. Santa Monica can be a little gimmicky – the boardwalk, the promenade – but it’s popular amongst tourists for a reason.

Views from the promenade. In the third photo you can see out to Malibu!

The famous pier at sunset during a summer concert series.

Saint Monica’s church – I’ve attended services here twice now!

Do you ever find yourself visiting the same touristy spots again and again?