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California Coastal Trail

Santa Monica: A Fortunate City With a Bright Future

Season 1 Episode 16

Ask most people around the globe to name a beach near Los Angeles, and the answer will probably be Santa Monica. From the city's iconic 100-year-old pier to Muscle Beach to its role as the backdrop of the television series, "Baywatch," Santa Monica is one of the most viewed beaches in the world. This five-mile stretch of coast receives over 5 million visitors a year!

Visitors can use a dedicated bike path and walkways along the beach to attend a free summer concert series in this coastal town on the western edge of Los Angeles. "We love the fact that the public has this kind of access to and through Santa Monica on the Coastal Trail," declares Kevin McKeown, the mayor of Santa Monica. And with its reliable public transit options, including a future Metro light rail stop, McKeown emphasizes that "Santa Monica has very consciously tried to design itself as a human-scaled city by the beach." The community has a bright future, and continues to beckon people from around the world to its friendly shores.

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Experiencing the Wild Sonoma Coast Along the Kortum Trail
5:08
Pristine conditions along this area are a result of decades of work from activists.
Devil's Slide Trail
6:35
Devil’s Slide was a treacherous section of Highway 1 until a landslide closed it for good.
The Ancient Coast of Wilder Ranch State Park
4:34
Once upon a time, Wilder Ranch State Park was a dairy known for its delicious butter.
West Cliff Drive: The Heart of Santa Cruz
3:54
West Cliff Drive is one of the most beautiful features of Santa Cruz.
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
4:39
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
6:48
This popular segment of the California Coastal Trail almost didn’t happen.
Pleasure Point: Connecting Santa Cruz to Surf Breaks
5:07
East Cliff Drive is one of the newest sections of the California Coastal Trail.
Monterey Bay Sanctuary: Serengeti of the Sea
6:53
This "Serengeti of the Sea" offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.
Big Sur: Sanctuary of the Spectacular
5:56
Big Sur is a precious jewel that remains pristine, rugged and remote.
Moonstone Beach: Where Elephant Seals Roam
5:27
It's not every day you get to witness 5,000-pound elephant seals charge each other.
Point Buchon Trail: The Gateway to a Secluded Coastline
6:00
This section of the California Coastal Trail has only been open to the public since 2007.
Pismo Beach: The Central Coast's Recreation Destination
5:10
Pismo Beach is set to become a major destination for outdoor recreational activity.
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