THE SANTA MONICA ROUND - STOP BY STOP
Hammer Museum
This isn't just another gallery; it is a nonprofit organization and art museum. The Hammer Museum was founded in 1990 by Armand Hammer to house his personal art collection. You can see the work of architect Edward Larrabee Barnes in the building's design. It is affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles, and maintains a very active schedule by hosting over 300 programs throughout the year. For those visiting, the collections, exhibitions, and programs are free to all visitors as of June 2025. I have noticed it is a great spot to stretch your wings and explore some art without spending a dime. It is a welcoming space for anyone walking through the neighborhood to stop in and see what is on display.
Geffen Playhouse
The Geffen Playhouse is a theatre building located in Santa Monica. It started in 1995, when Gilbert Cates founded the theatre company in Los Angeles, California. Since then, it has operated as a not-for-profit arts organization. I've seen plenty of people heading inside for a show, and it remains a prominent spot for the local arts scene. Whether you are a fan of the stage or just passing through the neighborhood, the building is a clear marker of the city's dedication to the performing arts. It is a place where the community gathers to experience live storytelling and creative expression. If you look closely at the architecture, you can see how it fits into the surrounding Santa Monica area while still standing out as a dedicated space for the theatre company to host its various productions.
Los Angeles California Temple
Located in the Westwood district of Los Angeles on Santa Monica Boulevard, this temple is a significant landmark for visitors to the area. It is the second-largest temple operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The building also holds the distinction of being the tenth operating temple managed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether you are passing through the district or visiting the site specifically, its scale and position on the boulevard make it a prominent feature of the neighborhood. The temple is situated in Los Angeles, California, United States, providing a point of reflection within the busy Westwood district. Its presence on Santa Monica Boulevard makes it an easily identifiable location for anyone navigating this part of the city.
Westwood Park
Open green space defines the layout of Westwood Park. When you look across the grounds, you can see how the area functions as a park for the community. I find it is a pleasant spot to pause during a walk through Santa Monica. Whether you are visiting the city for the first time or you live nearby, this park provides a simple place to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.
Jackie Robinson Stadium
Jackie Robinson Stadium is a sports venue located in Santa Monica. As a college baseball park in Los Angeles, California, it serves as the home field of the UCLA Bruins. If you visit during the season, you can watch the Bruins compete as members of the Big Ten Conference. The stadium opened in 1981 and provides a seating capacity of 1,820 for fans attending the games. It is a great spot to experience the energy of collegiate athletics in the city. I usually find the best view from the higher ledges where I can keep an eye on the action and any stray snacks left behind by the crowd. Whether you are a baseball enthusiast or just passing through the neighborhood, the facility is a notable part of the local athletic scene in Los Angeles.
