Santa Monica History Museum

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Santa Monica History Museum Discover. Explore. Experience. Since 1975. We Are Santa Monica Bay History.

The Santa Monica Hotel, the first one built in downtown Santa Monica. The hotel was constructed on Ocean Avenue between ...
10/26/2026

The Santa Monica Hotel, the first one built in downtown Santa Monica. The hotel was constructed on Ocean Avenue between Railroad Avenue (now Colorado Avenue) and Utah Avenue (now Broadway Avenue) in 1875 as housing for workers who were constructing the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad. The hotel burned down January 15, 1889.

Berry Collection (245.2.12), late 1800s - people on front deck
Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.3263), 1880s - horse in front


The Surf Auto Hotel was located at 1704 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, roughly were the Regent currently is.We do not hav...
10/23/2026

The Surf Auto Hotel was located at 1704 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, roughly were the Regent currently is.

We do not have much info about this hotel. Help us out if you know anything.

In this 1940 image, there appears to be workers painting the exterior of the building.

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.856), 1940


Closing soon but there's still time to come see our main exhibition, Roots & Branches. While you're here, check out Food...
10/22/2026

Closing soon but there's still time to come see our main exhibition, Roots & Branches. While you're here, check out Food & Family, HerStory, and so much more.

OPEN: Thursday 2pm to 5pm and Friday through Sunday 11am to 5pm

A view of houses and palm trees on the south side of Wilshire Boulevard from Third Street to Fourth Street.
Santa Monica History Collection (36.2.361), c1920


10/21/2026

Your month = Your Santa Monica History Museum Archive Photo 📷 Which one are you? 👀 Comment your month, tag a friend and share! ❤️

Would you like this photo on your wall? This one and many other images in our archive are available as a reprint. This a...
10/21/2026

Would you like this photo on your wall? This one and many other images in our archive are available as a reprint. This aerial view of Second Street, looking North is a great option. Help us identify what blocks we're looking at.

Historical Photo Reprints
https://reprints.santamonicahistory.org

Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.897)


10/21/2026

Celebrate the tradition of Día de los Mu***os. View altars created by local school students in our lobby. Altars will be viewable during regular hours from October 29-November 7. Live performances Nov 1st & 2nd.

M. Eugene Durfee, the architect of the Central Tower Building and the Century Federal Savings and Loan in the same build...
10/20/2026

M. Eugene Durfee, the architect of the Central Tower Building and the Century Federal Savings and Loan in the same building, located at 1422 Fourth Street.

We have a wonderful coffee table book at the museum on architect Paul R. Williams, who designed many buildings and homes in Santa Monica and surrounding area. This book and others are currently 30% off!

These images and more are also available to purchase as a reprint

We are open Thursday 2pm to 5pm and Friday through Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Outlook Collection (1998.1.908), undated - Central Tower Building
Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.5858), 1944 - Century Federal Savings and Loan

https://shop.santamonicahistory.org




A series of Lone Ranger restaurants opened in the late-1960s. Actor Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger stands in ...
10/19/2026

A series of Lone Ranger restaurants opened in the late-1960s. Actor Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger stands in front of a new Lone Ranger restaurant, located at 3001 Wilshire Blvd.

Did you watch the Lone Ranger as a kid or go to the restaurant?

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.6801), 1969



Marx Jewelers was located at 1333 Third Street. This interior view was take in 1936. Outside was a clock with their nam...
10/16/2026

Marx Jewelers was located at 1333 Third Street. This interior view was take in 1936. Outside was a clock with their name on it.

Standing below the clock is Santa Monica mayor Edmond S. Gillette (left). The other gentleman is unidentified. It could be the owner of Marx Jewelers.

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.186) 1936 - interior view
Parrott Family Collection (2008.84.192), 1938 - clock


Who remembers full service gas stations? 🚘This station has services for both gas and oil. It was on the corner of Arizon...
10/15/2026

Who remembers full service gas stations? 🚘This station has services for both gas and oil. It was on the corner of Arizona and 2nd Street.

We zoomed in on one of the photos to see what they sold there. Check out Bug-a-boo Moth Crystals - similar to moth balls, made by Socony-Vacuum Oil Company, which later became Mobil. These products had the red Pegasus logo on it.

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.4823, 3.2.4824), 1941


Address

1350 7th Street
Santa Monica, CA
90401

Opening Hours

Thursday 2pm - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+13103952290

Website

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