SMITH location
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About Santa Monica
Santa Monica offers more than its beach and its phenomenal weather. Its proximity to the greater Los Angeles area makes Santa Monica the perfect base for vacationers and business travelers alike. On its own, Santa Monica is a walkable 8.3 square miles (21.5 km²) -– a pedestrian-friendly beach city. Each of its eight districts offers a diverse mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation and, thanks to its unmatched public transportation system, metropolitan convenience.
For travelers aiming to discover the rest of Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region, Santa Monica serves as a convenient hub for broader exploration. Located only eight miles (13 km) north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and only 13 miles (23 km) from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Santa Monica provides easy access to neighboring areas and attractions. Santa Monica is also close to other hot Southern California cities such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood.
The festival activities, Friday through Monday, will all be within WALKING DISTANCE in Downtown Santa Monica! You will not need a car to get around!
The main venue: Santa Monica High School South Gym Building
(RED PARKING SECTION) Entrance to parking lot from Alley. Free Parking all day & night.
(RED ARROW) Pedestrian entrance closest to Sheraton Delfina Hotel (pool party location)
also convenient when walking from downtown Santa Monica
All classes and milongas will be happening at the South Gym with exception to some classes ocurring in the Music/Band Room in the Music Building. REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN at the SOUTH GYM BLDG ENTRANCE. The following are the rooms being used in the South Gym and Music Building.
- South Gym
Main Gym
- Dance Studio
- Yoga Room
- Fitness Room
- Band Room
- Music Room
*Showers Available in the North Gym or book a room at the Sheraton Delfina across the street!
Getting to Santa Monica High School
Exit 10 freeway west at Lincoln Blvd.
Make a left onto Lincoln Blvd.
Make a right on Michigan Ave.
Make sharp right into first alley way.
Parking entrance on left hand side. See Map
FOOD? Hungry?
Hungry? Visit our dining lounge area set-up on campus. Food vendor hours will vary, but will be available for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night breakfast each day. See Registration Desk for daily schedule.



Santa Monica Beach and 3rd Street Promenade
Right near the venue. Both locations are in walking distance and easily accessible. Enjoy your time between the SMITH schedules! The Beach Party on Friday will be hosted right on the beach!
Santa Monica "Beach-longa"
Kick off your shoes and dance barefoot at the Santa Monica "Beach-longa". This will be hosted right under the pier on the North Side. Walk straight from Colorado Blvd to the pier and find us dancing under there on Friday - May 6th between 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(Santa Monica Beach, North of Pier)
Tango Poolside BBQ Party at the Sheraton Delfina
Lounge out at the beautiful Sheraton Delfina pool while enjoying barbecue and some cocktails. AND of course dancing tango to our great DJ Evan Griffiths. Saturday - May 7th between 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Delfina Hotel
530 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA
Directly across the street from SMHS Campus from the Pedestrain Entrance
Getting around in Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown SM is a pedestrian friendly beach city. All of the events Friday through Sunday are within walking distance in Downtown. Thursday night's pre-festival milonga takes place in near-by Mar Vista
(less than 5 miles away)
While visiting Downtown Santa Monica, you can find city information at several locations.
The Santa Monica Visitor Center
1920 Main Street, Suite B. 310-319-6263Visitor Information Cart at Third Street Promenade
Between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona AvenueVisitor Information Kiosk
1400 Ocean Ave., On the park side of the streetThere also is information at directories throughout the Promenade
and the satellite police offices on Second Street between Santa Monica Blvd. and BroadwayTaxicabs & Bus Services
Taxicabs are located on Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Avenue just off Third Street Promenade. Or you can call: Santa Monica Yellow Cab, (310) 260-7768.
Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus provides transportation services to both the local and greater Los Angeles areas. For bus information and schedules, visit www.bigbluebus.com or call 310-451-5444. Big Blue Bus information also is available just off of the Third Street Promenade at The Big Blue Bus Transit Store, 223 Broadway, 310-451-5444
The Downtown area also enjoys the TIDE Shuttle, for just .50 cents you can travel from Marine & Neilson to Wilshire & 6th. Hop on the Tide Ride, sit back and enjoy the local scenery. It can take you to historic Main Street for an afternoon stroll, to the Santa Monica Pier for a turn on the carousel, or to the Main Library Café for literature and a latte.
Other attractions in LA to visit
- Santa Monica Place Mall
- Venice Beach
- Malibu Beach
- Beverly Hills
- Downtown Culver City
- Hollywood
- Pasadena
- Long Beach