Clock Tower Building: Santa Monica's Art Deco Icon

Discover Santa Monica's iconic Clock Tower Building: an Art Deco masterpiece with a rich history, offering a blend of architectural beauty and modern attractions in the heart of downtown.

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Clock Tower Building

The Clock Tower Building, a striking Art Deco masterpiece, stands as a prominent landmark in Santa Monica. Built in 1929, it was the city's first high-rise and remained the tallest for nearly four decades. Its white terra cotta exterior, designed by Walker & Eisen, reflects the Californian sky, while the clock tower itself serves as a recognizable urban signal. Today, the building houses a mix of retail spaces and offices, including The Misfit Restaurant and Bar on the ground floor, blending historical significance with modern use. Located in the heart of downtown, near the Third Street Promenade, it's a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Santa Monica's vibrant history. The building's recent restoration has further enhanced its appeal, ensuring its legacy for years to come.

A brief summary to Clock Tower Building

225 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, Downtown, California, 90401, US
+1310-458-2003
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Local tips

Visit The Misfit Restaurant and Bar on the ground floor for a meal or drinks in a historic setting.
Explore the nearby Third Street Promenade for shopping, dining, and street performances.
Take a walk to the Santa Monica Pier and beach, located just a short distance from the Clock Tower Building.

Getting There

Public Transport

From the Downtown Santa Monica Station (Expo Line), walk two blocks north on 4th Street, then turn left onto Santa Monica Blvd. The Clock Tower Building will be on your left. Several Big Blue Bus and Metro bus lines also stop near the building. Check the Big Blue Bus or Metro website for specific routes and schedules. A TAP card is required for both the Big Blue Bus and the Expo Line. Single fares for the Big Blue Bus are around $1.25, while Metro fares are $1.75.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From anywhere in Santa Monica or nearby areas, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) can drop you off directly in front of the Clock Tower Building at 225 Santa Monica Blvd. Expect to pay between $8-$15 for a ride from most locations in Santa Monica. Taxi! Taxi! is the only taxicab company that has a franchise agreement with in the City of Santa Monica.
Driving

If driving, approach the Clock Tower Building via the I-10 freeway, exiting at 4th/5th Street in Santa Monica. Street parking is limited, but several parking structures are available nearby. Parking Structure 4 (1444 4th St) and Parking Structure 6 (1350 2nd St) are within walking distance. Parking rates typically start at $2.00 for the first 90 minutes, with a daily maximum of $20-$25 on weekdays and weekends.

Discover more about Clock Tower Building

The Clock Tower Building, located at 225 Santa Monica Boulevard, is more than just a building; it's a symbol of Santa Monica's ambition and architectural heritage. Completed in 1929, this Art Deco masterpiece was commissioned by the Bay Cities Guaranty and Loan Association, marking a significant moment in the city's development. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Walker & Eisen, the building quickly became Santa Monica's first skyscraper and remained its tallest structure for almost 40 years, a testament to its groundbreaking design and engineering. The building's architecture is a prime example of Art Deco style, characterized by its clean lines, geometric patterns, and the use of modern materials. The exterior is clad in white terra cotta, which not only gives the building a bright and airy feel but also reflects the abundant sunlight of Southern California. The seemingly monolithic image of the building is actually enlivened by slight volumetric shifts that divide the high-rise into three sections: a wide basement level characterized by the large entrances to the retail areas; a robust second block, slightly tapered towards the top, that houses offices from the second floor to the twelfth, and lastly a square stepped tower which, placed off-centre with respect to the base, rises skywards and has clock-faces on each side – hence the name Clock Tower. The clock tower itself is the building's most distinctive feature. With its four black dials, one on each side, the clock is visible from all over the city, serving as a practical timepiece and a recognizable landmark. The clock's design complements the building's Art Deco aesthetic, adding to its overall elegance and charm. At night, the clock is illuminated, casting a warm glow over the surrounding area and further enhancing its iconic status. Throughout its history, the Clock Tower Building has been a hub of activity. In its early years, it housed the Bay Cities Guaranty and Loan Association, playing a crucial role in the city's financial development. Over time, the building has adapted to changing needs, housing a variety of businesses and organizations. Today, the ground floor is home to retail spaces and The Misfit Restaurant and Bar, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The upper floors continue to be used as office space, attracting creative firms and businesses drawn to the building's unique character and prime location. The Clock Tower Building's location in the heart of downtown Santa Monica makes it easily accessible and a central point of interest. Situated on Santa Monica Boulevard, it's just a short walk from the Third Street Promenade, a vibrant pedestrian mall known for its shops, restaurants, and street performers. The building is also close to the Santa Monica Pier and the beach, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the city's attractions. In recent years, the Clock Tower Building has undergone extensive restoration work to preserve its architectural integrity and ensure its longevity. The restoration project involved repairing the building's exterior, including the terra cotta cladding and the clock tower itself. The project was carefully executed to maintain the building's original design and character, while also incorporating modern upgrades to improve its functionality and sustainability. The recent façade repair project has restored much of the Santa Monica Clock Tower Building's former integrity from the time when it was a beacon of the city's hope for financial stability and independence, and it is still a prominent landmark within the community, located at the heart of the central business district in the city. The Clock Tower Building stands as a testament to Santa Monica's rich history and architectural heritage. Its Art Deco design, iconic clock tower, and prime location make it a must-see destination for visitors and a beloved landmark for locals. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of downtown Santa Monica, the Clock Tower Building is sure to leave a lasting impression. Visiting the Clock Tower Building offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the elegance of the Art Deco era. As you approach the building, take a moment to admire its clean lines, geometric patterns, and the gleaming white terra cotta exterior. Look up at the clock tower, a symbol of the city's past and present. Step inside and explore the retail spaces and The Misfit Restaurant and Bar, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink in a historic setting. Take a stroll around the surrounding area, and discover the many other attractions that downtown Santa Monica has to offer. The Clock Tower Building is not just a building; it's an experience, a journey through time, and a celebration of Santa Monica's unique character.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Clock Tower Building

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Discover Santa Monica's iconic Clock Tower Building: an Art Deco masterpiece with a rich history, offering a blend of architectural beauty and modern attractions in the heart of downtown.

Downtown Santa Monica

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Will Rogers Highway Marker

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Beach Crossing Staircase

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Santa Monica Place

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Edwin Building

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Miramar Moreton Bay Fig Tree

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Santa Monica Pier Carousel

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City of Santa Monica

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Surf City Tours

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Old Rte 66,

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Route 66 End of the Trail

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Chess Park

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Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica

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Christine Emerson Reed Park

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Experience the beauty of Santa Monica State Beach, where golden sands meet the vibrant California coastline, perfect for sun, fun, and adventure.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

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Discover healthful dining at True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica - where delicious meets nutritious with diverse menu options for every palate.

Discover unique gifts and toys at The Acorn Store in Santa Monica, where creativity meets charm in every corner.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Ye Olde King's Head

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Bar Chloe

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Lanea

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The Coco Club

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THE BUNGALOW

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Esters Wine Shop & Bar

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Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

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The Backyard

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Bodega Wine Bar

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The Living Room

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The Room Santa Monica

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The Chestnut Club - Santa Monica Bar - Cocktails - Happy Hour 5-7pm

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The Chestnut Club - Santa Monica Bar - Cocktails - Happy Hour 5-7pm

Basement Tavern

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Jameson’s Pub

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Tavern on Main SM

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Clock Tower Building: Santa Monica's Art Deco Icon

A brief summary to Clock Tower Building

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Clock Tower Building

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Clock Tower Building

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Clock Tower Building

Downtown Santa Monica

Will Rogers Highway Marker

Beach Crossing Staircase

Santa Monica Place

Edwin Building

Miramar Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Santa Monica Pier Carousel

City of Santa Monica

Surf City Tours

Old Rte 66,

Route 66 End of the Trail

Chess Park

Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica

Christine Emerson Reed Park

Unmissable attractions to see

Camera Obscura Art Lab

Cayton Children's Museum

Santa Monica Art Museum

Greetings from Santa Monica Mural

The Bike Center Santa Monica

Sci-Fi World

Santa Monica Statue

Santa Monica Public Library

Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Street Art

Yacht Harbour, Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier Arch

Santa Monica History Museum

Santa Monica State Beach

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Essential places to dine

The Misfit Bar & Restaurant

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

Élephante

UOVO | Santa Monica

Mercado

BOA Steakhouse

Water Grill

North Italia

Blue Plate Oysterette

Massilia

Santa Monica Whaler

Meat On Ocean

LouLou Santa Monica

Orto Santa Monica

True Food Kitchen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Anthropologie

Wonders of the World

Urban Outfitters

Sand 'n Surf Promenade

LA Gift Stop

Sand 'n Surf

2 Bella boutique

Istanbul Home

Johnny Was

Free People

Timeless Symbols

UNIQLO Santa Monica Place

Arrow Gift

Lucky Penny General Store

The Acorn Store

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Ye Olde King's Head

Bar Chloe

Lanea