Shotgun House: A Glimpse into Santa Monica's Past

Discover Santa Monica's architectural heritage at the Shotgun House, a preserved 19th-century home showcasing local history and sustainable preservation in the heart of Ocean Park.

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The Shotgun House, Santa Monica's last intact example of this unique architectural style, offers a fascinating peek into the city's late 19th-century history. Originally built as a modest vacation cottage in the Ocean Park neighborhood, it now serves as the Santa Monica Conservancy's Preservation Resource Center. Visitors can explore its three rooms, discovering exhibits on local history, architectural preservation, and the unique characteristics of shotgun houses. The house itself is a testament to community preservation efforts, having been saved from demolition and relocated multiple times. Open to the public, the Shotgun House provides free tours and educational resources, making it a valuable stop for those interested in Santa Monica's heritage and architectural evolution. Its charming presence and engaging exhibits offer a unique experience, connecting visitors to the stories of the families who once called it home and the broader history of this coastal community.

A brief summary to Shotgun House

2520 2nd St, Santa Monica, Ocean Park, California, 90405, US
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Local tips

Check the Santa Monica Conservancy's website for the most up-to-date tour schedule and special events before planning your visit.
Explore the surrounding Ocean Park neighborhood, known for its blend of historic homes and trendy shops, to get a feel for Santa Monica's unique character.
Take advantage of the free admission and docent-led tours to learn about the history of the house and its architectural significance.

Getting There

Walking

From Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, walk east for two blocks on Ocean Park Boulevard, then turn left onto 2nd Street. The Shotgun House will be on your left, a short distance down the street. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. Look for the yellow house with white trim.
Public Transport

The Big Blue Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and R10 have stops within a few blocks of the Shotgun House. From the nearest bus stop on Main Street, walk east towards 2nd Street. Check the Big Blue Bus website or app for real-time schedules and route planning. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Request a taxi or ride-share to 2520 2nd Street, Santa Monica. Be aware that during peak hours, ride-share services may be subject to surge pricing. A short ride from the Santa Monica Pier or Downtown Santa Monica will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand.
Driving

From the I-10 freeway, exit at 4th/5th Street and head south. Turn left onto Ocean Park Boulevard, then turn right onto 2nd Street. Limited street parking is available, but can be difficult to find, especially on weekends. Parking is also available in nearby public parking structures. Parking Structure 2, located at 1400 block of 2nd Street, offers parking with the first 90 minutes free, with incremental increases every 30 minutes. $20 daily maximum on weekdays, and $25 on weekends. Be sure to check posted signs for any parking restrictions.

Discover more about Shotgun House

The Shotgun House in Santa Monica stands as a tangible link to the city's past, a survivor from a time when modest cottages dotted the Ocean Park landscape. Built between 1893 and 1902, this unassuming structure represents a unique architectural style rarely seen in Southern California, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of early residents and the evolution of this vibrant coastal community. Shotgun houses, characterized by their long, narrow footprint with rooms arranged linearly, one behind the other, have a history rooted in the American South. Architectural historians trace their origins to the Caribbean, with influences from both African and European building traditions. These simple, affordable homes became widespread throughout the South, particularly among African-American communities, and eventually spread across the country, adapting to various climates and purposes. The name "shotgun" is said to derive from the idea that a bullet fired through the front door would travel unimpeded through the house and out the back. In Santa Monica, shotgun houses like this one served as vacation rentals and homes for working-class families drawn to the burgeoning resort town. The Shotgun House at 2520 2nd Street originally stood at 2712 Second Street, just a couple of blocks from the Santa Fe railroad depot in Ocean Park. This location made it easily accessible to tourists and those employed in the area's growing tourism industry. For nearly a century, the house served as rental housing, sheltering numerous families who contributed to the diverse fabric of Santa Monica's community. However, as Santa Monica grew and land values increased, many of these modest homes were lost to demolition or significant alteration. By the late 20th century, the Shotgun House was one of the last remaining examples of its kind. Threatened with demolition in the late 1990s, the house became the focus of a determined preservation effort led by local residents, a nearby church, and the Santa Monica Conservancy. Despite being designated a landmark, the house faced further demolition attempts, surviving multiple moves and periods in storage before finding its current home. In 2014, the Shotgun House was relocated to its present site and meticulously rehabilitated to serve as the Santa Monica Conservancy's Preservation Resource Center. This adaptive reuse project not only saved a valuable piece of history but also transformed it into a vibrant community space. The Preservation Resource Center provides residents and visitors with information about historic preservation, architectural styles, and the history of Santa Monica. It hosts workshops, lectures, and meetings, serving as a hub for preservation advocacy and education. Visitors to the Shotgun House can explore its three original rooms, each offering insights into the house's past and the broader context of Santa Monica's history. Exhibits showcase the architectural features of shotgun houses, the challenges of preservation, and the stories of the families who once lived within its walls. One can even peek behind the walls to see original redwood boards and salvaged wallpaper, remnants of the house's earlier life. A miniature model house, complete with period furnishings, offers a glimpse into how the house might have looked in its early days. The Shotgun House is also a model of sustainable preservation, having earned LEED Gold certification for its green building strategies. The rehabilitation project prioritized the reuse of original materials, energy efficiency, and water conservation, demonstrating that historic preservation and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand. The surrounding coastal garden features drought-resistant native plants, further enhancing the site's environmental credentials. Today, the Shotgun House stands as a symbol of community resilience, architectural heritage, and the power of preservation. It is a place where visitors can connect with the past, learn about the importance of preserving historic resources, and appreciate the unique character of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Conservancy offers free tours of the Shotgun House on select days, inviting everyone to experience this remarkable piece of local history. The house is open to the public Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am - 2pm, and by appointment. Visiting the Shotgun House is more than just a tour of an old building; it's an immersive experience that brings Santa Monica's history to life. It's a chance to step back in time, imagine the lives of those who came before, and appreciate the ongoing efforts to preserve the stories and structures that shape our communities. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about Santa Monica's past, the Shotgun House offers a unique and rewarding experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding of this dynamic coastal city.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Shotgun House

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Horatio Court (Point of Interest - Architecture)

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Santa Monica Place

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Unmissable attractions to see

California Heritage Museum

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Hotchkiss Park

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Barnard Way Linear Park

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Santa Monica Bike Campus

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Dorothy Green Park

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Ocean View Park

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Lifeguard Tower 26

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Main

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South Beach Park Playground

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Crescent Bay Park

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Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

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Historic Belmar Park

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Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica

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Surf City Tours

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Essential places to dine

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American Beauty

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The Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen

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Cafe Gratitude

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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The Living Room

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Venice Beach Wines

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The Backyard

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Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

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Lanea

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Bar Chloe

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Neighbor

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The Coco Club

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Nightclubs & after hour spots

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The Venice West

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Senator Jones

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Nightlife Empire

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Grand Havana Room

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Shotgun House: A Glimpse into Santa Monica's Past

A brief summary to Shotgun House

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Shotgun House

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Shotgun House

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Shotgun House

Horatio Court (Point of Interest - Architecture)

Parkhurst Building

Viceroy Santa Monica

Venice Ale House

Su Casa At Venice Beach

Santa Monica Pier Carousel

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome

Santa Monica Pier Arch

Pacific Wheel

Route 66 End of the Trail

Venice Boardwalk

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Place

Unmissable attractions to see

California Heritage Museum

Hotchkiss Park

Barnard Way Linear Park

Santa Monica Bike Campus

Dorothy Green Park

Ocean View Park

Lifeguard Tower 26

Main

South Beach Park Playground

Pedal or Not Electric Bike Tours

Crescent Bay Park

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Historic Belmar Park

Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica

Surf City Tours

Essential places to dine

Cha Cha Chicken

Forma Venice

Coucou

Terrazza

Sugar Palm Santa Monica

Coast

Piccolo Santa Monica

Capo

1 Pico

The Waterfront Venice

The Rose Venice

Sol Agave - santa monica

American Beauty

The Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen

Cafe Gratitude

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

OK Santa Monica

jAdis

Lost & Found

Kathmandu Boutique

Venice Liberty

Titanic Boutique

Gift & Souvenirs Santa Monica

66-To-Cali

Beachcomber Gift Cart

Santa Monica Pier Rock Shop

Oatman Rock Shop

Pier Gear

UNIQLO Santa Monica Place

Free People

Living Libations Venice Beach Boutique - Visit by appointment only

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Basement Tavern

Jameson’s Pub