Can anyone give me any information on Westwood Village in LA? Thanks.

Diane - What kind of info are you trying to find out? Kind of a vague question.

For a brief intro, Westwood Village is located very close to the UCLA campus and in turn caters to a lot of students as well as the general population. Lots of restaurants, movie theaters (many movie premieres here) and retail shops.

Our 21 year old son is trying to base himself for a summer internship in Santa Monica. We are trying to decide between Santa Monica and the Westwood Village/UCLA area. Although he will have a car--I would like him to be within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife. Would Westwood Village area be preferable to Santa Monica if he cannot be near the promenade/beach areas? Thanks!

Forgot to mention that we are from the East Coast--so know little about the area. Thanks, again.

Let's see, where in Santa Monica, near the beach or closer to West LA?? If he is going to be in Santa Monica and wants to walk to things then definately Westwood Village is too far away, but it depends upon the exact location.
In terms of shopping, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, parts of Santa Monica (3rd Street ) and Westwood Village are about the same. The advantage to Santa Monica is it's close proximity to the beach and consequently cooler weather.
But if your son is student age he might prefer to be surrounded by tons of UCLA college types.

Diane, I lived in westwood for 5 years while attending UCLA. I recommend westwood.
Just know that the rent there is higher than in santamonica or the west la area (in bet westwood and santa monica)
But westwood is nice,safe. Theres everything there...coffe shops,restaurants, police, post off, bars, nice houses, barbers, UCLA campus, etc....Theres also a good bus line that can take your son from westwood to santamonica.

just live in westwood, do without the car! otherwise living in santa monica is fine, especially if your son like the beach (cold, notswimmable + nice view, good boardwalk)

PS. your son might end up staying here for more than a summer, find himself a beautiful blonde, and never go back east! especially if you get the car!

You can't go wrong with either Santa Monica or Westwood, except that you'll pay through the nose for rent. But your son will have a great time, as both "neighborhoods" are loaded with nice people, good restaurants, movie theaters and busy coffeehouses. You should visit him and see for yourself!

Diane, just think of Westwood as being a bit like Georgetown, D.C. -- but California style instead!

Thanks everyone for the information! I feel better now in making a somewhat informed choice( our son's busy at school, so I am the apartment finder). We are going to visit--made reservations at the Hotel California based partly on this website--hope it is nice. I'll report back. Thanks again!