Santa Monica is a charming seaside city nestled on the picturesque Santa Monica Bay, just 15 miles from Los Angeles. Its blend of coastal charm and West Coast flair helps put it on the map as a go-to vacation destination and an ideal alternative to the more crowded Los Angeles.
Boasting more than 280 days of sunshine a year, the adorable town serves an enticing menu of fun adventures tailored to the outdoorsy traveler. From sunbaked, sandy-soaked beaches and scenic bike trails to beautiful parks and the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, there’s always something to fill up a tourist’s itinerary. But Santa Monica doesn’t discriminate against its introverted visitors, and several museums, galleries, and quaint dining spots will keep them entertained.
Whether a culture vulture, beachgoer, nature lover, or culinary enthusiast, there’s so much for travelers to look forward to in one of California’s most beautiful small towns.
Top Things To Do In Santa Monica
Santa Monica promises a fun-packed experience for all types of tourists thanks to a long list of top attractions and unforgettable adventures.
From strolling through its busy pier and hiking along the Santa Monica Bluffs Trail to relaxing in the peaceful Palisades Park, there’s no shortage of things to do in California’s boardwalk capital.
1 Head To Santa Monica State Beach
There’s no better place to begin a Santa Monica experience than its beautiful beaches, and Santa Monica State Beach is just where holidaymakers want to go. Set on a 245-acre property with a 3-5-mile shoreline, there’s plenty of space for everyone to make merry on the silky sand.
The beach has exciting amenities that take the experience to the next level. Besides swimming in its refreshing waters, guests can rent an e-bike, play a game of volleyball, eat at a seaside restaurant, or walk along the Santa Monica Pier (more on this to come).
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 24/7
Despite the sprawling size of Santa Monica State Beach, dogs are unfortunately not allowed, so Fluffy might have to stay back at the hotel.
2 Explore The Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is easily the most iconic attraction in the city and a revered landmark in California. Constructed more than a century ago, it was the first concrete pier on America’s West Coast, becoming the go-to fishing spot in town.
Today, Santa Monica Pier offers enough fun for the whole family thanks to a raft of attractive on-site activities.
The Pacific Amusement Park allows the little ones to ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel as adults take a trapeze class. There’s also an onsite aquarium, arcade games, and multiple food stalls on the Santa Monica Pier worth stopping at.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Open daily, 6 am – 10 pm
Visit the Pier in the evening to savor scenic views of the Santa Monica sunset over the Pacific waters. The atmosphere is also perfect for a lazy stroll to unwind after a busy day.
3 Shop Through The Third Street Promenade
Visitors yearning for retail therapy will be glad to know that Santa Monica offers a spectacular shopping experience, and The Third Street Promenade is the ideal spot for shopaholics. Stretching from Broadway to Wilshire Boulevard, this vibrant pedestrian walk is dotted with stores, diners, and other entertainment venues.
Vacationers will come across major brands like H&M and Urban Outfitters along the open-air shopping mall and can even buy fresh produce at the farmers’ market on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 24/7
Third Street Promenade is a popular filming location, appearing in the famous comedy flick Freaky Friday. Tourists should keep their eyes open for lucky sightings of their favorite Hollywood stars.
4 Cool Off At Palisades Park
View of Santa Monica beach, California incline and Pacific Coast highway, and people walking in Palisades park.
Palisades Park offers a nice escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it an excellent option for those looking for some secluded time away from hordes of tourists. The 26-acre park makes up part of Ocean Avenue on the Pacific Coast Highway and offers one of the most breathtaking sea views in California.
It has a 1.6-mile walkway surrounded by towering palms, providing the perfect laid-back setting for a peaceful evening stroll. Otherwise, sit down at the picnic tables to enjoy a nice meal with family or inspect the public art displayed at the park.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 24/7
5 Discover Pre-medieval Art At The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is a quaint museum that will transport guests to Italy with its stunning architecture and landscape. It displays Roman and Greek art from before the Middle Ages and houses a fascinating rotating exhibition.
Inside, vacationers will be impressed by the reenacted Roman country, which features a large pool, sculptures, manicured gardens, and fountains.
Ranging over the art collection will be an excellent pastime for enthusiasts, and the onsite Garden Tea treats visitors to a refreshing cup of beverage with sumptuous servings of finger sandwiches.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10 am – 5 pm
Take advantage of free guided tours by The Getty Villa to better explore the art collection and learn about its architecture.
6 Enjoy The Outdoors At Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Santa Monica Recreational Area National State Park, California
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the ultimate playground for lovers of open spaces and outdoor expeditions. It offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities that attract tourists from all over the country. The mountains theatrically intersect with the sea, culminating in a dramatic setting with panoramic ocean views.
There’s an endless list of fun activities at the 500-mile stretch of property. Holidaymakers can hike to the top of a mountain, tackle rugged trails on two wheels, ride a horse, or even surf on the ocean below. The site boasts over 20 parks, including Topanga Creek State Park and Malibu Creek State Park.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is open to campers and is one of California's best campgrounds.
7 Learn About Marine Creatures At The Heal The Bay Aquarium
Heal the Bay Aquarium is a magnificent facility that aims to educate visitors and locals about the different marine life thriving in Santa Monica Bay. Tucked underneath the Santa Monica Pier, this small aquarium exhibits at least 100 local species, such as red octopuses, stingrays, swell sharks, and sea jellies.
It also hosts daily programs, including workshops, animal feedings, and other hands-on activities to educate travelers. Heal the Bay Aquarium is a potential hit with kids, especially under 12 years, who will be impressed by the few but exciting displays.
- Admission: Adults $10, Kids (12 and younger) free
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, Noon – 4 pm
8 Break A Sweat On The Santa Monica Stairs
The Santa Monica Stairs is an accidental tourist attraction that became a favorite for fitness enthusiasts. The site sits in a hidden residential area in the city and features at least 300 steps partly made of concrete and wood. Climbing up and down the stairs provides a strenuous physical challenge that many gymgoers will embrace.
The Santa Monica Stairs stay busy with locals and tourists exercising their legs as others jump rope and perform push-ups to stay in shape.
Carry a bottle(s) of water when going to the Santa Monica stairs; there aren’t many facilities around as it’s a residential area.
9 Tour The Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House is an important historical landmark in Santa Monica with a legacy dating back to the 1920s Gold Coast era. This gorgeous 5-acre seaside property was built by William Hearst as a home for Marion Davies and featured 100 rooms.
While the main mansion was destroyed in 1956, key features like the pool and guest house remain intact.
Today, the mansion is a popular public facility where guests can freely hang out in a cute courtyard and relax under umbrellas. They can spend time at the beach volleyball courts, splash pad, and soccer fields or enjoy the scenes from the viewing deck.
- Admission: Free, but $10 to access the pool
- Hours: Open daily, 8 am – 8/9 pm
10 Hop On Two Wheels To Explore The Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Santa Monica enjoys many bike trails, and The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, or The Strand, is among the most popular. Conveniently located smack dab in the city’s heart, the 22-mile trail traverses various points of interest like San Vincente Boulevard and Main Street on the way to Will Rogers State Beach.
Although the trail can get crowded with pedestrians and other bikers, the path is well-maintained, and a laid-back ride will prevent collisions or accidents.
Guests who want to hire a bike can do so from local outfitters, including reputable companies like The Bike Center. Charges range between $13 and $45 per hour, depending on the type of bike hired.
11 Best Time To Visit Santa Monica
Santa Monica is blessed with delightful sunny weather for most of the year, making it a viable destination no matter the season. However, the perfect time for travelers is fall, between September and November.
The beach waters are toasty enough for a refreshing dip, with the temperature hovering between 63 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and the thick summer crowds have departed, so there is no jostling for space in the city. Guests will have a peaceful time exploring the many outdoor attractions and enjoy hotel deals.
Summers are for the beach
Summer is prime beach time in the city, and Santa Monica remains one of California’s best summer destinations. The sunny season also brings a long list of events in the town; key among them is LA Pride in June.
In July, Santa Monica hosts one of the best Independence Day celebrations in the Golden State.
Winters won’t break the bank
Winter is an excellent time for budget travelers in Santa Monica. With most tourists having departed, hotel deals abound, and flight prices take a hit.
The weather also remains partly sunny, and fun events like the End of Year celebrations in December and Academy Awards in February enable Santa Monica to maintain its sparkle.
12 Best Ways To Get Around Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s location along the historic Route 66 allows it to enjoy quick access to major towns like Los Angeles, resulting in reliable public transportation. Here are the different options for exploring the city.
Public transportation
Santa Monica has a satisfactory public transit system, and the Big Blue Bus efficiently traverses the city. The service features two lines, Rapid 3 and Route 3, that ferry passengers to different destinations around the city, including major attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, Beach, and Third Street Promenade.
- Fare: $1.10 for a one-way ticket, $4 for a day pass, and $14 for a 7-day pass
The town is also served by a light rail service that connects it to neighboring cities, with three stations in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line passes destinations like San Fernando, Long Beach, South Bay, and Pasadena.
The Metro Line is ideal for those exploring neighboring California towns and will take tourists to Los Angeles in less than 50 minutes.
Walking and biking
Santa Monica is easy to navigate on foot or bike for those who’d like to explore the town at a snail’s pace. At 8.3 square miles, it is a relatively small town, and most areas are accessible by walking, thanks to pedestrian-friendly streets with spacious sidewalks.
Meanwhile, bike lovers can make the most of the numerous trails in the city and venture off-road to range over the backcountry on an MTB.
Car rental
Car hires are handy for adventurers who go beyond the city limits to explore the wider California region. Santa Monica’s proximity to the Pacific Coast Highway places it on one of the best routes for a California road trip, with stops at Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, etc.
13 Where To Stay In Santa Monica
Despite its relatively small size, Santa Monica is divided into distinct neighborhoods with unique personalities. This allows visitors to enjoy a fresh experience wherever they stay. They can also choose a diverse range of options for their accommodation, from luxury beachfront resorts to some of the most affordable hotels in the state.
These are the top areas to consider for a stay in Santa Monica.
Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown is the city’s epicenter and where all the action happens. It is ideal for travelers who want to remain central to the coast with quick beach access for long, undisturbed walks along the scenic shore.
Attractions abound in the city center, with the main highlights including the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.
Main Street
Located just a few blocks from Downtown, Main Street is a delightful neighborhood offering a more local experience. A worthy break from the urban vibe, the area is home to various businesses like thrift shops, jewelry boutiques, and quaint cafes.
It also hosts a bustling farmers’ market on Sundays where tourists can shop for fresh local produce and craft ware.
Pico Boulevard
Pico Boulevard is Santa Monica’s artsy neighborhood, marked by dozens of street murals and several cafes and restaurants. It offers a nice weekend getaway for the whole family thanks to its relaxed vibe and variety of dining options.
Pico Boulevard stretches from the ocean through the city’s borders and offers diverse accommodation options, including luxury, mid-range, and budget.
Some of the best-rated hotels to consider in Santa Monica include:
Luxury:
- Address: 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Rates per night: Starts at $580 for 2
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Beachfront, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Valet parking
- Address: 1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Rates per night: Starts at $382 for 2
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Beachfront, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Valet parking, Business center
Mid-range:
- Address: 1447 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Rates per night: Starts at $280 for 2
- Amenities: Beachfront, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Valet parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Airport shuttle, Internet
- Address: 1920 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404
- Rates per night: Starts at $215
- Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
Budget:
- Address: 1920 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404
- Rates per night: Starts at $215 for 2
- Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica/Los Angeles
- Address: 3007 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404
- Rates per night: Starts at $154
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Hairdryer, 24hr front desk
14 Where To Eat In Santa Monica
Santa Monica might be famous for its pier and lively Third Street Promenade, but its dining scene should not be overlooked. From high-end restaurants to local diners, the city serves different cuisines to cater to all culinary preferences.
Outdoor dining is big in Santa Monica, as the sunny weather and stunning coastal views provide the ideal backdrop for a scrumptious seaside meal. Whenever craving a quick bite or full-course meal, here are the best joints in Santa Monica:
Breakfast:
- Address: 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401-1907
- Hours: Monday to Friday (7 am – 6 pm). Saturday & Sunday (7 am – 3 pm)
Lunch and dinner:
- Address: 2327 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405-2219
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday (6 am – 11 pm), Friday & Saturday (6 am – 12 am)
Drinks:
- Address: 225 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401-2207
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday (Noon – 11 pm), Friday & Saturday (12 pm – 12 am)
15 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Santa Monica
A couple having fun riding bikes together in Santa Monica California
Start at the Santa Monica State Beach with a refreshing swim while getting baked by the toasty Santa Monica sun. Head to the Santa Monica Pier, where fun activities await. Ride a dozen rides at the Pacific Amusement Park, including a roller coaster and Ferris wheel. Tour the Heal the Bay Aquarium and learn about the local marine species at the facility.
Later, book a trapeze class at TSNY Los Angeles before going to the Third Street Promenade. This is an excellent place to check out all the activities in the city, shop for souvenirs, and walk along the famous pathway.
While at the promenade, stop by the Santa Monica History Museum for a glimpse of the city’s history and, later, the Museum of Flying to check out different historical artifacts. Afterward, visit the Getty Villa, then hit the road to discover the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail on two wheels to cap off the day.
FAQ
Q: What is Santa Monica famous for?
Santa is known for its famous pier; exploring it is among the best ways to spend time in the city. But there are many more attractions, including the Santa Monica State Beach, Palisades Park, and Third Street Promenade.
Q: Is it worth visiting Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is a popular beach town and one of California’s best tourist destinations. The sunny weather and endless beaches provide the perfect blend for a remarkable vacation.
Q: Does Santa Monica have a nightlife?
Santa Monica has a lively and diverse clubbing scene with numerous seaside clubs going into the wee hours. But the for more options, Los Angeles is just a 15-mile drive away for those who want to experience nightlife in the City of Angels.