There is something about Santa Monica that feels effortlessly California. You get beach views, palm trees, historic landmarks, great restaurants, indie movie theaters, and some of the best people watching in Los Angeles all packed into one very walkable coastal city. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or adding Santa Monica to a larger Southern California trip, this beachside city offers a little bit of everything.
What to Do in Santa Monica
Explore the Santa Monica Pier
No trip to Santa Monica feels complete without visiting the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The pier has been a Southern California landmark since 1909 and still feels delightfully classic. At Pacific Park (the amusement park on the pier) you can ride the Ferris wheel, play arcade games, watch street performers, or simply take in the ocean views. Sunset here is especially beautiful!
Read More: The Most Colorful Places in California
Read More: Complete Guide to the Santa Monica Pier
Ride the Historic Carousel
Inside the pier sits the historic Looff Hippodrome carousel. Dating back to 1922, this beautifully preserved carousel has appeared in numerous films and television shows. Even adults who normally skip amusement rides should take a spin.
Stand at the End of Route 66
Just steps from the pier you will find the famous “End of the Trail” sign marking the western end of historic Route 66. It is a fun photo stop, especially if you are road tripping from Chicago to California.
Read More: Cruising California’s Route 66 (Coming Soon!)
Visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium
Located beneath the pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium focuses on marine life found in Santa Monica Bay. It is compact and easy to explore in under an hour, making it a great stop for families or anyone interested in local ocean conservation.
Walk Through Palisades Park
Palisades Park stretches along Ocean Avenue atop the bluffs overlooking the Pacific. The walking paths are lined with palm trees, ocean breezes, and some of the best coastal views in Los Angeles County. It is ideal for a morning stroll, picnic, or sunset.
Discover the Camera Obscura
One of Santa Monica’s more unusual attractions is the historic Camera Obscura. This small structure uses a lens and mirrors to project a live image of the outside world onto a viewing table inside. It feels part science experiment and part old Hollywood curiosity.
Relax at the Annenberg Community Beach House
Annenberg Community Beach House offers a pool, beach access, splash pad, volleyball courts, and a small historic estate once owned by actress Marion Davies. It is one of the nicest places to spend a laid back beach day without committing to a full resort stay.
Tour the Eames House
Design fans should book a tour of the legendary Eames House, also known as Case Study House No. 8. Created by Charles and Ray Eames, the home is considered one of the most influential examples of mid-century modern architecture in the world.
Catch a Movie at The Aero
The Aero Theatre is one of the best places in Los Angeles to watch classic films, cult favorites, and special screenings. Operated by the American Cinematheque, the theater frequently hosts filmmaker Q&As and repertory programming. I saw The Shining there a few years ago and it was so cool to see the movie projected on film – it’s really a different experience!
Bike The Strand to Venice
Rent a bike and cruise the famous Marvin Braude Bike Trail, often called The Strand. The ride from Santa Monica to Venice is scenic, easy, and full of entertaining people watching. Along the way you will pass Muscle Beach, skateboarders, street performers, and plenty of beach volleyball games.
Where to Shop
Brentwood Country Mart
Just a short drive away, Brentwood Country Mart combines upscale shopping with a relaxed farmhouse atmosphere. It is a great place to browse boutiques while grabbing coffee or lunch.
Read More: Brentwood Country Mart in Santa Monica, California
Third Street Promenade
Third Street Promenade is Santa Monica’s main shopping district filled with major retailers, street performers, restaurants, and movie theaters. It is lively both day and night.
Bergamot Station Arts Center
Art lovers should not miss Bergamot Station Arts Center, a former trolley station transformed into a collection of contemporary art galleries and creative spaces.
Santa Monica Antique Market
The Santa Monica Antique & Vintage Market is a treasure hunt for vintage lovers. Dealers bring everything from mid-century furniture to vintage clothing and collectibles.
Where to Eat
Hot Dog on a Stick
The original Hot Dog on a Stick location has been serving corn dogs and fresh lemonade since 1946. It is pure nostalgic California beach food.
Read More: California Foods Every Visitor Must Try
Chez Jay
Old school and full of character, Chez Jay feels like stepping into classic coastal Los Angeles. Expect strong drinks, seafood, steaks, and lots of local history.
Milo and Olive
Milo and Olive is beloved for its pizzas, pastries, and brunch. Their baked goods alone are worth the stop.
La Sirena at The Georgian
Inside The Georgian Hotel, La Sirena combines stylish interiors with coastal Mediterranean inspired dishes and cocktails. It feels glamorous without being stuffy.
Sidecar Doughnuts
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee serves some of the best doughnuts in Los Angeles, with flavors that rotate seasonally.
Read More: The Best Donuts in Los Angeles
West Side Oyster Club
West Side Oyster Club is a great choice if you’re craving fresh seafood in a relaxed but stylish setting. The menu features oysters sourced from both the West and East Coasts, along with seafood towers, lobster rolls, fish dishes, and creative cocktails. Whether you stop in for happy hour or settle in for a leisurely dinner, it’s an excellent place to enjoy the flavors of the California coast just a few blocks from the pier.
The Bungalow
The Bungalow is one of the city’s most popular places for sunset drinks. The beachside setting and relaxed California vibe make it a favorite for visitors and locals alike.
Calabra
Rooftop restaurant Calabra offers ocean views alongside Mediterranean inspired dishes and cocktails. It is especially lovely around sunset.
Tartine Bakery
Tartine Santa Monica is a perfect breakfast or coffee stop for pastries, bread, and open faced sandwiches.
Where to Stay
The Georgian
The Georgian Hotel is one of Santa Monica’s most iconic hotels. Originally opened in 1933, the Art Deco property recently underwent a stylish restoration that blends old Hollywood glamour with modern luxury.
Read More: Checking Into The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica
Palihouse Santa Monica
Maison Twenty Seven feels more like a charming European guesthouse than a typical beach hotel. The leafy residential setting makes it feel peaceful while still being close to the action.
Santa Monica Proper
Santa Monica Proper Hotel is known for its beautiful Kelly Wearstler interiors, rooftop pool, and trendy atmosphere.
Nearby Places Worth Exploring
The Getty
Getty Center combines world class art collections with spectacular architecture and panoramic city views.
The Getty Villa
Located along the coast in Pacific Palisades, Getty Villa recreates an ancient Roman villa and houses Greek and Roman antiquities.
Venice
Just south of Santa Monica, Venice offers a more eclectic and bohemian beach experience with street performers, skate parks, vintage shops, and the famous Venice Canals.
Santa Monica manages to combine classic California beach culture with excellent food, shopping, architecture, and entertainment. You can spend the morning biking along the ocean, the afternoon browsing galleries, and the evening watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand. It is one of the easiest Southern California destinations to fall in love with.
Shop My Travel Essentials!
Copyright Notice
All images and content are copyright-protected. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you would like to share this story, please only use one image, use proper credit, and link directly back to this post and linking with my post title. Thank you!
Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California. I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.