With its incomparable beachfront setting, world-class dining and vibrant cultural scene, Santa Monica emanates the distinct feel of laid-back luxury.
Santa Monica is home to some of the most iconic and celebrated hotels on the West Coast, ranging from high-style boutique hideaways to world-famous oceanfront properties - all within walking distance of the ocean! But don’t just take our word for it... Conde Nast Traveller recognised four Santa Monica hotels as part of their Top 30 Hotels, 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Kick start your day early with an endorphin boosting run or cycle along the South Beach cycle trial. Or try one of the many health and wellness activities offered in Santa Monica. You will return from your trip with a new lease of life!
Santa Monica was on the vanguard of the local foods movement long before it became mainstream, and the use of sustainable, organic ingredients is central to the cooking approach of the leading chefs around town. Revitalise your body with a Cali-style brunch or cold pressed juice cleanse, and visit one of Santa Monica’s four weekly farmers markets, which attract the city's residents, visitors and local chefs.
Stroll through the neighbourhoods and find inspiration from the local style. From high end designers at Santa Monica Place to unique boutiques along Montana Avenue – designer brands sit alongside small boutiques, independent shops and pop-ups. While exploring, tap into your creative side, and feast your eyes on more than 100 public murals displayed throughout the 8 neighbourhoods.
After a long day of exploring, take some time to unwind with a treatment at one of Santa Monica’s top spas. As the sun goes down, sit back with cocktail in hand and admire the sensational sunset by Santa Monica Pier, or from above in the scenic Palisades Park.
Planning an LA escape for the entire family? Santa Monica boasts a warm welcome to everyone, from all walks of life, with a unique nod to families. From arcade games on the Santa Monica Pier to a day at the beach, start building your bucket list where attractions and entertainment are in abundance.
Sun, sand, sea and city thrills: whoever said ‘you can’t have it all’ hadn’t been to Santa Monica. At the heart of the Santa Monica experience are eight distinctive neighbourhoods, each infused with a wealth of personality and visitor attractions. At just 8.3 square miles, it doesn’t take long to discover the world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment in each of the city’s neighbourhoods.
Set out on a shopping tour on Main Street and check out the street art, or jump on the Metro to Downtown Los Angeles, just a 45-minute ride from Downtown Santa Monica. Explore the independent shops down Pico Boulevard, discover Mid-City’s food scene, or visit landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier.
Head down to the Santa Monica Pier to the famous Pacific Park and the nine-story Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel – the only over-water Ferris wheel in California, and the first solar-powered wheel in the world! Hang out (quite literally) at the Original Muscle Beach - get your photo taken at this iconic spot where locals love to work up a sweat! Gander down the Ocean Front Walk, and explore all the beach has to offer; or, if you want to pick up the pace, hop on one of the many bikes, and cycle down the South Bay Bicycle Trail!
All this activity will work up a healthy appetite so be sure to visit the culinary delights offered throughout the restaurants, cafes and bars in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica continues to carry the flag as a fundamental innovator in the world of exercise. Indoor spinning was, in fact, first started in Santa Monica – check out Soul Cycle for a high intensity work out or enjoy a private yoga class on the beach with Beach Yoga SoCal for a more gentle way to start the day.
Famed for its farmers markets, Santa Monica’s most popular restaurants offer dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you are replenishing after a morning of exercise with a quintessentially Santa Monica breakfast at Milo + Olive or feasting on a dinner for a special occasion at Fig, Santa Monica’s menu is healthy, playful, exciting and diverse – just like the city itself.
The city’s celebrity clientele has encouraged clothing and interior designers to set up shop in retail areas throughout the neighbourhoods. The city offers many shopping options from the high street and high end fashion at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place in Downtown to unique boutiques along Main Street and Montana Avenue. Hours can be spent searching for that perfect purchase.
Santa Monica has been an artistic centre for Southern California for generations, with a remarkable 43 percent of local residents working in creative businesses. Shop the art scene for yourself at Bergamot Station, a mecca for artists and art lovers. In the heart of Santa Monica, this campus-like complex is filled with contemporary art galleries, museums, and quirky shops.
With more than 300 days of sunshine, Santa Monica is the perfect beach getaway. If you are looking for something a little more exclusive, Perry’s Beach Butler Service is the way to go. Bask in the sunshine while your butler awaits with chilled drinks, delicious food and even tanning products. – all you have to do is order through walkie talkie and they will deliver straight to your sunbed. You can burn some calories or find your zen by joining one of the many health and wellness classes available beachside or paddle boarding for best views of the Pier and coastline.
Looking for some great natural and refreshing Spa treatments that celebrate natural farm produce? Slip in to ultimate relaxation mode at one of the best spas in town. Exhale Spa at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows offers an intimate Pacific coast getaway with every beauty treatment imaginable plus boutique fitness classes and poolside spa experiences.
When you think of things to do in Santa Monica, the iconic Santa Monica Pier inevitably comes to mind. Located on the pier, Pacific Park amusement park features a breezy roller coaster, the nine-story Pacific Plunge tower ride, and the vibrant Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel – the only over-water Ferris wheel in California, and the first solar-powered wheel in the world. The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit Santa Monica attraction that really sets this city apart, as an ideal destination for families and visitors of any age.
Santa Monica, the birthplace of California-Fusion cuisine, has always had a soft spot for farm-to-table produce, so make sure you come hungry and thirsty. There is something for everyone whether you enjoy lunch while people watching at ‘Seaside on the Pier’ or mouth-watering treats from Sidecar Doughnuts’. Can’t decide on which delicious treat to choose from? Spend a couple of hours on the Sweet Spots Dessert Bike Tour and try three or four different local eateries.
Santa Monica is a cycle friendly city – so embrace the Bike! Running 22-milies-long, the South Bay Bicycle Trail is the world’s longest oceanfront bike path and is the perfect way for your family to get some exercise, sunshine and enjoy the long stretch of Pacific coastline. Perfect for all ages, it’s an easy ride with plenty of places to stop off for a refreshing drink or ice cream. Head away from the beach and into the Santa Monica Mountains for a change of scenery and steeper incline.
Take a stroll down the Ocean Front Walk, to South Beach Playground. The kids will love the stonewalled sandbox with a concrete Viking ship. An interactive dragon’s head looming in the grass nearby rounds out this children’s attraction. Wilshire Boulevard is one of the most well-known streets in town. It borders the hugely popular Douglas Park, known for playing fields, lawn bowling, reflecting pools, and natural landscaping. Head to Pico Boulevard to check out unique clothing boutique shops, record stores, and art galleries. If you are in Pico on a Saturday be sure to check out the farmers market.
With a gentle break, Santa Monica beach is the perfect place for families to learn how to surf and also offers a whole host of other family friendly activities. Why not take a visit to the original Muscle Beach, just south of the Santa Monica Pier? This opened back in the 1930s, when a lean, keen group of acrobats, gymnasts and other talented athletes, regularly gathered to work out beachfront. Now, it is still a gathering spot for all whom enjoy working out in the sunshine... or even for just playing on the monkey bars! For the adrenaline junkie teenagers, head to Trapeze School where you can learn to fly.
The Annenberg Community Beach House is a unique community destination, ideal for a family day out. Start with breakfast or lunch at Back on the Beach, where you and your family can dine outside with your feet in the sand! Then enjoy the courtyards, beach courts and fields, children's play area and splash pad, Marion Davies Guest House, gallery, and view deck year-round.
