While Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with diverse neighborhoods, Santa Monica often captures the imagination of visitors with its iconic beach and pier. But beyond the sun-kissed sands and crashing waves, Santa Monica reveals a tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. From upscale shopping and vibrant nightlife to a thriving arts scene, intriguing museums, and rejuvenating spas, this coastal city offers a rich itinerary for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or even an extended stay. Health and wellness are deeply ingrained in the Santa Monica lifestyle, making it a haven for those seeking relaxation and self-care. Spend a few days here, and you’ll quickly find yourself embracing the laid-back vibe and feeling like a local. Santa Monica truly offers something for everyone.
1. Unleash Your Inner Child at Pacific Park
For families with children or those seeking a nostalgic dose of fun, Pacific Park is the perfect destination. Situated directly on the historic Santa Monica Pier, this amusement park boasts a collection of 12 thrilling rides. The most recognizable is the Pacific Wheel, a solar-powered Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the city. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the West Coaster, an oceanfront steel roller coaster that provides a thrilling ride with stunning vistas. Other exciting options include Shark Frenzy, a shark-themed twist on the classic Tilt-A-Whirl, Inkie’s Scrambler, and a 44-foot tower plunge ride. A giant swinging wooden ship adds to the park’s diverse range of attractions.
Younger visitors are catered to with a selection of kiddie rides. And of course, no amusement park experience is complete without traditional games like Whac-A-Mole, Balloon Bust, Mini Hoops, and Ring Toss. Refuel with classic amusement park fare like funnel cake, burgers, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream from the numerous restaurants and food vendors within the park. Don’t forget to browse the souvenir shops for a memento of your visit to Santa Monica Pier.
Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Phone: +1 310-260-8744
2. Day Trip to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Escape the urban sprawl and immerse yourself in nature at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Located approximately 40 minutes by car from downtown Santa Monica, this expansive park encompasses 157,700 acres of breathtaking scenery. Over 500 miles of trails wind through the mountains, offering endless opportunities for hiking. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find challenging and rewarding routes, while rock climbers can test their skills on the area’s varied terrain.
Horseback riding is another popular activity, allowing visitors to explore the park’s beauty at a leisurely pace. During the spring months, the landscape comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating a spectacular display of color. Camping is also permitted within designated areas, providing a chance to experience the tranquility of the mountains overnight. For a respite from the city’s energy, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a refreshing and invigorating escape.
Address: Calabasas, CA 91302, USA
Phone: +1 805-370-2301
3. Spend Some Time at Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is more than just a landmark; it’s a vibrant hub of activity and entertainment. Home to Pacific Park, the pier also houses the historic 1920s carousel, a beautifully preserved masterpiece featuring 44 hand-carved wooden animals. This carousel gained fame for its appearance in the classic film "The Sting," starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
The pier is also home to the Heal the Bay Aquarium, where visitors can discover the wonders of the Pacific marine ecosystem. For the adventurous, the Los Angeles outpost of the New York Trapeze School offers the chance to learn the art of trapeze and experience the thrill of flying through the air. A diverse range of restaurants and food stalls cater to every taste and budget, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect meal or snack. During the summer months, the pier often hosts free concerts on its extended south side, adding to the lively atmosphere. Even if you don’t have time for a full day of activities, a visit to the Santa Monica Pier to witness a stunning California sunset is an absolute must. The iconic Santa Monica Pier is a highlight.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Phone: +1 310-458-8900
4. Relax on Santa Monica Beach
Adjacent to the bustling pier lies Santa Monica Beach, a renowned destination for relaxation and recreation. Sink your toes into the soft sand, bask in the warm California sun, and listen to the soothing sound of the waves. This expansive beach provides ample space for spreading out a picnic blanket, reading a book, or simply unwinding and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
Santa Monica Beach offers a variety of beach activities, from swimming and sunbathing to volleyball and frisbee. The beach is meticulously maintained, ensuring a clean and enjoyable experience for all. As the day draws to a close, Santa Monica Beach transforms into a magical setting as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Address: Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
5. Learn About Marine Life at Heal the Bay Aquarium
Located at the base of the Santa Monica Pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Operated by the non-profit organization Heal the Bay, this marine education center focuses on the diverse marine life found in Santa Monica Bay. While smaller than the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, the Heal the Bay Aquarium showcases over 100 species of sea animals and plants, offering a fascinating glimpse into the local ecosystem. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to touch and learn about various sea creatures, making it a particularly engaging experience for children. The Heal the Bay Aquarium is a must-see.
Address: 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Phone: +1 310-393-6149
6. Go for a Stroll Along the Third Street Promenade
The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only shopping district that offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Street performers entertain visitors with music, magic, and other acts, creating a lively ambiance, especially during evenings, weekends, and throughout the summer. While the Promenade has evolved over the years, with many unique shops and food stalls being replaced by chain stores and restaurants, it remains a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The pedestrian zone stretches three blocks from Broadway at Santa Monica Place to Wilshire Blvd, providing ample space for strolling and browsing. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, a delicious meal, or simply a place to people-watch, the Third Street Promenade is a must-visit destination in Santa Monica.
Address: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Phone: +1 310-393-8355
7. Climb the Santa Monica Stairs
For fitness enthusiasts seeking a challenging workout, the Santa Monica Stairs offer a unique and invigorating experience. This free activity involves climbing two sets of steep stairs that connect Adelaide Drive at the top to Entrada Drive at the bottom. The stairs provide a rigorous cardiovascular workout and a chance to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.
Parking is available on both Adelaide Drive and Entrada Drive, although it may be easier to find a spot on Entrada Drive. Whether you’re a local looking for a regular workout or a visitor seeking a unique fitness challenge, the Santa Monica Stairs are a great way to get your heart pumping and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Address: 699 Adelaide Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90402, USA
8. Walk, Bike or Skate Your Way Along "The Strand"
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, affectionately known as "The Strand," is a 22-mile paved path that stretches along the coastline from Will Rogers State Beach in the north to Torrance Beach in the south. This scenic trail offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the coastline by foot, bicycle, or roller skates. Several rental shops located near the Santa Monica Pier offer a variety of bikes and skates, allowing visitors to choose the perfect mode of transportation for their coastal adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a challenging bike ride, or a fun-filled skate session, "The Strand" provides a scenic and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of the California coastline.
Address: Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA
9. Try Your Hand at Surfing
Santa Monica Beach offers designated surfing areas for those eager to ride the waves. Surfing is permitted between lifeguard towers 18 and 20, located at Pico Boulevard and Bay Street, and between towers 28 and 29, situated at Ashland Avenue and Pier Street. Several surf schools and private instructors are available to provide lessons for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Rental equipment is also readily available. Always check in with the lifeguards before entering the water to ensure safe surfing conditions.
Address: Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
10. Embrace Your Inner Aviation Geek at the Museum of Flying
Founded in 1974 by Donald Douglas, Jr., the son of the Douglas Aircraft Company’s founder, the Museum of Flying is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. The museum opened in its current location on the grounds of the Santa Monica Airport in 2012. The exhibits showcase the history of aviation, with a particular focus on the Douglas Aircraft Company.
Visitors can explore a collection of historic planes, replicas, and models, including the Douglas DC-3 Spirit of Santa Monica, which was built at the Douglas Aircraft factory in Santa Monica in 1942. A highlight of the museum is the FedEx airplane cockpit, which visitors can climb into for photo opportunities. The Museum of Flying provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation.
Address: 3100 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405-6140, USA
Phone: +1 310-398-2500
11. Go Swimming at the Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House is a unique public facility located on the northern end of Santa Monica State Beach. The property features a swimming pool, a community center, and a gallery, offering a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages. The site’s history dates back to the 1920s when William Randolph Hearst built a 100-room mansion for Marion Davies on the property. Over the years, the site has served as a hotel and a beach club.
In 2009, the Annenberg Community Beach House opened to the public, featuring a restored historic pool, the Marion Davies Guesthouse, and new event spaces and recreation offerings, including beach volleyball, tennis, and soccer courts. Some of the facilities can be reserved for a fee, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Address: 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402, USA
Phone: +1 310-458-4904
12. See a Show at the The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, located at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center, is a state-of-the-art performance venue. The complex includes two theaters: the main 500-seat Broad Stage and the more intimate 100-seat black-box theater, The Edye. The Broad Stage hosts a diverse range of performances, from classical music and dance to cutting-edge theater productions. Renowned artists such as Patti LuPone, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Helen Hunt, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band have graced the stage.
Address: Performing Arts Center – Music Building, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401-2000, USA
Phone: +1 310-434-3200
13. Visit the California Heritage Museum
The California Heritage Museum, located in a historic residence on Main Street, showcases American decorative and fine arts. The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring quilts, photographs, paintings, and other art forms. Past collections have included a 30-year retrospective of quilts by textile artist Alice Beasley, photographs of Andy Warhol, and paintings inspired by a California road trip by Suong Yangchareon.
Address: 2612 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Phone: +1 310-392-8537
14. See a Show at the Westside Comedy Theater
The Westside Comedy Theater is a popular improv, stand-up, and variety comedy club that has been entertaining audiences since 2009. Located in an alley behind the Third Street Promenade, the theater offers comedy classes and showcases both established and up-and-coming comedians. The theater has also been known to host surprise appearances by celebrity comedians such as Dana Carvey, Dave Chappelle, Zack Galifianakis, Hannibal Buress, Chris Tucker, and Kevin Pollak. The Westside Comedy Festival, held in late October, is a highlight of the year. If you are searching for laughs in Santa Monica, this is the place to go.
Address: 1323-A 3rd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Phone: +1 310-451-0850
From its iconic beach and pier to its vibrant cultural scene and stunning natural surroundings, Santa Monica offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, Santa Monica has something to offer everyone.
