Santa Monica Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Santa Monica with this comprehensive guide featuring the best things to do, places to stay, and tips for safe and comfortable travel.


Introduction to Santa Monica

Located in Westside of Los Angeles County, Santa Monica is a vibrant beachfront city that attracts millions of visitors every year. Known for its stunning coastline, iconic pier, outdoor activities, and world-class restaurants, it offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and beach vibes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to buy, safety tips, and more in Santa Monica.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Monica

Whether you’re interested in cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or scenic views, Santa Monica has plenty of options to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit in Santa Monica.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Santa Monica History Museum: Offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s history and culture, including exhibits related to Hollywood, surfing, and aviation.
  • Bergamot Station: A cultural hub with 30 galleries showcasing contemporary art by established and emerging artists.
  • Annenberg Community Beach House: An historic beachfront estate with a pool, splash pad, and picnic area.
  • Santa Monica Pier: A century-old landmark with a Ferris wheel, arcade games, aquarium, and live music.

Natural Attractions of Santa Monica: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Santa Monica Beach: A wide stretch of sand with surfing, volleyball, and beach amenities like showers and restrooms.
  • Palisades Park: A scenic bluff overlooking the ocean with walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas.
  • Santa Monica Mountains: A network of hiking and biking trails with stunning views of the coastline and city skyline.
  • Tongva Park: A sustainable urban park with native gardens, playgrounds, and water features.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Monica

The mountains and trails around Santa Monica offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to connect with nature while exploring scenic vistas. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Santa Monica.

  • Temescal Canyon Trail: An easy-to-moderate hike with ocean views and a waterfall.
  • The Backbone Trail: A challenging hike that runs through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
  • Marvin Braude Bike Trail: A paved path that follows the coastline for 22 miles from Santa Monica to Torrance.
  • Los Liones Trailhead: A moderate hike through wildflowers and rocky terrain with views of the ocean and city.

Best Things to Do in Santa Monica: Activities and Tours

  • Surfing: Take a lesson or rent a board and ride the waves at Santa Monica Beach.
  • Shopping: Visit the outdoor Third Street Promenade, the Farmers Market, and Montana Avenue for boutique shopping.
  • Food Tours: Experience the city’s culinary scene with a walking food tour of downtown or a gourmet tour of the local restaurants.
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Rent a board and paddle along the coastline for a unique perspective of the Santa Monica Bay.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Monica

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week in Santa Monica:

  • Day 1: Visit the Santa Monica Pier and Beach
  • Day 2: Explore the city’s cultural attractions like the Bergamot Station and the Annenberg Community Beach House.
  • Day 3: Hike the Temescal Canyon Trail or take a bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
  • Day 4: Take a day trip to nearby Malibu or Venice Beach.
  • Day 5: Shop at the Third Street Promenade and enjoy a food tour of the city.
  • Day 6: Visit the Palisades Park and Tongva Park.
  • Day 7: Relax at the beach or go stand-up paddleboarding at the Santa Monica Bay.

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Monica

From locally sourced farm-to-table restaurants to artisanal coffee shops, Santa Monica’s food and drink scene is vibrant and eclectic. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish Tacos: A Santa Monica staple, try them at Tacos Por Favor or Blue Plate Taco.
  • Organic Greens Salad: Seasonal greens, local cheeses, and fresh dressings are common in many of the city’s restaurants.
  • Santa Monica Seafood Plate: Sample the freshest seafood plates at Santa Monica Seafood.
  • Sourdough Bread: The bread from famous Bub and Grandma’s bakery is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: California is known for its excellent wine, and Santa Monica has many bars that emphasize local wines.
  • Coffee: Try the locally roasted coffee at nearby cafés like Bulletproof Coffee and Dogtown Coffee.
  • Local Breweries: Santa Monica has several locally-brewed craft beer offerings at places like The Dudes’ Brewing Co.

Where to Stay in Santa Monica: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santa Monica has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some recommendations for where to stay in Santa Monica.

  • The Fairmont Miramar Hotel: A luxurious beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool, spa, and full amenities.
  • HI Santa Monica Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel within walking distance of the beach and downtown Santa Monica.
  • The Huntley Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel with ocean views, room service, and upscale amenities.
  • The Georgian Hotel: A historic hotel with Art Deco design and ocean views.

What to Buy in Santa Monica: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From handmade jewelry to unique California-themed gifts, there are plenty of souvenirs and local products to bring home from Santa Monica. Here are some recommendations.

  • Locally-made pottery and artwork: Visit the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market or the artisanal shops on Montana Avenue.
  • Santa Monica Pier merchandise: From t-shirts to keychains, the pier has plenty of souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
  • Local Olive Oil: Grab a bottle of locally produced olive oil from The Wine House.
  • Fitness Gear: Check out Cotton On Body or Lorna Jane for locally designed workout wear.

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Monica

  • Beach Culture: Santa Monica is renowned for its beach culture, including beach yoga, sunbathing, and surfing.
  • Sustainability: The city places high importance on sustainability and encourages visitors to recycle, conserve water, and reduce waste.
  • Art and Culture Scene: Santa Monica has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several galleries, museums, and public art spaces promoting local artists.

Best Time to Visit Santa Monica

Santa Monica has mild, Mediterranean-style weather year-round, making it a great place to visit any time of the year. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months between late-June and early-September when the weather is warm, but the crowd is thicker.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Monica

Do:

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be strong, so make sure you’re prepared.
  • Walk or bike to get around: Santa Monica is a walkable and bike-friendly city with bike rentals available throughout the downtown area.
  • Try the local cuisine: Santa Monica has a fantastic food scene with many locally sourced farm-to-fork restaurants.

Don’t:

  • Leave your valuables unattended: Like any tourist spot, Santa Monica has certain areas that are more prone to theft and pick-pocketing.
  • Smoke in public: Smoking in public is prohibited in Santa Monica.
  • Litter or harm the environment: Santa Monica has strict anti-littering laws to conserve the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a relatively safe city, with low crime rates and a well-patrolled police department. However, pick-pocketing and petty theft can occur in certain areas, so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables close.

Health in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has excellent healthcare facilities, including Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, which offers primary and specialized care.

Getting to Santa Monica: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santa Monica

The closest airport to Santa Monica is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is just a 20-minute ride away by car or taxi.

Bus Stations Near Santa Monica

Santa Monica has a nearby bus station that connects visitors to surrounding cities and other areas of Los Angeles.

Other Options

The best way to explore Santa Monica is by walking or biking around the city. There are also plenty of car rental options available for those looking to rent a car.

How to Get Around in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a walkable city with many bike-friendly paths. Visitors can also take public transportation like buses, or hop on the Metro Rail Expo Line which runs through the downtown area.

Where to Go Next from Santa Monica: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations like Venice, Marina del Rey, and Malibu offer visitors plenty of opportunities for beach activities and outdoor adventures. Visitors can also take a day trip to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, or Beverly Hills for more cultural experiences.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or excellent food and drink, Santa Monica has something for everyone. With its scenic coastline, thriving arts scene, and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s an ideal destination for visitors looking for a quintessential California beach town experience.

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