Searching for all the very best issues to do in Santa Monica, California? We bought you. In case your dream getaway is a Southern California getaway taking in a morning stroll on the seashore, biking to an oceanfront restaurant for brunch, and spending the remainder of the day strolling across the metropolis’s downtown space to benefit from the retailers and parks, then begin making ready a getaway to Santa Monica.
There are a implausible array of issues to do and locations to go to in Santa Monica, starting from the seashore to distinctive points of interest. And, town is in shut proximity to different well-known vacation spot cities in southern California, which means you possibly can simply get to different areas to discover on a Southern California street journey.
On this information, you’ll discover out the entire Santa Monica sightseeing spots you gained’t need to miss out on throughout your Los Angeles itinerary.
What to do in Santa Monica
1. Santa Monica Pier
Maybe essentially the most recognizable of Santa Monica points of interest is the Santa Monica Pier. This pier is iconic and an ideal place to go in case you have youngsters, need to go on a enjoyable date, or love iconic landmarks. The Santa Monica Pier has an amusement park and rides often called Pacific Park, an arcade, road performers, and retailers, and you’ll even fish on the pier too.
There’s an ideal number of locations to dine as nicely, from customary burgers to Mexican choices and, in fact, seafood. That is the place to go to in Santa Monica when you’re right here, even when it’s for a fast stroll across the pier or simply checking it out from the seashore.
For the historical past buffs, the Santa Monica Pier was inbuilt 1909 and was the primary concrete pier not solely in California however the West Coast. And make sure to take a look at the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel, which dates again to 1939 and is a Nationwide Historic Landmark.
And for anybody who needs a little bit of an adrenaline rush, you possibly can in fact experience the rollercoaster and rides at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, or you possibly can be a part of a flying trapeze expertise on the Trapeze College of New York (TSNY) Los Angeles situated on the pier!
2. Finish of Route 66 Signal
When you’re visiting the Santa Monica Pier, make sure to take a look at the Finish of Route 66 signal. It was initially erected to sign that Route 66 ended at that time, as a result of in case you saved going you’ll find yourself within the Pacific Ocean.
Route 66 is among the authentic roads in the US and one of the well-known nicknamed “The Important Avenue of America,” which initially ran from Chicago by way of the Midwest (Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma) right down to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona earlier than ending right here in Santa Monica totaling in 2,448 miles in size.
So when you’re strolling on the pier, search for the arcade, and it’s best to see the signal simply in entrance of it. Don’t miss this iconic Santa Monica sightseeing spot!
3. Third Avenue Promenade
Head in the direction of downtown Santa Monica, and also you’ll discover the Third Avenue Promenade. This out of doors procuring and eating space covers three blocks in complete and is what to do in Santa Monica in case you’re seeking to store or discover an ideal spot to eat.
Alongside the Third Avenue Promenade, or third Avenue Promenade, you’ll additionally spot buskers and road performers to entertain you as you cross on by between retailers and eating places.
The most important procuring vacation spot is Santa Monica Place, which is a shopping center that’s open-air and covers three flooring of well-known manufacturers and luxurious retailers that serves because the anchor of third Avenue Promenade.
One standout restaurant is Mel’s Drive-In, which affords typical diner menu objects and is a Los Angeles establishment with 7 areas throughout town, together with one in West Hollywood, and it was featured within the movie American Graffiti.
One other nice choice for eating alongside Third Avenue Promenade is Wexler’s Deli, an old-school Jewish deli with nice pastrami sandwiches.
4. Montana Avenue
Should you’re searching for what to do in Santa Monica that’s extra of a relaxed environment in comparison with the thrill of Third Avenue Promenade, head to Montana Avenue. There are over 150 retailers and eating places to take a look at together with partitions lined in colourful murals.
If it’s essential to choose up a present or memento, take a look at Brentwood Basic Retailer. For some brilliant, colourful shirts, head into Citron. And if you wish to choose up a bottle of wine when you’re in California, because you’re so near wine nation, browse the choice at Fireplace Cellars. The assortment of choices make this fairly the enjoyable factor to do in Santa Monica in case you’re searching for some locally-made wines both to convey dwelling or simply have again at your lodge room later that night. Additionally they have a number of craft drinks and distinctive liquors too.
5. Santa Monica State Seashore
Top-of-the-line locations to go to in Santa Monica must be the seashore! Santa Monica State Seashore affords over 3 miles of soppy sand and is in shut proximity to just about all the very best Santa Monica points of interest, eating places, and retailers within the space, to not point out is among the finest seashores in Los Angeles to get pleasure from.
And while you’re visiting Southern California from out of city, you’ll in all probability need to benefit from the seashore anyway. Santa Monica State Seashore has many pedestrian entry factors, and a number of other tons for parking in case you drive, so that is one factor to do in Santa Monica that ought to undoubtedly be in your to-do listing whether or not you’re basing right here or passing by way of in your California coast drive.
Additionally, it is a nice option to chill out earlier than or after having fun with all of the enjoyable on the Santa Monica Pier too! Or, in case you want a seashore break, it’s straightforward to get to most of the surrounding eating places and nice eating choices only a brief stroll away.
6. Bike Round Santa Monica
One of many nice issues about Santa Monica is that it is extremely bike-friendly. The Marvin Braude Seashore Path is a 22-mile stretch that can take you by a handful of seashores, which suggests you’ll be capable to watch surfers catch some waves when you cruise alongside that contemporary, coastal salty air.
One other superb choice for Santa Monica sightseeing by way of bike is taking the bike path that immediately connects to its neighbor to the south, Venice Seashore.
Should you don’t have your individual seashore cruiser, you possibly can hire a motorbike and get from Santa Monica to Venice Seashore in about quarter-hour utilizing the 3-mile bike path. There are fairly a number of locations to hire a motorbike right here together with Lyft bicycle and e-bike leases in addition to this full day bicycle rental in Santa Monica you possibly can e book prematurely to order a motorbike for you – which is good particularly on weekends or throughout peak summer season journey season to make sure you have a motorbike!
One other cool choice and one of the enjoyable issues to do in Santa Monica is becoming a member of a 3-hour guided bicycle tour that covers each Santa Monica and Venice Seashore with enjoyable stops alongside the best way. All excursions are small teams so the tour might be extra intimate with stops at a number of the coolest Santa Monica points of interest (& Venice Seashore) like Muscle Seashore, Venice Canals, and naturally close by spots just like the Santa Monica Pier. E-book your tour prematurely right here.
There’s additionally an analogous 3-hour electrical bike tour of Santa Monica and Venice Seashore you possibly can be a part of too. Your e-bike, helmet, water, and tour information all are included with this expertise. E-book your tour prematurely right here.
7. Santa Monica Farmers Market
A quintessential California pastime are the farmers’ markets, and fortuitously, even to today, Santa Monica has a number of. You’ll be able to browse contemporary produce, ready meals, and crafted artisan objects whereas mingling with the locals.
Some markets have dwell music, which makes it a enjoyable factor to do in Santa Monica for an easygoing time. The vast majority of farmers’ markets happen on Wednesday mornings and weekend mornings in Important Avenue, Downtown Santa Monica, and Pico, so plan accordingly.
Additionally, you’ll need to just remember to convey your individual baggage, in addition to money or hit up the ATM on the best way over. Many distributors take debit/bank cards, however not all do, and in case you do have to seize some money rapidly there are ATMs shut by.
That is undoubtedly what to do in Santa Monica in case you’re visiting on the weekend (or Wednesday am).
The Downtown Farmers Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM at Arizona Ave & 2nd St), Pico Boulevard Farmers Market (Saturdays 8 AM to 1 PM at Pico & Cloverfield), and Important Avenue Farmers Market (Sundays at 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 2640 Important Avenue).
8. Palisades Park
Once you’re prepared for a little bit of downtime, one place it’s best to go to in Santa Monica is Palisades Park perched on the bluffs overlooking the shoreline. This park is a 1.6 mile stretch of park that includes nice views and an ample quantity of area for picnicking.
Palisades Park additionally has a number of artwork items to view, just like the Santa Monica concrete sculpture and the totem pole.
There are additionally unimaginable views of the Santa Monica Bay, and the Beacon Overlook is a good place to take these views in, we love the scenic viewpoints of Los Angeles and that is absolutely certainly one of them.
You can even go to the rose backyard, chill out beneath one of many pergolas, and go to the Digital camera Obscura, which is mentioned additional down on this listing of enjoyable issues to do in Santa Monica!
9. Heal the Bay Aquarium
Located beneath the Santa Monica Pier is the Heal the Bay Aquarium, which affords a glimpse into the marine life within the Santa Monica Bay, and the efforts being taken to guard it.
Among the animals you possibly can see of their reveals embody sea jellies, sharks, and eels. You’ll additionally study concerning the points affecting the marine atmosphere, and what the aquarium is doing to fight these issues. Be sure to add this enjoyable and academic Santa Monica attraction to your itinerary.
And in case you’re searching for what to do in Santa Monica that’s environmentally pleasant, Heal the Bay Aquarium often hosts a number of seashore cleanups with volunteers.
This Santa Monica attraction is included on the Los Angeles Go Metropolis Move, which is a cross you should buy (select between a 3, 5, or 7 day cross) that permits you into over 40 Los Angeles actions and points of interest together with Heal the Bay Aquarium. These metropolis attraction passes aid you lower your expenses and see extra! Study extra and buy right here.
10. Tongva Park
One other one of the lovely locations to go to in Santa Monica is Tongva Park, a brief jaunt from the Santa Monica Pier.
There are trendy buildings to stare upon, a splash pad and playground for the youngsters, in addition to picnic tables to chill out at for a bit whereas taking within the surrounding assorted greenery.
The park is known as after the Tongva Folks, an indigenous group of people that lived within the Los Angeles space for 1000’s of years within the Los Angeles Basin in addition to the Southern Channel Islands.
Whereas visiting Tongva Park, make sure to take a look at the 4 important sections and areas to discover together with Gathering Hill, Backyard Hill, Discovery Hill, and Remark Hill that are stuffed with native vegetation to the realm. Be certain to incorporate this in your itinerary as a must-see place to go to in Santa Monica particularly in case you’re touring with youngsters.
11. Santa Monica Mountains Nationwide Recreation Space
If you wish to escape town Santa Monica sightseeing and head for the hills, make a go to to the Santa Monica Mountains Nationwide Recreation Space. Right here you’ll discover mountaineering trails, Native American cultural websites, and Malibu seashores.
This space is the nation’s largest city nationwide park, which is an effective cause so as to add this to your listing of enjoyable issues to do in Santa Monica. There are a selection of various trails to select from (over 500 miles of them!), and whichever one you choose might be a scenic hike with numerous vegetation and flowers to see.
A number of of the simpler hikes to take a look at embody the Solstice Canyon Hike (2-3 miles) which passes a waterfall and the Roberts Ranch Home ruins together with views of the rolling hills and is among the hottest hikes within the space.
A extra average hike, take a look at the Mishe Mokwa Path to Break up Rock hike (3.5 miles to five.6 miles). This hike begins at Circle X Ranch, which can also be a ranger station and an ideal place to ask any questions or seize a map earlier than heading off. Guests are rewarded with nice views and will solely be tried in case you’re up for extra of a problem and journey as there may be yet one more shallow river crossing on this path!
You can even discover the Paramount Ranch right here, an working movie set that’s been working since 1927 the place well-known exhibits like Dr. Quinn Drugs Girl and Westworld have been filmed in addition to traditional movies like The Cisco Child.
12. Annenberg Group Seashore Home
Searching for what to do in Santa Monica with youngsters or the entire household? Try the Annenberg Group Seashore Home, a public area that provides seashore entry, a historic pool, splash pad, playground, seashore wheelchairs, volleyball courts, and an ideal viewing deck!
This place has an fascinating backstory; the land that the property is located on was initially constructed by William Hearst for Marion Davies within the Twenties. She was an in depth affiliate, aka lover, of Mr. Hearst, and was recognized for placing on opulent events on the Seashore Home, in addition to the Hearst Fort in San Luis Obispo.
The property exchanged fingers a number of instances, and finally was acquired by the State of California. It underwent a prolonged rehabilitation within the late Nineteen Nineties, and at the moment it’s one Santa Monica attraction you gained’t need to miss as you possibly can play on the services right here, on the seashore, take a look at the Marion Davies visitor home, hang around poolside, and revel in this hang around place for the group and guests of Santa Monica, California.
Simply needless to say the pool is simply open seasonally in the summertime months!
13. Looff Hippodrome
One of many extra distinctive issues to do in Santa Monica is go to the distinctive Looff Hippodrome, situated on the Santa Monica Pier. The visually distinctive constructing homes a pleasant, old style carousel, one of many highlights of the Santa Monica Pier talked about earlier on this information.
The famend builder Charles I.D. Looff constructed the Looff Hippodrome within the early twentieth century, and it was fairly a well-liked attraction in what was thought of the golden age of carousels.
The unique carousel was the final carousel that Looff made and was dismantled and bought after a number of a long time. The Philadelphia Toboggan Firm constructed a brand new carousel for the property in 1954, which is what you see at the moment.
That is one Santa Monica sightseeing spot you’ll need to embody in your itinerary in case you’re into historic websites!
14. Digital camera Obscura
One other one of the distinctive issues to do in Santa Monica, situated in Palisades Park is Digital camera Obscura, a peculiar attraction housed in a cool mid-century trendy constructing.
Digital camera Obscura is a pinhole digital camera that picks up photos from the outside and tasks them in a darkish room. This attraction first made its debut again in 1898, and after being relocated a number of instances over time, it at the moment is housed on the Senior Recreation Constructing in Palisades Park.
It has the glory of being one of many solely varieties of cameras of its form on the planet. The Digital camera Obscura Artwork Lab additionally often hosts in-house artist residencies which might be value trying out. It’s value checking what’s taking place at this distinctive Santa Monica attraction throughout your go to as generally it’s not open to the general public when it’s beneath repairs.
15. California Heritage Museum
Hidden and nestled in a quaint, modest home is the California Heritage Museum. Quite a lot of exhibitions that showcase the range of California’s historical past are on show inside this charming property.
Previous reveals at this Santa Monica museum have included pictures, textiles, and watercolor work. The California Heritage Museum is situated on Important Avenue, only one block from the seashore and steps away from most of the thrilling issues to do in Santa Monica for individuals who love diving into historical past and museums.
16. Catch a Efficiency At The Broad Stage
Searching for what to do in Santa Monica for individuals who love theater, movie, and dwell performances? Try The Broad Stage at Santa Monica Faculty. Artists from a variety of backgrounds come right here to carry out by way of dwell musical performances, performs, musicals, dance, symphonies, movie, and extra.
Some performers who’ve graced The Broad Stage embody Patti LuPone, Sutton Foster, and Mikhail Baryshnikov to call a number of noteworthy artists and creatives this intimate 500-seat venue and performing arts heart has seen!
17. Aero Theater
One other one of the enjoyable issues to do in Santa Monica for a cool retro movie show expertise is take a look at the Aero Theater. It was based in 1940 by the Douglas Plane Firm, and flicks have been performed across the clock in order that the corporate’s staff might catch a movie after ending their work on the close by aero plant.
The theater screams yesteryear with the illuminated marquee, stand-alone ticket sales space out entrance, and old style structure.
The American Cinematheque has been on the helm of creating upgrades to the theater lately, so moviegoers can get pleasure from their expertise. The theater has quite a lot of choices, together with sneak previews, retrospectives, and traditional movies. In order you’re constructing your itinerary, add this historic Santa Monica sightseeing spot to the listing.
And in case you’re a film buff, you’re in Tinseltown in spite of everything, it’s possible you’ll acknowledge this theater because it’s been used for filming! One in every of my private favourite issues which have been filmed right here have been scenes from Donnie Darko starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
And in case you occur to be visiting in October and love horror films, take a look at their annual “Nightfall to Daybreak Horrorthon” occasion the place they play a back-to-back lineup of horror style films!
18. Museum of Flying
Staying on theme with aviation, in case you’re an aviation historical past buff, that is the place to go to in Santa Monica. This museum is the brainchild of Donald Douglas Jr., son of Donald Douglas Sr., the founder and president of the Douglas Plane Firm, who opened the Aero Theater above.
The gathering began as artifacts from Donald Douglas Sr. and expanded over time to incorporate classic aircrafts, specifically the World Warfare II fighter plane. At this time, the museum boasts most of the authentic artifacts, artwork, numerous reveals, and plane fashions which you’ll be able to see while you go to.
19. Bergamot Station Arts Heart
Love artwork galleries? In that case, that is what to do in Santa Monica for you! The Bergamot Station Arts Heart is a posh that homes round 20 totally different artwork galleries and companies, in addition to numerous cultural and academic occasions which might be placed on all year long.
A enjoyable historical past tidbit concerning the property is that it has gone by way of many transitions, together with a railroad station, a celery-packing operation, and an ice-making plant earlier than ultimately changing into what it’s at the moment.
There isn’t a admission charge, and it’s your fortunate day if you’re driving as a result of parking is free at Bergamot Station. This is among the finest issues to do in Santa Monica if you’re searching for one thing free to do!
20. Authentic Muscle Seashore
Final however actually not least, when you’re at Santa Monica Seashore, one attraction you can also make a fast cease by is the Authentic Muscle Seashore, to not be confused with the opposite Muscle Seashore. It’s been round because the Nineteen Thirties (situated close to the pier) and have become well-known for drawing athletically-inclined individuals there to make use of the out of doors tools, and onlookers would watch them exhibit their expertise.
Close by Venice Seashore additionally has its personal Muscle Seashore, however the Santa Monica one is the unique. You’ll be able to go there at the moment and watch individuals show athletic prowess on the tools, and even strive it out your self! There are ropes, parallel swings, and different tools you should use to check your energy!
What I like essentially the most about this Santa Monica landmark is the story behind it. In the course of the Nice Despair, acrobats, gymnasts, stunt individuals, and different athletes would come to observe their energy and skills to distract individuals from their very own monetary woes of the time. Mainly, a gathering place free of charge leisure for the lots throughout a tricky time in American historical past.
The place to Keep in Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a good base for the place to remain whereas exploring all the very best issues to do in Los Angeles, whether or not you’re a first-time customer or a seasoned, returning customer! Due to the coastal location and central location to exploring Downtown Los Angeles, Malibu, Venice Seashore, and different LA hotspots, this actually is among the hottest locations to remain within the metropolis.
One thing to remember about staying in Santa Monica is that that is the place you could find a number of luxurious stays, which is great in case your finances permits for this as you could have a number of the finest oceanfront views and site in Los Angeles, nevertheless, there are much less budget-friendly choices. I’ve included one budget-friendly choice beneath together with the opposite mid-luxury stays out there right here.
$ Santa Monica Motel
The Santa Monica Motel is among the few budget-friendly choices in Santa Monica with out sacrificing location! Solely a 15-minute stroll to Important Avenue and the seashore and fewer than 20 minutes by foot to Third Avenue Promenade! To not point out a 15-minute commute to LAX (in case you’re flying at nonrush hour). This motel has a 24-hour entrance desk, free parking, and traditional, cozy California rooms. E-book right here.
$$ The Georgian Resort
The Georgian Resort is among the extra charming Santa Monica accommodations and lodging choices. This historic 4-star seashore lodge dates again to 1933 and was dubbed Santa Monica’s First Girl inbuilt a ravishing mixture of Romanesque Revival and Artwork Deco aesthetics. This historical past of the lodge alone is fascinating, having additionally been dwelling to a speakeasy throughout the prohibition that attracted lots of Hollywood’s largest stars. Keep in certainly one of their 14 ocean-facing suites with unimaginable sundown views simply steps away from all the very best locations to go to in Santa Monica. When you’re staying at certainly one of LA’s most iconic accommodations, don’t miss out on cocktails on the Verandah both! E-book right here.
$$$ Shutters on the Seashore
Shutters on the Seashore is a beautiful 5-star, ocean-front lodge has all the things you need out of a California trip, entry to the seashore, a pool, and eating places on web site, an ideal location, and a spa. To not point out there are poolside cabanas you possibly can lounge round in any respect day. The rooms are refined and embellished in a luxurious coastal cottage type, some even with fireplaces and personal oceanfront terraces and balconies. E-book right here.
$$$ Loews Santa Monica Seashore Resort
Loews Santa Monica Seashore Resort is one other luxurious, 5-star oceanfront lodge in a major location that’s worthy as being your trip vacation spot by itself proper. Benefit from the pool and poolside bar, scorching tub, health services, and beautiful property at your steer clear of dwelling. The rooms are up to date and refined, that includes upgrades to ocean view rooms, rooms with firepits, and rooms with their very own personal balconies. E-book right here.
As you possibly can see, there are such a lot of unimaginable locations to go to in Santa Monica, sufficient to fill a complete trip! Whether or not you go on a solo journey, or convey household and mates, there might be a Santa Monica sightseeing spot for everybody. So get out the suitcase, begin packing your seashore apparel, and get your listing prepared of all of the Santa Monica points of interest you need to discover!
Santa Monica is legendary for being among the best seashore areas of Los Angeles with loads of vacationer points of interest, procuring, eating, historic websites, and naturally a ravishing beachfront. Santa Monica can also be well-known for being dwelling to many film stars and celebrities too.
Should you’re visiting Santa Monica, you want at the least 2-3 hours so you possibly can stroll round to see iconic points of interest just like the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park amusement park, Authentic Muscle Seashore, Santa Monica State Seashore, and one of many parks like Tongva Park or Palisades Park. Nevertheless, you possibly can simply base your Los Angeles journey in Santa Monica since there are such a lot of nice eating and procuring choices right here in addition to accommodations.
When is the very best time to go to Santa Monica or Los Angeles? You’re in luck as it is a nice year-round vacation spot. To keep away from crowds the very best time to go to Santa Monica or Los Angeles is March by way of Might and September by way of November. The summers are very fashionable in Santa Monica, particularly across the seashore.
And one thing to remember is that the months of Might and June are nicknamed “Might Grey” and “June Gloom” as a result of dense fog and marine layer this time of yr.
Finest Issues to do in Santa Monica Abstract
- Santa Monica Pier
- Finish of Route 66 Signal
- Third Avenue Promenade
- Montana Avenue
- Santa Monica State Seashore
- Bike Round Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Farmers’ Market
- Palisades Park
- Heal the Bay Aquarium
- Tongva Park
- Santa Monica Mountains Nationwide Recreation Space
- Annenberg Group Seashore Home
- Looff Hippodrome
- Digital camera Obscura
- California Heritage Museum
- The BroadStage
- Aero Theater
- Museum of Flying
- Bergamot Station Arts Heart
- Authentic Muscle Seashore
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