Top Experiences in Santa Monica
With its three miles of sandy beach, dotted with palm trees on one side and lush mountains on another, the tiny city of Santa Monica – only 16 miles sq – is a quaint and chic beach town. The instantly recognizable pier marks the end of Route 66, and the spill-over from edgy Venice Beach to the south creates a heady mix of tourists, beach-goers, and exhibitionists.
On any given day you could see tattooed scalps, muscular bodies, and retirees working on their tans, all amidst the omnipresent smell of marijuana. However, despite pockets of eccentricity, Santa Monica is a sophisticated beach town adjacent to Los Angeles. It’s home to numerous things to do, including trendy cafes perfect for people-watching, upscale boutiques for designer shopping, and some of the most expensive real estate in Los Angeles County. Here are the top experiences to enjoy in Santa Monica.
Head to McCabe’s Guitar Shop for a Night of Live Music
Hidden in the back of a musical instrument shop, this live venue gained fame in the 1960s during the folk and blues revival. By day, McCabe’s sells obscure instruments, but by night, it transforms into an intimate, alcohol-free venue accommodating 150 music enthusiasts. Legendary artists, from Joni Mitchell and John Lee Hooker to PJ Harvey, the Pixies, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello, have performed unplugged sets here, and many contemporary artists continue to visit.
Learn to Trapeze on Santa Monica Pier
The historic pier is to Santa Monica what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris – indeed, no visit is complete without experiencing it. Built in 1909, the pier marks the last stop on Route 66. Interestingly, the 130ft high Pacific Wheel is the only one of its kind on a California pier and is also the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world. Take a spin for breathtaking views of the city, ride a rollercoaster, play carnival games, or soar into the sky at an aerial workshop with the resident trapeze school TSNY.
Descend the Steep Santa Monica Stairs
This not-so-secret pathway, nestled between multi-million-dollar houses on Adelaide Drive, plummets through the trees and lush mountains of Santa Monica Canyon via 170 steel and wooden stairs. Originally constructed in the 1920s for local children seeking a quicker route to school, the steps now serve fitness enthusiasts aiming to challenge themselves against a sharp 110ft elevation change. Consequently, around 1500 people work out here every weekend, making it a popular destination.
Watch a Cult Movie at a Vintage Theater
The Aero has been screening films since the 1940s on its single screen. Originally built by the Douglas Aircraft Company, the theater retains many original art deco features, including a striking neon sign. This movie house has featured in notable films such as Donnie Darko (2001), Sleepwalkers (1992), and Get Shorty (1995). Its major event of the year is the annual Dusk-to-Dawn Horrorthon, which occurs around Halloween, screening horror films on 35mm film in succession.
Stop for a Workout Show on the Real Muscle Beach
While the outdoor gym in Venice garners more attention, the original “muscle beach” – an outdoor gym featuring ropes, rings, and bars – actually opened in Santa Monica in 1934. Venice’s version originally went by the name “Weight Pen” before adopting “Muscle Beach Venice.” Due to its bustling public setting against the pier and ocean, it functions more as a theatrical space than a gym, attracting thousands of onlookers daily who capture photos of local weightlifters and gymnasts in action.
Take a Dip at the Annenberg Community Beach House
Once a lavish 1920s beach residence built for silent film star Marion Davies, the Annenberg Community Beach House now serves as a pool and recreation center with stunning beach views. It offers various activities, including beach volleyball, soccer, tennis, stand-up paddleboarding, and surf lessons. Make sure to enjoy a swim in the beautifully tiled pool where Davies once swam with Hollywood icons like Charlie Chaplin and Cary Grant. The adult sunset swims are a standout attraction.
Experience Santa Monica’s Best Retro Restaurants
At the end of America’s most famous drive, find Mel’s Drive-In – a retro burger joint featuring a Googie-style design by renowned architects Armet and Davis. Inside, it’s a nostalgic experience complete with leather booths, classic jukebox tunes, and milkshakes served at the counter. A couple of blocks away is The Galley, the oldest restaurant in Santa Monica, adorned with nautical decor and props from the 1962 film Mutiny on the Bounty. It boasts delicious seafood and steak dishes for a charming dining experience.
People Watch on Third Street Promenade
The tree-lined Third Street Promenade is a rare pedestrian-only thoroughfare in Southern California, stretching a half-mile long. Boasting various restaurants, bars, and shops, the best way to soak in the vibrant atmosphere is to take a seat outside and watch the street performers, which range from musicians and comedians to breakdancers and magicians.
Browse a Collection of Curiosities at jAdis
Part museum, part curiosity shop, and part prop rental company, jAdis features a unique collection showcasing various artifacts of human ingenuity. Open at specific times each week, curious visitors can explore vintage bathing suits, odd scientific tools, and whimsical steampunk creations. Among its treasures is a replica of the robot from Fritz Lang’s classic 1927 film Metropolis.
Visit the Santa Monica Farmers Market
To connect with the locals, explore one of the three weekly Santa Monica Farmers Markets, each attracting between 3000 and 10,000 visitors. Local producers and artisans display their organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, and seafood. Attendees often enjoy free live music while relishing the vibrant market atmosphere. Markets are held Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
