Summary of Santa Monica Travel Guide
Santa Monica is one of the best destinations in California to experience a vibrant beach atmosphere paired with a lively city vibe, all within a short walk of one another. National Geographic even recognizes it as one of the top 10 beach cities globally, placing it alongside renowned locales like Honolulu and Rio de Janeiro.
Why to Choose Santa Monica
You may be drawn to Santa Monica simply because of its widespread popularity. In such a case, feel free to explore various attractions and activities available to you.
Santa Monica is perfect for those looking to spend a relaxing day at the beach followed by an enjoyable evening at a delightful restaurant. With a flourishing arts scene and plenty of moderately priced dining options, this city has something for everyone. Although hotel prices can be on the higher side, you can still find several affordable eateries in the downtown area.
Best Time to Go
The peak season for Santa Monica is summer; however, weekends during this time can be extremely crowded, making it challenging to find a sandy spot to lounge. Moreover, May and June often bring gloomy, overcast days colloquially known as “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” where sunlight is scarce. For the best weather conditions, consider visiting during the spring or fall, while even winter can be pleasant, provided it’s not raining.
Things to Do
Santa Monica attracts millions of visitors each year. While many are day-trippers, others choose to stay overnight. Regardless of your duration, you’ll want to make the most of your time there.
Most Popular Activities
While Santa Monica offers more than just its beach and pier, here are some of the top local attractions:
- Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park: The Santa Monica Pier is home to one of the remaining oceanfront amusement parks and is the only admission-free amusement park in LA. For a breathtaking view, visit in the late afternoon as you watch the sunset and stay for the lit rides at night.
- Santa Monica Beach: Spanning three miles and covering 245 acres, Santa Monica Beach offers stunning views. While it tends to be crowded near the pier, you’ll find plenty of space just a short walk away.
- Beachfront Pathway: This paved pathway stretches approximately 25 miles from Will Rogers State Park to Redondo Beach, passing through Venice Beach and right by LAX. Ideal for walking, running, or biking, you can also rent bikes from well-rated services like Santa Monica Beach Bike Rentals if you need wheels.
- Palisades Park: This slender park between Ocean Avenue and the cliffs offers a peaceful walking or running space; don’t miss the Camera Obscura at 1450 Ocean, an intriguing optical device built in 1899.
- Santa Monica Farmers Markets: These vibrant outdoor markets offer a mix of goodies to take home and delectable on-the-spot dining options. The market runs on Wednesday and Saturday mornings on Arizona Avenue between Second and Third Street, and on Sundays at 2640 Main Street.
More Creative Options
- Museum of Flying: A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, this museum highlights Southern California’s aviation industry and showcases several interesting aircraft.
- Trapeze School: Unleash your inner circus performer by taking a thrilling trapeze class here.
- Take a Surfing Lesson: A quick online search for “Santa Monica surfing lessons” will lead you to numerous providers eager to help you catch your first wave.
Santa Monica With Kids
- Children generally adore the beach. The entire family can also enjoy a bike ride on the flat, paved oceanfront path.
- At Pacific Park on the pier, many rides are tailored for slightly older kids, yet you’ll discover smaller, suitable options for younger children, along with a kid-friendly aquarium.
- If kids need to expend more energy, check out the playground at Tongva Park, conveniently located just across from the pier entrance.
- Adventurous kids may also find excitement in the previously mentioned Trapeze School or surfing lessons.
Where to Stay
When visiting Santa Monica, don’t assume that every hotel is right on the beach. Some hotels may appear to be just across the street but are actually set on a bluff above the beach. Finding an affordable yet pleasant place to stay can be tricky, but there is no need for concern.
Day Trips
If you’re in Santa Monica long enough and feel the urge to explore nearby areas, consider taking day trips to destinations like Malibu, Marina Del Rey, or even Venice Beach. Additionally, a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway can be a rewarding experience for visual enjoyment.
What You Need to Know
Santa Monica lies in Los Angeles County, with the nearest airport being LAX, located about 20 miles west of downtown LA. The drive can take over 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Parking can be quite a challenge due to the proximity of the popular shopping areas, beach, and pier, with finding free parking even more difficult.
Per the City of Santa Monica website, a striking 80% of hotel guests choose not to use a car during their stay. If possible, consider following suit by utilizing public transportation, as the LA Metro Expo Line has been operational between downtown LA and Santa Monica since 2015.
