- Summary
- Official Resources
- Gallery
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
With nearly four miles of beaches and a vibrant urban scene, Santa Monica blends the sophistication of an international coastal city with the laid-back vibe of a California beach town. Even though it’s only 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, it feels like a weekend getaway spot.
Where to Eat in Santa Monica
Celebrated for its dining, Santa Monica is home to restaurants helmed by such renowned chefs as Wolfgang Puck (Chinois on Main), Josiah Citrin (Citrin and Mélisse), as well as a pair of spots recently awarded coveted Michelin stars (Rustic Canyon and Dialogue). Many local chefs buy their produce at the bounteous Wednesday and Saturday morning downtown Farmers Market, which ranks with the country’s very best.
Shopping and Attractions in Santa Monica
Shopping hot spots range from open-air Santa Monica Place to the showcases for major brands that line downtown’s Third Street Promenade, an area made all the more lively by street performers. The stylish boutiques on Montana Avenue are perfect for finding the perfect so-L.A. item to take home, and keep your eyes peeled: This is a great place to spot local celebs. On Main Street shop for unique home goods at Lost and Found.
A cultural hub for Southern California, Santa Monica boasts numerous art galleries all around the city, with the biggest concentration at Bergamot Station, a former railroad station and industrial site where you’ll find leading 20 galleries. For performing arts, the intimate Broad Stage presents notable jazz, classical, and world music performers in concert, and also stages acclaimed theatrical productions.
Fabled Route 66 once traveled along a stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard and reached the terminus of its 2,448-mile run from Chicago near the beach in Santa Monica. A sign commemorates the “end of the trail” on Santa Monica Pier, where you can marvel at amazing coastal views from atop the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park amusement park. Another remarkable attraction on Santa Monica’s coast is the Annenberg Community Beach House, a stunning public destination that hosts community events and offers beach courts and fields and a pool that was named one of the best public swimming pools in the world by BBC.com.
Getting Around Santa Monica
Rent a bike and cruise down the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, aka “The Strand,” which travels for 22 miles along the coastline between Pacific Palisades and Torrance. Or, turn off The Strand to explore the city via the city’s extensive network of bike lanes. It’s this bike-friendly approach, along with outstanding public transportation on its Big Blue Bus system and an easy connection to downtown Los Angeles via the Metro E Line, that make this environmentally conscious community (in 2022 it earned the Platinum certification under the LEED for Cities program) one of Southern California’s top car-free destinations.
Find More Things To Do
Dine at a Michelin-Star Restaurant in California
Choose from dozens of acclaimed restaurants across the Golden State
What’s New at California Theme Parks for Summer 2024
Kick off your summer with new rides, dazzling live shows, and moneysaving deals
California Questionnaire: Ayesha Curry
San Francisco chef and NBA wife Ayesha Curry shares her California favorites
So You Think You Know Santa Monica?
Yes, the beach is spectacular—but don’t miss the city’s cultural side and its many quirky and hidden treasures
12 California Beaches for Kids
Make lifelong memories at these family-favorite beaches in the Golden State
Summer 2024 Deals in California
Bring extra sunshine to your vacation with discounts, free tastings, and tremendous values across the state
Dining in Los Angeles
L.A. dishes out an exciting mix of splashy restaurants, international cuisines, and food trucks
Try This Perfect Kid-Friendly Southern California Itinerary
Fashion and family blogger Paige Rangel shares her action-packed adventure through Santa Monica, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Dana Point
7 Ways to Get Full Value on Your California Vacation
Three insiders share tips on how to squeeze every last bit of pleasure out of your next Golden State getaway
How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
Honor America’s birthday in 2024 with fireworks, festivals, and gorgeous settings around the Golden State
Luxury Minute
Hotel Casa del Mar: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Gameday California: Video Series
Gameday California: LA Rams
California Dream Eater
3 Scrumptious Bowls of Soul in California
California 101
Los Angeles County Resorts
California 101
Santa Monica: 5 Amazing Things
California Dream Eater
Santa Monica’s Celebrity Sandwich
California Dream Eater
Santa Monica’s Personalized Poké
ZOOM: A Magical Ride Around California
Ontario Mills
California Theme Parks Summer 2024
53min
Local Food Tours in California
46min
3 Award-Winning California Authors
47min
Stargazing, Best Bike Routes, Mid-Century Modernism
33min
California Cuisine, Sonoma County, Yosemite
34min
Cowboy Culture, Highway One, Bikes and Hikes LA
46min
Culinary Gems, Hidden Beaches, Napa Valley Wine
37min
Redwood Coast, Favorite Hotels, Sacramento Dining
38min
Rock Climbing, Best Campgrounds, L.A. Shopping
35min
Canadians in California
1hr1min
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get weekly travel inspiration, offers, contests, and more!
Thank you for signing up
Get ready to explore The Ultimate Playground!