Santa Monica offers a perfect destination with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. It boasts a delightful blend of sunny beaches, acclaimed shopping areas, and stargazing opportunities for A-list celebrities.
Santa Monica is a perfect beachside destination for various activities, including tours of Hollywood studio lots, strolling along the historic boardwalk, and visiting the Santa Monica Pier. It’s conveniently located just a quick drive from downtown Los Angeles and is within walking distance of the beach.
1. Third Street Promenade
A popular place to walk is the pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade, often filled with artists, musicians, and other street performers. Developed in the late 1980s by Santa Monica to rejuvenate the waning downtown area, Third Street Promenade is one of Santa Monica’s most popular shopping districts.
2. California Heritage Museum
A great way to start your visit is by visiting the California Heritage Square Museum in the heart of fun and funky Main Street in a 19th-century Victorian-style home. This museum offers a unique glimpse at local history with a series of period rooms depicting the Santa Monica way of life from the 1890s through the 1930s. 2612 Main St. Website.
3. Ocean Front Walk
After discovering the Santa Monica lifestyle, it’s time to immerse yourself in it. The Ocean Front Walk is an excellent opportunity to do just that. This broad, paved footpath is flanked by palm trees, shops, restaurants, and winds along the sandstone bluffs that overlook the Pacific, stretching between Palisades Park and the pier.
4. Camera Obscura Art Lab
The camera obscura is located on the 2nd floor of the Palisades Park Art and culture center. Built in 1898 by Robert F. Jones, the camera was housed on the Santa Monica beach boardwalk. In 1955 the mechanism was moved to its current location in Palisades Park. Admission is free. 1450 Ocean Blvd.
5. Back On the Beach Cafe
Located on Ocean Front Walk with its fantastic ocean view, Back On the Beach Cafe features seating directly on the beach. Eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and listen to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean. The Cafe is adjacent to the Annenberg Community Beach House. website.
6. Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Beach House sits on a huge mansion built for Marion Davies by William Randolph Hearst. One of the mansion’s original buildings, the Marion Davies guest house, is the last remaining building of the oceanfront estate. Annenberg Community Beach House and swimming pool are open to the public. 415 Pacific Coast Highway. Website.
7. Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is unique in California’s culture, having been visited by generations of families. Here, you’ll witness the bustling energy of children at play, street musicians strumming their guitars, and artists selling their creations. For those seeking thrills, the nearby Pacific Park offers a range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages.
8. Heal The Bay Aquarium
Visitors can experience interactive exhibits and engaging presentations at the Heal the Bay Aquarium. The aquarium proudly supports Santa Monica’s “Heal the Bay” program, which aims to educate and empower individuals to be conscious of their impact on the environment.
9. Santa Monica State Beach
As you approach the pier, Santa Monica State Beach Park offers an excellent spot for swimming, tanning, building sandcastles, or witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The park boasts sandy beaches with numerous lifeguard stations, gentle yet exciting waves, playgrounds for kids, public restrooms, and convenient showers.
Museum of Flying
Are you looking for a place to explore vintage aircraft? The Museum of Flying has got you covered! With numerous World War II fighter planes and a range of exhibits and aviation art, you’re sure to have a blast. You can even check out a replica of the Wright Flyer and modern jet-age aircraft. The museum is conveniently located at 3100 Airport Avenue and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss out!
Getting There
Santa Monica creates the perfect setting for a romantic day trip or a family outing with so much to do. Santa Monica is just off the 10 Freeway, approximately 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles and 55 miles from southern Orange County. You will find Malibu Beach to the north and the south, Venice Beach, California.
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