A trip to Santa Monica is all about relaxing outdoors. When you're not soaking up some sun on the 3 ½-mile beach, go for a bike ride along the Marvin Braude Beach Trail, set up a picnic in Palisades Park or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the open-air Third Street Promenade. If you're traveling with children, be sure to check out the city's most recognizable landmark: the Santa Monica Pier. Here, you'll find multiple family-friendly eateries, plus two of Santa Monica's most popular kids attractions – Pacific Park and the Heal the Bay Aquarium. You can even sign up for trapeze lessons at the pier, if you're feeling adventurous. Show
Looking for more fun in this state? Check out the top things to do in California » Santa Monica has the kind of climate that makes it a year-round vacation destination, but there are definitely some busier seasons that you might want to avoid. High summer (July and August) are the busiest months, so try visiting in October or between February and May. Even in spring, the weather will be sunny and warm enough to enjoy the beach.Over the years, Santa Monica has never lost its beach town soul, even as it has become more glamorous with luxury beachfront hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and high-end boutiques. Today you can experience the best of both worlds: broad California beaches with surfing and volleyball, plus a sophisticated, city-within-a-city scene. On your next visit, try some of Santa Monica’s ultimate experiences. Wake up by the beach in a stylish hotel If you’ve ever dreamed of your own beach cottage, it probably felt a bit like Shutters on the Beach. Effortlessly chic, this gray-shingled hotel’s bright and breezy rooms are both relaxed and elegant, with balconies overlooking the expansive sands of Santa Monica’s beach. Hang by the pool or rent a beach cruiser at the hotel, then set out on the bike path that stretches for 22 miles along the shore. Shutters is just one of many high-end resorts to choose from in Santa Monica; other fantastic options include Casa Del Mar, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, and the Viceroy Santa Monica. Take a stroll along a historic pier A lot of fun begins where Route 66 ends, on the landmark Santa Monica Pier. Its neon gateway sign is one of Southern California’s most recognizable icons, and the pier, which opened in 1909, puts you out over the surf, with spectacular views up and down the coast. Go for a spin on the beautifully preserved 1922 Looff Hippodrome carousel and catch a glimpse of the world beneath the waves at the Heal the Bay Aquarium (formerly the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium). Enjoy old-school fun at Pacific Park With its updated roller coasters and bumper cars, Pacific Park, on the Santa Monica Pier, brings the classic amusement park experience into a new era. The West Coast’s only amusement park on a pier, Pacific Park has an arcade where you can fine-tune your skills at Whac-A-Mole or the Balloon Bust. Then take a ride and enjoy incredible coastal panoramas on the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Escape to a bungalow on the bluffs Inspired by both Santa Monica’s chilled-out vibe and the romance of a Baja California-style casita, The Bungalow is the beach life incarnate. With its raftered ceilings, funky furnishings, and game room, this hideaway on the grounds of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is like a private beach club—as conceived by surfers. Hang out on the patio with a craft cocktail as you take in one of Santa Monica’s unforgettable sunsets. Browse the Third Street Promenade With an all-star retail lineup that includes the likes of Lululemon, Abercrombie & Fitch, and a spectacular Apple Store, the open-air Third Street Promenade is a shoppers’ paradise. Browse the stores as you walk this vehicle-free thoroughfare, where busking musicians serenade passersby and the fantastical topiary dinosaurs add a whimsical touch. Afterward, if you have children in tow, check out the Cayton Children’s Museum—it’s right across the street. Also, don’t miss… Art lovers will definitely want to stop at the 26th Street Art Center, aka Bergamot Station, a onetime water-heater factory and warehouse complex that’s now home to one of Southern California’s leading collection of galleries. And for high-end fashions in a low-key setting, go to Montana Avenue, where you’ll find cool boutiques, restaurants, and a good chance of spotting a few A-list celebrities. If you are visiting the Los Angeles area, you might wonder, “is Santa Monica worth visiting?” Is it just a tourist trap or are there many things to do in the city?We take an in-depth look at what Santa Monica has to offer these days in 2022 so that you can understand if it is the right destination for you to visit during your trip and how long you may want to stay. Santa Monica is certainly not for everyone and it does get quite crowded, but we think that this famed city where Route 66 ends is ultimately worth your time, even if it is just for a few hours. Table of Contents
Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting? Background First, we will start with a little background on Santa Monica. It is a city in Los Angeles County that sits directly on the Pacific Ocean. It started as a resort town for Hollywood celebrities and remains a place to see and be seen today. It is located just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, making it quite convenient to visit for a daytrip. It is also only 15 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, so it could be the first place you visit when you get off the plane. While it may be best known for its pier and the beachfront, Santa Monica offers a lot more and is a bustling city that is home to over 90,000 residents. Here are all of the top reasons why we think that Santa Monica is worth visiting. 1. Unlimited Fun in the SunWe believe that the famed Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica State Beach are already reasons enough to visit the city. The Pier offers many attractions and things to do for the whole family to enjoy. There is a roller coaster, ferris wheel, and tons of restaurants and food carts that can take up a whole afternoon. It is also a great place to catch one of California’s most dazzling sunsets. Meanwhile, Santa Monica’s beach is the perfect place to relax and catch some rays. This beach is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Southern California and is a must-see for any first time visitor. Best of all, the beach is free to enjoy! It features beach volleyball courts, a muscle beach area, and bike paths. The beach will also be hosting beach volleyball and surfing for the 2028 Summer Olympics. You can also rent a bike or some roller blades and go all the way down the boardwalk and reach Venice Beach. 2. Parks to EnjoySanta Monica is not just about the beach life. It offers numerous green spaces across the city where you can relax without getting any sand in your clothes. Check out Palisades Park, which is a 26-acre park located along the northern shores of Santa Monica. This elevated bluff offers stunning views of the ocean and is another excellent (and free) activity for the whole family to enjoy. There is also Tongva Park, a recently revitalized green space that features a playground, an amphitheater, and waterfalls. It provides scenic views of the ocean and of Santa Monica Pier. 3. Beach ClubsNo visit to Santa Monica can be complete without a visit to one of their beach clubs. These social houses are located right on the beach front and offer a cool space to eat, swim, play, and relax. One of the most famous beach clubs is the Annenberg Community Beach House, which was commissioned by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s. This public beach facility is open to the public and features a swimming pool and an art gallery. You can also check out Jonathan Club, which is a private social club with good food and a fun atmosphere. 4. Unique Shopping ExperiencesSanta Monica is a great place for shopaholics. You can find everything from small boutiques to large retail stores across the city. The most famous shopping street in Santa Monica is the Third Street Promenade, which offers 3 blocks with 80 stores that are also just 3 blocks from the beach. Here, you can find upscale retailers like Tiffany, Rolex, and Coach alongside many locally-owned small businesses. There are also numerous food options that you can indulge in on this street. At the end of the promenade, there is also Santa Monica Place, which is a huge open air mall that features Nordstroms, a food court, and a movie theater. Additionally, you can shop for fresh and local foods at various Santa Monica Farmers Markets, which take place during the weekends and on Wednesdays around the city. 5. Art & CultureWhen you are tired of being out in the sun, you can check out some of Santa Monica’s best art galleries, museums, and other places of interest. For example, there is the Bergamot Station Arts Center, which hosts contemporary art in an old warehouse and factory. There is also the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium that is located right under Santa Monica Pier. Finally, you can check out a play or live event at the Santa Monica Playhouse. One Reason Not to Visit Santa MonicaThere is one major warning that we have to give those looking to visit Santa Monica. If you are planning to drive in, be aware that there can be some extremely heavy traffic around downtown depending on the time of day. It can take up to 30 minutes just to go from the exit off the highway to the parking garage next to the pier. So, we advise you to plan ahead when driving or to consider using public transportation so that you don’t have to worry about the traffic or pay for parking. Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting? SummarySo, is Santa Monica worth visiting? Overall, we think that the answer is yes. It offers so many things to do outside at the beach or the parks as well as several great shopping districts that are filled with top stores and restaurants. You probably only need 2 or 3 hours to get the taste of Santa Monica, but don’t be surprised if you stay the whole night and watch the sunset in this delightful city. Is it worth it to go to Santa Monica?Santa Monica has everything going for it; it's surely LA's most walkable district, it has good shopping, it's right on the beach and it's just a 30 minute cab ride from LAX. If you're choosing where to stay on a visit to LA, look no further!
Why should you visit Santa Monica?Some who visit Santa Monica may picture the sunny weather, swaying palm trees, and gorgeous surf, while others will boast about Santa Monica Farmers Markets or the short drive from Santa Monica to Los Angeles. That's the best part about this seaside paradise, you get to define the character of the city.
Is Santa Monica or Venice better?Venice Beach vs Santa Monica Beach—Both Are Winners
The touristy areas of these cities offer different things. Venice Beach is a vibrant beach locale that's perfect during the day, whereas the larger Santa Monica provides a wider range of things to do and a much more happening nightlife.
How many days do you need in Santa Monica?This city's got a little something for everyone, from beaches and hiking to theme parks, museums, and celebrity sightings. We recommend staying at least three days and three nights at HI Los Angeles Santa Monica hostel to give yourself time to explore the best of LA.
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Is it worth visiting Santa Monica?
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