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Coastal city in Los Angeles County, California
Photo: web4camguy, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Anchoring the Westside of Los Angeles County, Santa Monica is a beachfront city popular with tourists for its expansive beach and its famous pier, which are among the most popular coastal attractions in Southern California. Within the city, visitors will find a number of urban shopping districts and plenty of restaurants and nightlife.
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Over 30 art galleries, including the Santa Monica Museum of Art.
Centered around artifacts from the Douglas Aircraft Company, which used to manufacture iconic aircraft like the DC-3 at the Santa Monica Airport. It includes many aircraft in static display, from a replica Wright Flyer to World War II fighters to the microjet which appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy. "Rides" in a full-motion flight simulator are $8 each.
Open air-decks with picnic tables. Watch and photograph the airplanes as they come and go at the airport. Listen to Air Traffic Control on loudspeakers. Bring a picnic lunch. Also, Clover Park, at the corner of 25th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, has a viewing area with a telescope focused on the runway.
A bustling boardwalk whose huge Ferris Wheel is the city's icon, with terrific coastline views of Malibu and the Southbay. The long pier holds Pacific Park, an old-fashioned amusement park with reasonable by-the-ride pricing, including a small roller coaster and the Ferris wheel. The Pier has restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and some street performers. At almost all hours you'll find at least a few people fishing as well. The Pier is within easy walking distance to the Promenade.
A large, wide, beautiful beach on either side of the pier. Perry's rents bikes and roller blades or bring your own for use on the world famous strand that links all of the Westside beach cities. For some of the best people watching in the world, follow the strand south a couple of miles to Venice Beach. Hire a bike or skates and travel along the cycle path (there are a number of shops to hire from around and on the pier).
A very successful Urban mall project: a vibrant, outdoor street full of restaurants, movie theaters, shopping, bookstores, and bars. Those who enjoy street performances will be impressed by the quality of musicians, dancers, and others. The Promenade is located only three blocks from the beach, the Promenade is one of L.A.'s most popular places to "hang out" for people of all ages.
TSNY
Trapeze School New York at Santa Monica Pier is a school of flying trapeze and aerial arts open to the public and for all skill levels and ages. Also offered are corporate workshops, events and parties, birthday parties and performance workshops.
Some of the best sandwiches on the west side. There will be a long wait during peak hours, so browse the authentic Italian market after you take your number, or go online, view the menu, and call in your order in advance.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and hand-rolled bagels since 1978.
A great breakfast place! A small "hole in the wall" with a relaxed atmosphere and competent service, you'll find many locals trying to wake up on Saturdays and Sundays. Offering up traditional bacon and eggs with a twist the food is fresh and good. Meat lovers should try Uncle Zeke's scramble.
Fresh, cooked to order Mexican food in a taqueria atmosphere. It features good tacos and an excellent chicken mole burrito. Don't miss the pickled carrots and jalepeños in the salsa bar.
Cheap, hearty diner food. Breakfast and lunch only. Quentin Tarantino fans may recognize the interior from Reservoir Dogs, or the exterior from True Romance.
A Los Angeles institution and this Santa Monica branch offers great margaritas and wonderful traditional Mexican food. The green corn tamales, available from May to October each year, are a specialty.
Authentic Polish food can be found on Lincoln with a signature dish of roast duck. They have a fantastic outdoor patio in the back where you can get a great vodka martini.
Southern Italian food in an elegant atmosphere. Vegan options available.
Sourdough bagels with fun toppings.
One of the few restaurants in Santa Monica that has a view of the Pacific Ocean. The Lobster provides good seafood dishes, great cocktails and a little bit of a scene. While a little noisy and on the expensive side (from $120 for two with alcohol), the food, fun and view can make it worthwhile.
Along with Chez Panisse in Berkeley, lead the nouvelle cuisine movement. Using fresh vegetables from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, locally caught fish and excellent meats every dish is sublime. While not cheap, a meal at Michael's does not disappoint.
Also featuring organic, locally grown produce and two tasting menus (including a vegetarian version), Melisse is Chef Josiah Citrin latest world class restaurant. The food is outstanding and gets the highest marks in Zagat and Michelin.
A rooftop Santa Monica restaurant located on the 18th floor of The Huntley Hotel. Offers a bar and lounge and panoramic ocean views. Menu features contemporary American cuisine with global influences from Asia and Brazil. Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7PM. Also available for private events.
Upscale bakery and café offering a variety of pastries and a few light meals, with astoundingly good vegan options.
Excellent burgers in this popular pub. Offers beers from over 20 different micro-breweries, a nice wine selection, but alas no full bar. The other downside is that it's a small space and very popular so long lines quickly spring up. Don't try to change any of the items on the burger - it's their way or the highway. For fun, try to sneak in ketchup.
Small but very friendly Brit style pub, popular with locals and budget travelers. Good and cheap snacks and meals.
Kings Head
British style pub that is a notable hangout for tourists, celebrities and locals. Favorite amongst local Brits to watch football and play pub quiz on Tuesdays. Has excellent fish and chips.
Carries lots of interesting beer on tap. Food is mid-scale pub style.
Hostel/backpacker style accommodation. 200 beds, clean, safe, plenty of activities. Linen incl. towel provided, the bed is even made for you.
A 1950s art deco gem one block from the ocean. The rooms are upgraded with fresh colors, cozy fibers and trendy furniture. Each room includes free wireless, flat screen TV's and free maid service.
While 20 blocks from the beach, the Ambrose Hotel offers great style and comfort for less than the large beach-front hotels. Very convenient if visiting someone at St. John's Santa Monica Hospital.
One of the only hotels in Santa Monica that is directly on the Beach and has prices that reflect this rare amenity. Share pools, spas, etc. with Shutters.
A great hotel, but it only has ocean views.
A luxury hotel featuring a business center, fitness facilities, concierge service, and fine dining at The Penthouse.
The Viceroy Hotel is perfect for travellers who are seeking an ultra-hip experience and don't have any budget restrictions. One block from the beach, the Viceroy still is able to command more than $300 per night because of its status as "One of the 50 hottest hotels in the world".
The Georgian Hotel is an Art Deco classic that dates back to the 1920s. Rooms are smaller and prices are not cheap, but it is a great place to stay.
One of the only hotels in Santa Monica that is on the beach. Share pools, spas, etc., with Casa del Mar.
Oceana Santa Monica is a boutique hotel featuring a restaurant open only to guests.
This area is relatively free of major national chains but is full of quaint but expensive local boutiques and cafes.
A completely pedestrianized street that is the region's most popular shopping destination. Though chain stores have pushed out independent ones, it is the vibrant street life that distinguishes Third Street from the rest.
An indoor-outdoor mall that was extensively remodeled in 2010. It houses a variety of restaurants, shops, and pavilions. A large parking garage is attached with reasonable hourly rates.
From Pico Blvd to Navy Street, Main Street shopping is similar to Montana Ave in that it celebrates the independent retailer. Main Street also has its fair share of excellent restaurants and bars. Heritage Square on Main Street is home to the widely popular, family-friendly Sunday Farmer's Market.
By public transit
The county-wide Metro public transit agency offers service to Santa Monica from throughout the Los Angeles region.
By plane
If arriving on commercial flights, the closest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) just a short drive south.
Many of Santa Monica's tourist destinations are within easy walking distance of each other.
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