Santa Monica is a famous beach destination and a popular weekend getaway from Los Angeles. The city is home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Museum of Flying, the Hippodrome and other attractions. Stroll along the Third Street Promenade to browse shops and have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants. Stay at one of the luxury hotels or check into an affordable hostel on your California weekend getaway or day trip. Here are the best things to do in Santa Monica.
1. Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and Aquarium
An iconic destination in Santa Monica, the picturesque pier is a well loved and celebrated landmark. The 100-year-old structure is a pivotal component of the Santa Monica’s history, and provides a distinct and well-known seaside recreational spot for both visitors and locals.
The pier is host to a variety of attractions, ranging from small shops and cafes to vast music festivals stretching across the deck. If you are wondering what to do in Santa Monica, California today, this is a great place to start exploring.
Two of the main attractions on the Pier are Pacific Park, an amusement park complete with multicolored rollercoasters and vibrant rides, and the Aquarium, located underneath the Pier. It regarded as one of the most superior aquariums in the nation.
More ideas: Beaches in California
2. Santa Monica Beach
Stretching three and half miles, the Santa Monica State Beach lines the coast, dividing the city from the shore. Following the edge of the Pacific Coast Highway, the Santa Monica Beach lies on either side of the famous Santa Monica Pier and provides an array of recreational and entertainment opportunities for beach goers.
On the beach, manned lifeguard stations, playgrounds, picnic areas, bike rentals, water sport rentals, and wooden pathways facilitate easygoing and safe entertainment for visitors. Additionally, volleyball courts, chess tables, and other landmarks line the popular and scenic location.
More ideas: Things to Do in California
3. Downtown Santa Monica and Third Street Promenade
The primary tourist district of Santa Monica offers visitors an array of shopping and dining opportunities throughout the palm tree lined promenade. Closed off to cars, the district is pedestrian friendly, allowing for safe wandering up and down the block. Known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse array of upscale shopping options, the area is a year-round attraction.
Open-air cafes, bistros, and dining spaces are scattered throughout the Promenade while tables line the street and food cart vendors set up shop at various blocks. The bustling area is lively, active, and constantly buzzing with eager visitors and vendors alike. Throughout the year, various attractions are hosted within the Promenade, turning the busy district into an event venue. (website link)
More ideas: Day Trips in California
4. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Pono Burger
Open for lunch and dinner, Pono Burger is the West Coast’s approach to a typical burger joint. Serving only organic, grass fed beef and locally sourced ingredients, Pono’s offers this iconic American dish, a high quality and carefully prepared burger. Chef Makani, a Hawaiian native, remains mindful of her roots and considers her restaurant’s impact, citing improving individual bodies and the world itself as one of her motivations.
The shop’s menu, which offers a selection of burger varieties, milkshakes, hand cut fries, and craft beer, all fulfill those same intentions. The space itself is quirky, with a building exterior resembling a renovated farm structure and an interior that is simply outfitted, balancing minimalistic and modern to create a welcoming and unforgettable dining experience.
829 Broadway, Santa Monica, California, Phone: 310-584-7005
More ideas: Hot Springs in California
5. The Ambrose Hotel
The Ambrose Hotel offers boutique accommodations in Santa Monica right in a discreet residential neighborhood. Enjoy the California-craftsman-style architecture and spacious rooms. Rooms also have 55-inch flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, Verdent thermostats, LED lighting, well-lit writing desks, many USB ports, Speakman showerheads, bath products, backlit vanity mirrors, stocked mini-bars, luxury linens, and plush cotton robes in the 77 rooms. Studios and ADA rooms are also available.
The Ambrose fitness center is fully-equipped and open 24 hours a day. Guests can take advantage of the chauffeured house car service that uses an electric car and is complimentary within three miles. Or borrow one of the Ambrose Hotel bikes. Stay informed with the complimentary newspapers. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi as well as a business center with printer. There are also electric vehicle charging stations. Guests start the day with a deluxe continental breakfast to provide the energy you need to enjoy the area. At any time of the day, enjoy a cup of the Groundworks Certified Organic Signature Blend Coffee. Enjoy a complimentary evening beverage and available light fare.
1255 20th Street, Santa Monica, CA, Phone: 310-315-1555
More ideas: Places to visit in California
6. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Mercado
Mercado, a dinner-based, fine dining Mexican eatery, is known for its delectable menu and expansive number of tequila offerings. Located in the core of downtown Santa Monica, Mercado serves authentic fare and offers a menu comprised of both classic and contemporary Mexican dishes. Mexican born chef Jose Acevdeo uses his experience and expertise with flavor and cuisine typical of Mexican meals to create high quality dishes from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant is relaxed yet high end, with upscale décor combined with a welcoming atmosphere. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas, this is a great place to try. The two story dining space is laden with trendy details, including industrial features, ambient lighting, and an entire wall of windows, giving the restaurant an intimate yet open feel.
Third Street Promenade, 1416 4th St, Santa Monica, California, Phone: 310-526-7121
More ideas: Beaches in Los Angeles
7. Chomp Eatery and Juice Station Santa Monica
Located next door to DK's Donuts in the small shopping mall on Santa Monica Boulevard near 17th, Chomp Eatery and Juice Station is a small, modern eatery where you can get highly satisfying meal that will also be good for your health. They offer 30 flavors of cold on-site pressed juice mixes, organic produce purchased from local farms, and a menu with many gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free options. Their juicy burgers are made from grass-fed beef and the chicken is free range. They make their own mayo and use no preservatives. They are a perfect proof that healthy does not mean tasteless or boring. If you are not convinced, just try their bacon melt with applewood bacon, Tillamook cheddar and pepper jack cheese, grilled jalapeño, grilled onions, grilled bell pepper, and cilantro aioli, all piled up on sourdough bread.
1612 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, Phone: 424-238-3398
More ideas: Day Trips from Los Angeles
8. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Museum of Flying
This space and air museum is located at the edge of Santa Monica near the Santa Monica airport. This 22,000 square foot space is host to an array of exhibits and displays, allowing guests to experience the history of flight technology and better understand the growth of the industry and changes in aircraft development. Two dozen aircraft are featured in the museum, ranging from a replica Wright flyer, to a collection of jet age crafts, including a Boeing 727 nosepiece.
The museum also holds a collection of significant artifacts and rare aviation art, along with a series of historic documents and artifacts pertaining to aviation history. The museum provides both hands-on and interpretive centers, including an interactive flight simulator and tours guided by staff.
3100 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA, Phone: 310-398-2500, (website link)
More ideas: California resorts
9. BoxUnion
BoxUnion is one of Santa Monica's premiere fitness course experiences, offering high-intensity boxing workouts for participants of all ages and experience levels. The studio's standard 45-minute course emphasizes strength training and muscle sculpting, set in low lighting to high-energy music selections. Courses are led by experienced coaches, who focus on mind and body techniques to bring out the inner champion in all course participants. Punches and other defensive movements are incorporated into all workouts, with an emphasis on moving to the music fluidly as a team. A comprehensive form and footwork course is also offered for beginners, along with one-on-one champion training sessions for more advanced participants, which are available both in studio and at home for an additional fee.
1755 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Phone: 310-882-5508
More ideas: Weekend Getaways from San Diego
10. Santa Monica Mountains
One of the most frequently visited natural attractions in California, the Santa Monica Mountains rise up from behind the city, casting their shadows over the municipality and stretching nearly to the ocean. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area begins at the base of the range, providing guests with various entrances into the vast, urban green space. Nearly 20 parks throughout the mountains provide guests with ample opportunity to explore.
Walking paths and hiking trails are common throughout the space, providing access for those on foot as well as mountain bikers, horse riders, and other sport enthusiasts. Campsites, recreational spots, and other features are available throughout the Mountain range. (website link)
More ideas: Day Trips From San Diego
11. BOA Steakhouse Santa Monica
BOA Steakhouse Santa Monica is a top-tier steakhouse and seafood restaurant that serves as the second outpost of a West Hollywood favorite, known for its gourmet steak offerings and world-class signature rubs and sauces. Diners can choose from steak offerings like Japanese wagyu, dry-aged New York strip steaks, bone-in Kansas City filets, and bison ribeyes, paired with sauces and rubs like black truffle butter, blue cheese crust, Cabernet sauce, and creamy horseradish. Seafood entrees range from saffron jumbo prawns and jumbo lump crab cakes to Nova Scotia lobster tails and sauteed Chilean sea bass. A vegan menu is available for diners with alternative diets, including chile rellenos prepared with pomegranate molasses and walnut cream and nidi Bolognese with almond-based ricotta. A Wine Spectator-awarded wine selection is paired with excellent craft cocktails by house mixologists.
101 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Phone: 310-899-4466
More ideas: Things to Do in San Diego
12. Sweet Rose Creamery
Sweet Rose Creamery is a quaint Santa Monica ice cream parlor that serves as one of Los Angeles' only homemade local ice creameries, originally opened by executive chef Shiho Yoshikawa and business partners Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb in 2010 within the Brentwood Country Mart. Five neighborhood locations of the ice cream parlor are offered today, crafting high-quality desserts from locally-sourced and organic ingredients. All ice creams and toppings are made in house, with flavors ranging from classic mint and chocolate chip variants to unique sweet potato swirl and cherimoya coconut varieties. Dairy-free sorbets are also served up in flavors such as horchata coconut and kiwi.
2726 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405, Phone: 310-260-2663
More ideas: San Diego Beaches
13. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Rustic Canyon
Rustic Canyon Wine Bar serves farm-to-table New American cuisine (all made from locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients) in a modern, sophisticated setting. You’ll be blown away by exquisite dishes, such as the ‘Sunburst’ Squash Salad, Ricotta Dumplings & Butterbeans, or Olive Oil-Poached Passmore Ranch Trout.
They also offer an extensive wine list, artisanal beers, and handcrafted cocktails, like the Maple Berry Smash. Rustic Canyon was founded in 2007 by successful restaurateur, Josh Loeb, who also runs Milo & Olive, Huckleberry, and Sweet Rose Creamery. Jeremy Fox is Executive Chef. You’ll find this wine bar in the heart of Santa Monica.
1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, California, Phone: 310-393-7050
More ideas: Los Angeles tours
14. Milo & Olive
Milo & Olive is a charming neighborhood bakery and pizzeria that serves a bakery-drive breakfast daily, as well as wood-fired pizzas, farmers’ market-inspired salads, and small plates throughout the day and night. Enjoy incredible eats, like Sweet Cream Brioche, Ricotta Crostini, Kale Lasagna, or Wood-Fired Butternut Squash with Vanilla Date Butter.
Milo & Olive is run by successful restaurateur, Josh Loeb, and wife and pastry chef, Zoe Nathan. Loeb also owns LA’s Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry, and Sweet Rose Creamery. They are joined in the kitchen by Chef Erin Eastland. You’ll find this adorable, friendly eatery in Northeast Santa Monica.
2723 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California, Phone: 310-453-6776
More ideas: Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles
15. Del Frisco's Grille
Serving late afternoon and early evening meals, Del Frisco’s is an energetic and bold American bar and grill situated in an ideal location. Overlooking the renowned Santa Monica pier, Del Frisco’s embraces California cool with a menu that reflects typical favorite dishes infused with creative and unexpected flavors.
The ingredients, all locally sourced, make vital contributions to the fresh and vibrant flavors crafted by Del Frisco’s staff. The interior ambiance, which offers several dining room options, features contemporary chic décor, including bold colors and complementary accents, fostering a tasteful fine dining experience.
1551 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, California, Phone: 310-395-7333
More ideas: Things to Do in Los Angeles
16. Looff Hippodrome
Located adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier, the Hippodrome is a large, open air building that made the National Historic Landmark registry in the 1980s. A hippodrome was originally an ancient Greek building historically used for horse racing. This dome, however, was built on the Pacific Coast shoreline in the early 20th century.
Now, the Santa Monica based Hippodrome is a nationally recognized landmark, and it has hosted a variety of historic attractions during its lifetime, including roller coasters and carousels. Today, the Hippodrome features a full-scale family based amusement park with a variety of attractions, rides, shops, and cafes.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, Phone: 310-394-8042
More ideas: Los Angeles restaurants
17. Palisades Park
One of Santa Monica’s little-known gems, Palisades Park is a narrow public park which runs along the top of a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park stretches for 1.6 miles, from Colorado Avenue to the north city limit overlooking the Santa Monica Canyon. The park was established in 1892 and was later landscaped with walkways, formal entrances and plantings. There is also an iconic fence made from eucalyptus wood salvaged from routine city tree-trimming in 1913. The historic park is popular with walkers who come to enjoy great views of the sea and to admire the plants and birds in the gardens. There is also a veteran’s memorial – 4 stone markers honor all the Veterans who lost their lives in foreign wars.
Palisades Park, Arizona Blvd and Ocean Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, (website link)
More ideas: Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids & Places to Visit
18. Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House was formerly a luxurious private beach-front estate which was built in the 1920’s. Today the complex is a community resource offering locals and visitors an amazing recreational beachfront facility which is open to everyone. Facilities at the Beach House include an art gallery where you can admire the work of local artists, a swimming pool, a children’s splash pad, beach canopies, volley ball courts and soccer fields. You are also welcome to use the grounds for small gatherings. The beach house complex is the ideal place to spend a fun day on the beach, and is open all year round. The pool is closed from October to May.
Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402, 310 458 4904
More ideas: Things to Do in Hollywood
19. Santa Monica Farmers Market
The Santa Monica Farmers Market is an expansive, citywide event that occurs throughout the week. The Saturday market has two locations, while the Sunday and Wednesday markets each have one. These markets are renowned nationwide and have gained accolades for the diversity of their products and the refined nature of the facility spaces.
Throughout the year, the Santa Monica offerings include a diverse variety of fresh, locally grown produce alongside a selection of locally harvested meats and cheeses, regionally caught fish, specialty nuts, and freshly cut flowers. If you are looking for things to do in Santa Monica with kids, this is a great place to visit. The market is open year round, yet the fare varies seasonally based on availability. The clientele is broad, and the atmosphere is typically lively and bustling with market goers, all scoping out the available merchandise.
More ideas: Hollywood restaurants
20. Things to Do Near Me Today: Tongva Park
It’s amazing what a little lateral thinking and a few plants can do to a dusty car park. Just a few years ago, Tongva Park was just that – a boring asphalt parking lot. After a phenomenal transformation, Tongva Park is now a 6-acre urban oasis where Santa Monica locals can spend enjoyable outdoor hours. The park is divided into 4 areas, namely Discovery Hill, Garden Hill, Gathering Hill and Observation Hill and encompasses a children’s play area with splash pad, a natural amphitheatre, long winding pathways, beautiful gardens and shaded picnic areas. The entire park also benefits from free Wi-Fi and is easily accessible by public transport.
Tongva Park, 1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
More ideas: Things to Do in Santa Barbara
21. Frozen Fruit Co - Ice Cream with Plant-based Ingredients
Frozen Fruit Co is a groundbreaking brand in the ice cream world that offers a stunning selection of sweet ice cream treats made purely from plant-based ingredients. Ice cream is one of the most universally adored sweet treats. It’s a popular dessert all over the globe and is loved by people of all ages. While the idea of a plant-based ice cream might sound strange and different at first, once you actually give it a try, you’ll be blown away by how good the organic, dairy-free ice creams from Frozen Fruit Co actually taste. Available in a great range of flavors and sweetened with only natural ingredients and juices, these ice creams can really put a big smile on your face.
Every ice cream brand needs a great range of flavors to please all palates and tingle all tastebuds. Frozen Fruit Co lives up to this requirement by actually providing a rotating, seasonal menu of flavors that changes throughout the year in accordance with the freshness and availability of different ingredients. This means new flavors are always on the horizon and you can keep on going back to Frozen Fruit Co to enjoy more great tastes throughout the year. Popular flavors include Chocolate Orange, Mixed Berry, Strawberry & Banana, and Banana Pumpkin Spice.
729 Montana Ave, STE 2, Santa Monica, CA 90403, Phone: 424 744 8860
More ideas: Things to do in Morro Bay, CA
22. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Gehry House
If you love architecture, especially the quirky deconstructivist-style of architecture popularized by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, you owe it to yourself to take a drive by his home in a quiet Santa Monica suburb. The Gehry House is exceptional in that it appears to be made up of random shapes attached to a standard California bungalow. Instead of designing his own residence from scratch, Frank Gehry purchased a bungalow and then allowed his remarkable artistic knack for the unusual to take over. The resultant house is a brilliant piece of architecture featuring leaning glass cubes juxtaposed against tall corrugated walls which appear unfinished – a hallmark of his style. Since this is a private home no tours are permitted.
Gehry House, 1002 22nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, (website link)
More ideas: Things to do in Orange County
23. California Heritage Museum
Located in the heart of Main Street, the California Heritage Museum is housed in a striking Victorian building designed by architect Sumner P. Hunt in the late 1800’s. The interior of the museum is even more amazing, showcasing the great diversity of landscapes, cultures and traditions which are interwoven in California. The ground floor of the museum is furnished with period pieces which reflect the Victorian origins of the home, while the upper floor is devoted to an art gallery which features rotating art exhibitions. These cover all genres – anything from Andy Warhol to amazing quilt “paintings”. Please check their website to see what’s on during your visit.
California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405, 310 392 8537
More ideas: Orange County beaches
24. The Broad Stage
It would be a shame to visit Santa Monica without taking the time to attend a performance at the Broad Stage. The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage is located at the impressive Santa Monica College of Performing Arts Center, where it provides one of the most outstanding performance spaces in the state. The intimate, yet impressive theatre can seat just 500 lucky audience members at a time, which means that meaningful rapport can be established between the artists and the audience. The theatre produces a full calendar of stellar productions in just about all genres from opera and symphony to musicals, world-music and jazz.
The Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310 434 3200
More ideas: Day Trips from Orange County
The top attractions to visit in Santa Monica, California near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and Aquarium
- 2. Santa Monica Beach
- 3. Downtown Santa Monica and Third Street Promenade
- 4. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Pono Burger
- 5. The Ambrose Hotel
- 6. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Mercado
- 7. Chomp Eatery and Juice Station Santa Monica
- 8. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Museum of Flying
- 9. BoxUnion
- 10. Santa Monica Mountains
- 11. BOA Steakhouse Santa Monica
- 12. Sweet Rose Creamery
- 13. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Rustic Canyon
- 14. Milo & Olive
- 15. Del Frisco's Grille
- 16. Looff Hippodrome
- 17. Palisades Park
- 18. Annenberg Community Beach House
- 19. Santa Monica Farmers Market
- 20. Things to Do Near Me Today: Tongva Park
- 21. Frozen Fruit Co - Ice Cream with Plant-based Ingredients
- 22. Things to Do in Santa Monica: Gehry House
- 23. California Heritage Museum
- 24. The Broad Stage
More ideas:
Santa Monica History Museum
Founded by the Santa Monica Historical Society in 1988, the Santa Monica History Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1988. With a mission to bring the interesting history of the city to all residents, the museum has gone from strength to strength, benefitting from numerous donations of artifacts, photos and much more. As you make your way through the permanent exhibition hall you will learn all about the early days in Santa Monica. Here you can trace the origins of the inhabitants and learn about the people who were responsible for the establishment of the city. The museum also hosts regularly-changing temporary exhibitions to highlight various specific periods.
Santa Monica History Museum, 1350 7Th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310 395 2290
Cassia, Santa Monica, CA
This dinner centric restaurant is known for its effortlessly cool approach to dining. Providing Southeast Asian flare fused with delectable French ingredients and fresh California flavors, the restaurant features a menu that is eclectic and diverse. The kitchen staff creates truly unique dishes and flavor combinations that could only be authentically crafted in California. The menu features a variety of seafood-based meals featuring locally grown and sourced ingredients.
The interior offers a fresh and vibrant atmosphere that feeds off the youthful and creative energy of the food. The trendy ambiance is upscale but relaxed, proving that Cassiala takes a modern approach to the contemporary fine dining landscape.
1314 7th St, Santa Monica, California, Phone: 310-393-6699
