Santa Monica Guide

Santa Monica is LA's beach city — walkable, bikeable, and sunny 300+ days per year. It's the end of Route 66 and feels like a separate city (technically it is). The blend of beach culture, upscale dining, and excellent hotels makes it ideal for visitors. It's more expensive but offers the quintessential SoCal experience.

Santa Monica Pier — iconic Ferris wheel, arcade games, street performers. The beach stretches 3.5 miles with volleyball courts, the Muscle Beach gym, and chess tables. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs to Venice and beyond. Sunset over the Pacific is unmissable. Parking: use structure 1 (3 hours free with validation).

Pedestrian shopping street with major retailers, street performers, and dining. The Santa Monica Place mall anchors one end with Nordstrom and a great food court. Farmers market on Wednesday and Saturday — the city's best. It's touristy but well-maintained. Good for evening strolls after beach days.

Cassia — Southeast Asian meets French, stunning space. Tar & Roses — wood-fired small plates, neighborhood favorite. Sugarfish — the sushi OMAKASE everyone loves. Huckleberry — farm-to-table breakfast/lunch. Bay Cities Deli — legendary Italian sandwiches (get The Godmother). Milo & Olive — perfect neighborhood restaurant.

Montana Avenue — upscale shopping, less touristy. Main Street — local shops, cafés, bookstores. Palisades Park — clifftop park with ocean views and walking paths. Tongva Park — modern sculpture garden near the pier. Santa Monica Airport — soon closing, but Barney's Beanery is nearby. Bergamot Station — art galleries.

Shutters on the Beach — the luxury beach hotel. Hotel Casa del Mar — elegant 1920s glamour. Shore Hotel — modern, sustainable, great location. The Georgian — historic, newly renovated. Palihouse — boutique apartment-style. Budget: Hi Santa Monica hostel near the beach. Book well ahead in summer.