There’s more to Los Angeles’ best-known beach city than the pier
Santa Monica is an enduring favourite for visitors to LA but, in fact, it isn’t part of that sprawling city. The quintessential beach destination is a city in its own right within Los Angeles County.
And it has an individual character that’s distinguishable from the rest of the region. Beyond the beach (brilliant for people-watching) and famous pier, you can find unique shops, hip cocktail bars, street sculptures and tucked-away parks. It’s wonderfully, charmingly eclectic.
Designer stores share streets with small independent shops and ramshackle vintage emporiums. And you’ll find upscale restaurants and resorts next door to dive bars and old-school seafood spots.
Here are some of the best things to do while exploring Santa Monica.
1. Hit the beach
Santa Monica’s postcard-perfect beach is the main reason why you’re here, isn’t it? It’s why all the resorts, restaurants and tiki bars are here. The city occupies a prime stretch hugging the shoreline to the Pacific Ocean, and its generous sweep of Champagne-hued sand makes the most of that location.
Soft as flour, the sand is a pretty inviting place to lay a towel and plonk yourself on top. But there’s so much going on you’ll probably find yourself gazing over the top of your sunglasses most of the time.
There’s Muscle Beach open-air gym, where there’s almost always a smattering of people hefting weights or practising their lunges. There are the groups thwacking volleyballs back and forth and, of course, the surf crowd. Then there’s the fascinating mix of residents who pass by, walking tiny dogs, rollerskating or feeding the seagulls. Don’t expect to get much reading done.
2. Find fun at the pier
You won’t be able to stop taking photos at Santa Monica Pier. It’s a riot of retro rides, pastel colours and stalls selling hot dogs and candy floss. Everything feels like a vintage seaside dream, though it’s very much thriving.
READ MORE: A guide to LA's best beach areas
Its Ferris wheel, which is illuminated in pink, purple and blue after dusk, is by far the most recognisable landmark of the city, and you can see the rest of Santa Monica from one of its red or yellow carriages.
There’s more to the pier than the rides (though do check out the carousel). Seek out the small aquarium and marine education centre tucked beneath the carousel building; shops selling beach towels, shells and quirky souvenirs; and performers busting dance moves on the boards. You can even fish from the pier.
3. Head inland for shopping
Most visitors tend to stick close to the shoreline, for obvious reasons, but there’s another brilliant side to the city waiting to be discovered just a few blocks from the beach.
Third Street Promenade is a long pedestrianised stretch with a mix of designer stores, high-street names, quirky pop-up shops, smoothie bars and, well, real bars. The middle strip is dotted with sculptures, topiary and musicians performing impromptu outdoor gigs.
Montana Avenue, a little further north (you might want to grab a taxi or go by bike), is known as a hub for locally-owned shops and innovative restaurants. Allow a few hours to explore the bookstores, record shops and fancy boutiques – and maybe grab lunch at Father’s Office, known for its enormous burgers.
READ MORE: The top things to do along California's Central Coast road trip
4. Cycle the ‘The Strand’
Santa Monica is a refreshingly walkable city, especially compared to some parts of LA, so you can pretty much ditch your car and explore the area by foot. Or, to cover a bit more ground, pootle about on two wheels. Many of the hotels and resorts offer guests complimentary bikes, and there are also several rental shops close to the beach.
After you’ve got your wheels, join the Marvin Braude Bike Trail – a 22-mile (35km) oceanfront stretch known as ‘The Strand’ – and get pedalling. The paved pathway runs from Pacific Palisades in the north down to Torrance (yet another beach area to get to know).
Take it to Venice, packed with a mix of hip shops, restaurants and nightlife and bohemian beachside stalls, pedal around the network of canals, and pass tinkling yachts and sleek waterfront apartments in Marina del Rey.
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5. Feast on seafood
The salty ocean breeze has a way of making you work up an appetite, even if you’ve just been lazing on the sand all day. The Lobster, a long-running and beloved spot right by the water, combines old-school, retro looks with beautifully prepared and presented dishes. The thing to order (of course) is the California spiny lobster, served steamed with herbs, lemon and garlic.
If you fancy somewhere more casual, but also extremely cool, head to The Misfit. Dominated by a long copper-topped bar, its warm lighting and vintage décor will make you want to stay all night. You’ll hunker down even further when you start sipping the perfectly mixed cocktails, made with house-made syrups, and grazing on comfort food dishes like mac ’n’ cheese with chilli, seasonal hummus and crispy Brussels sprouts.
READ MORE: California's most beautiful towns and cities
6. Roast s’mores over a private fire pit
The best rooms at breezy-chic oceanfront hotel Loews Santa Monica come with fire pits on the balcony or terrace, which is great for many reasons. First of all, you have a fire pit with your room – how cool is that? Secondly, get yourself some Hershey’s chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows, and you’ve got yourself a private s’mores party.
Thirdly (and perhaps most importantly), it means you can stay outside until well after the sky turns from bright and blazing to inky, curled up in a comfy lounge chair and warmed by the flickering flames. So you get maximum time to gaze at the ocean and inhaling the salt-crisped air.
Due to COVID-19, be sure to check national and local travel restrictions, including state travel advisories, and individual attractions before booking and visiting.
Main image: ProDesign studio/Shutterstock