Things to do in Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica has a host of activities and attractions to offer. With its history of film and music culture, and its lively arts scene, culture buffs have no lack of fun things to do in Santa Monica, and the friendly stretch of Santa Monica State Beach is the perfect place for surfing, lounging, and people-watching. Shoppers will enjoy the experience of browsing the stores while street musicians and artists entertain them, and the party set will find no shortage of bars, clubs, and other nightly Santa Monica activities. Here are a few suggestions to help you find exactly the right things to do in Santa Monica.

Surf at Santa Monica Beach

Surfing at Santa Monica's beaches is one of many travelers' favorite things to do in Santa Monica, and it is permitted year-round, though there are some limitations during the summer months depending on how many swimmers are around. Surf schools and lessons abound, as well as surf shops. If you are a beginner learning how to ride a wave for the first time, Santa Monica's mild surf makes it a great place to start.

Ride the South Bay Bike Trail

Cruising along the South Bay Bike Trail is one of many fun things to do in Santa Monica that are bound to draw the active and athletic. Twenty-two miles long, it stretches along the Pacific Coast from Malibu to Torrance, passing under the Santa Monica Pier and along the beach before continuing south through Venice. Jogging, biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading are popular along this trail.

Fish at the Historic Santa Monica Pier

Fishing is one of several free things to do in Santa Monica, as a license is not required. If you don't have your own fishing equipment and bait, rentals are available at the end of the Pier. Common fish that are caught at the Pier include perch, mackerel, white sea bass, and leopard and tiger sharks. Spend a lazy afternoon fishing in the sunshine, and feel that rush of excitement as you reel in your catch.

Shop at the Third Street Promenade

The Third Street Promenade is a palm-lined, outdoor pedestrian shopping district featuring quirky street performances by musicians and artists. It is home to trendy shops such as H&M, Anthropologie, American Eagle, and some posh boutiques including Armani. Some nice restaurants also line this street, and taking in a movie at one of the many movie theatres in the area is one of the classic Santa Monica activities.

Ride the Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park

Pacific Park is a free-to-enter amusement park located by the century-old Santa Monica Pier. The famous Pacific Wheel, which stood nine stories high, has recently been replaced with the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. A ride on the Ferris wheel, which shines with hundreds of LED lights, offers incomparable views over the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Park also includes many other fun things to do on a pay-per-ride basis, including a roller coaster that encircles the park.

Visit the Santa Monica Museum of Art

The Santa Monica Museum of Art is located in Bergamot Station, Southern California's largest art gallery and cultural complex. The museum's exhibits showcase contemporary artists' work on a local, national, and international level. Exploring Bergamot Station, originally a stop for the Red Line Trolley, is one of the more sophisticated of Santa Monica activities, and the station includes multiple galleries and a café on its eight-acre grounds.

Join the Twilight Dance Series

This annual music extravaganza runs during the summer months and is one of many free things to do in Santa Monica. Located on the Santa Monica Pier, it hosts live bands (in the past, this has included big names such as the Indigo Girls and Patti Smith) and is completely free of charge! In addition, you can dance the night away at special events celebrating the original La Monica Ballroom, historically the home of many original stars of swing, and one of many fun things to do in Santa Monica.

Party All Night in Santa Monica

Santa Monica's bars and clubs rival those of Los Angeles, but without the inconvenience of going all over the city to find them. Whether you're looking for a drink in an English pub or an electrifying dance club, Santa Monica has an astonishing variety of evening establishments in a relatively small area. The nightlife is happening in spots such as Main Street, the Third Street Promenade, on the beach, and around the Santa Monica Pier. A number of Santa Monica hotels also have popular bars and lounges, many of which offer a beautiful view of the evening skyline.

Santa Monica Beach

Many visitors come to Santa Monica just for the sun-drenched beaches, and with more than 300 sunny days every year, travelers are pretty much guaranteed good weather on a visit to a Santa Monica beach. The city has 3.5 continuous miles of beaches, including the two-mile long Santa Monica State Beach, and the original Muscle Beach to the south.

Santa Monica State Beach is located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, and it is the most popular destination for vacationers and families. Going to the beach in Santa Monica can mean different things for different people, but there is no shortage of things to do. For the surfers, going to Santa Monica Beach is an opportunity to catch a wave and browse the surf shops, while beginners try their luck at one of the popular surf schools. Skateboarders hang out on the streets and skateboard along the South Bay Bike Trail, which runs along the beach. The South Bay Bike Trail is also a favorite with joggers, rollerbladers, and cyclists.

Volleyball enthusiasts have their fill of beach volleyball competition at the free volleyball nets. Families picnic on the sand or at the restaurants lining Santa Monica beach, and lovers stroll along the water at sunset. Meanwhile, the jet set can hire a personal beach valet, known as a Beach Butler, to set them up with a couple of beach chairs, an umbrella and table, and some cold beverages. Yes, there is something for everyone at the beach in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica State Beach is also the setting for the world-famous 100-year-old Santa Monica Pier, accessible through the famous blue archway. Pacific Park, a family-oriented amusement park, is located by the Pier, with its landmark Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and other pay-per-ride attractions. Families will enjoy the activities at Pacific Park as well as the 1922 hand-carved Hippodrome Carousel, a National Historic Landmark. Would-be fishermen can also fish off the end of the Pier without a license, and fishing equipment and bait are available for rent.

South of the Santa Monica Beach is the original 1930s "Muscle" Beach. While the Venice Muscle Beach gets most of the credit for bronzed body-builders lifting weights by the sand, the beach in Santa Monica originated the idea, with gymnastic and acrobatic performances held there in the 1930s on gym equipment provided by the city. Recently the equipment on the beach has been restored, and it continues to hold weightlifting events and has an extensive collection of gymnastic equipment. Some of the world's most famous bodybuilders trained here, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

There are also many hotels available on the beachfront with beautiful views of the ocean, and within easy walking distance of Santa Monica Beach are many fun things to do. These include the Third Street Promenade, a popular shopping area; the International Chess Park, with public chess tables and a human scale chessboard; and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Nevertheless, the pristine golden sand of Santa Monica Beach is what continues to draw sunbathers and water-lovers alike, and a vacation to this lovely Southern California city just wouldn't be complete without stopping by.

Beaches in Santa Monica , California

Santa Monica California is found just 16 miles to the west of Los Angeles and is one of the most highly-recognizable Los Angeles County cities. Home to around 90,000 people, some of whom are just as recognizable, it is a thriving coastal city that has long been a shining reference point for the southern California lifestyle. Vacations to Santa Monica are ideal for anyone who is looking for fine weather, proximity to Hollywood, and a nice strip of sand to relax on. The Santa Monica beaches, which actually form one continual beach, are a haven for those who are looking to escape the nearby urban hangouts, though come summertime, you won’t exactly find solitude on them. That’s just fine by most, as Santa Monica California is pretty much a see and be-seen kind of place.

The Santa Monica beaches, which are without question among the top attractions in Santa Monica, stretch for some 3.5 miles, giving visitors ample room to roam. They are also wide in most parts, which is beneficial during the busier summer months. Summer isn’t the only time that you will find warm beach weather here, as in 2004, the month of December saw a few straight days where the temperatures were in the 80’s! Usually, the winter temperatures here hover around 63 degrees, however, while in the summertime, temperatures in the mid-80’s are to be expected. On the northern side of Santa Monica, the beaches are backed by bluffs, which serve to more-or-less separate them a bit more from the actual city. Closer to the central stretch of sand here is where the famed Santa Monica Pier can be found. It’s almost a must that you at least take a quick walk on the Santa Monica Pier when enjoying vacations to Santa Monica, as it is one of the most renowned piers in the entire country.

The Santa Monica Pier, which for those who want to know its exact location, can be found on the section of beach where Colorado Avenue and Ocean Avenue meet. You can pay to park beneath the pier, and in addition to enjoying strolls on it, you can also check out its amusement park. The Pacific Park is found near the end of the pier and doesn’t cost money to visit. You will have to pay to enjoy the rides and games at the park, however, and it’s recommended that you consider riding the Ferris wheel for the views that it affords. The Santa Monica Pier’s amusement park is open daily, so regardless of when you plan vacations to Santa Monica, it is something that you can include on the itinerary. When you’re not hanging out on the Santa Monica Pier and riding the rides or doing some fishing, other activities that you can enjoy at the Santa Monica beaches include sand volleyball, surfing, bicycling, and of course, swimming. The Santa Monica beaches are known to have rather gentle surf conditions, so you might head further up the coast and hit some of the Ventura beaches if surfing is your aim. Also, since the beaches in Santa Monica California get crowded in the summer months, surfing is often only allowed at certain points.

Fishing off of the Santa Monica Pier is free for all to enjoy, meaning that you won’t need a license, and fishing equipment can be rented at the end of the pier if you are without. As mentioned, bicycling is also something that you can do at the beaches in Santa Monica, as there is a paved bicycle trail that runs along the coast here. Known as the South Bay Bicycle Trail, this trail is 22 miles long and starts near Malibu to the north and extends south towards the city of Torrance. In addition to cycling, it is also ideal for walking, jogging, rollerblading, and skateboarding. You’ll likely see people enjoying all of the aforementioned activities at the Santa Monica beaches on most days, and when folks aren’t spending time on the beach when in town, they are likely enjoying the other attractions in Santa Monica. Among them is the 3rd Street Promenade, which is a pedestrian-only section of town that is known for its eclectic shops and its street performers. No visit to Santa Monica would be complete without a visit to 3rd Street, that’s for sure.

Santa Monica Pier, California

The Santa Monica Pier, with its iconic blue archway, is one of the most famous and historic attractions in Santa Monica. Jutting out from Santa Monica Beach into the Pacific Ocean, the hundred-year-old pier is actually made up of two adjoining piers. The first was built in 1909 for purely practical reasons—carrying sewage pipes—and the second was built adjoining the first in 1916 by Charles I.D. Looff and his son, amusement park pioneers.

A walk along the pier in Santa Monica is filled with fun things to do. The Hippodrome Carousel is a National Historic Landmark, built by Looff in 1922, and each of the carousel's 44 horses is hand-carved. Fishing is permitted from the pier without a license, and fishing bait and equipment can be rented at the end of the pier. The aquarium is located under Santa Monica Pier, and it offers exhibits, activities, and educational programs to the public. Here visitors can see 104 species, including the California moray eel, sharks, octopuses, and many other marine animals.

Right by the Santa Monica Pier is the family-oriented amusement park, Pacific Park, which is one of the few free admission amusement parks left in California; visitors pay per ride on the park's myriad attractions. A favorite ride is the landmark Santa Monica Ferris wheel, which was recently replaced by a new solar-powered version, this one fitted with energy-efficient LED lights, after the classic wheel was auctioned to raise money for Special Olympics in Southern California. A ride on this nine-story wheel offers views of the Pacific Ocean in a unique setting, and the Santa Monica Ferris wheel remains one of the distinctive features of the city.

During the summer, visitors can participate in the annual Twilight Dance Series and the pier in Santa Monica. Every Thursday at 7 pm, live bands play at the Santa Monica Pier—past performers have included such names as the Indigo Girls and Patti Smith, as well as other talent from around the world. As the music plays, fans and tourists get to their feet and move to the rhythm. Often during the summer, free dance lessons are also held at the Santa Monica Pier, evoking memories of the classic Santa Monica Ballroom (known as La Monica), a venue by the pier where big names in Western Swing such as Spade Cooley once played.

Close to the pier in Santa Monica are many hotels, including distinctive landmarks such as the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, the Shangri-La, and the Casa Del Mar. Restaurants and the Third Street Promenade shopping area are also within easy walking distance of the pier. A visit to the city—and to Southern California in general—is not complete without a visit to the famous pier and the Santa Monica Ferris wheel.

Santa Monica California

The continuous 3.5 miles of golden beaches in Santa Monica California are the perfect place to bask in the glowing rays of the sun, catch a wave, or challenge other sun-worshippers to a game of beach volleyball. With over 300 fine, sunny days every year, trips to Santa Monica are almost guaranteed to result in golden tans, as a glance around the beach will attest. Santa Monica is located on the western edge of Los Angeles County, just ten miles from Los Angeles International Airport, and is in close proximity to other Southern California destinations such as Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Universal Studios, and Disneyland.
Santa Monica



Beaches are often the prime destination for a vacation in Santa Monica California. With their pristine strips of sand, they are the perfect place to indulge in some much needed relaxation. The more athletically inclined visitors will appreciate the opportunities for jogging, rollerblading, biking, and skateboarding on the South Bay Bike Trail, and they'll jump at the chance to play volleyball or throw a Frisbee around.

If sipping a cold drink while lounging by the shore is more your thing, your vacation in Santa Monica can include the services of a Beach Butler, a private valet who will set up beach chairs, a table, and an umbrella for you, and serve you cold drinks. Surfing is also an obsession in Santa Monica, as in most of Southern California, and is permitted year round at Santa Monica beaches.

Santa Monica travel includes more than just beaches, however. No vacation in Santa Monica would be complete without a visit to the 100-year old Santa Monica Pier and the adjoining Pacific Park, a historic amusement park that includes the famous Santa Monica Ferris Wheel, a vintage carousel, and many other things to do. On summer evenings, soak up the warm weather and the music, and dance along with the crowd at the weekly Twilight Dance Series held at the Pier.

Santa Monica California, with its proximity to LA and other popular destinations, is understandably a treasure trove for film aficionados, with vintage movie theaters and the popular Santa Monica Film Festival gracing its screens every year. Movie theaters dot many main areas, including the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian shopping district not far from the beaches that boasts many trendy chain stores, boutiques, and restaurants.

During their vacation in Santa Monica, patrons of the arts need not fear a cultural desert as Santa Monica is home to more than 100 art galleries, including the Santa Monica Museum of Art, and there are performances at many theaters, including the newly built state-of-the-art Broad Stage. Food and wine lovers can also rejoice, as Santa Monica travel also includes many fine restaurants and top chefs, many of whom are leaders in market-to-table movement of Californian cuisine, with dishes made from the freshest organic ingredients.

If you'd like to do your own cooking or just want fresh fruits and vegetables, one of Southern California's best farmers markets takes place on the Third Street Promenade every Wednesday and Saturday. When the sun goes down, travelers who still have energy can join in a happening nightlife on Main Street, or fall asleep in one of Santa Monica's hotels right by the beach, such as the historic and newly renovated Shangri-La Hotel, a testament to the timelessness of Art Deco beauty.

Santa Monica travel is sure to please the bar-hopper, the surfer, and the beach lounger alike, and a vacation here offers a variety of options to suit any visitor, no matter what their tastes and budget may be.

Things to do in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has a host of activities and attractions to offer. With its history of film and music culture, and its lively arts scene, culture buffs have no lack of fun things to do in Santa Monica, and the friendly stretch of Santa Monica State Beach is the perfect place for surfing, lounging, and people-watching. Shoppers will enjoy the experience of browsing the stores while street musicians and artists entertain them, and the party set will find no shortage of bars, clubs, and other nightly Santa Monica activities. Here are a few suggestions to help you find exactly the right things to do in Santa Monica.

Surf at Santa Monica Beach

Surfing at Santa Monica's beaches is one of many travelers' favorite things to do in Santa Monica, and it is permitted year-round, though there are some limitations during the summer months depending on how many swimmers are around. Surf schools and lessons abound, as well as surf shops. If you are a beginner learning how to ride a wave for the first time, Santa Monica's mild surf makes it a great place to start.

Ride the South Bay Bike Trail

Cruising along the South Bay Bike Trail is one of many fun things to do in Santa Monica that are bound to draw the active and athletic. Twenty-two miles long, it stretches along the Pacific Coast from Malibu to Torrance, passing under the Santa Monica Pier and along the beach before continuing south through Venice. Jogging, biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading are popular along this trail.

Fish at the Historic Santa Monica Pier

Fishing is one of several free things to do in Santa Monica, as a license is not required. If you don't have your own fishing equipment and bait, rentals are available at the end of the Pier. Common fish that are caught at the Pier include perch, mackerel, white sea bass, and leopard and tiger sharks. Spend a lazy afternoon fishing in the sunshine, and feel that rush of excitement as you reel in your catch.

Shop at the Third Street Promenade

The Third Street Promenade is a palm-lined, outdoor pedestrian shopping district featuring quirky street performances by musicians and artists. It is home to trendy shops such as H&M, Anthropologie, American Eagle, and some posh boutiques including Armani. Some nice restaurants also line this street, and taking in a movie at one of the many movie theatres in the area is one of the classic Santa Monica activities.

Ride the Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park

Pacific Park is a free-to-enter amusement park located by the century-old Santa Monica Pier. The famous Pacific Wheel, which stood nine stories high, has recently been replaced with the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. A ride on the Ferris wheel, which shines with hundreds of LED lights, offers incomparable views over the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Park also includes many other fun things to do on a pay-per-ride basis, including a roller coaster that encircles the park.

Visit the Santa Monica Museum of Art

The Santa Monica Museum of Art is located in Bergamot Station, Southern California's largest art gallery and cultural complex. The museum's exhibits showcase contemporary artists' work on a local, national, and international level. Exploring Bergamot Station, originally a stop for the Red Line Trolley, is one of the more sophisticated of Santa Monica activities, and the station includes multiple galleries and a café on its eight-acre grounds.

Join the Twilight Dance Series

This annual music extravaganza runs during the summer months and is one of many free things to do in Santa Monica. Located on the Santa Monica Pier, it hosts live bands (in the past, this has included big names such as the Indigo Girls and Patti Smith) and is completely free of charge! In addition, you can dance the night away at special events celebrating the original La Monica Ballroom, historically the home of many original stars of swing, and one of many fun things to do in Santa Monica.

Party All Night in Santa Monica

Santa Monica's bars and clubs rival those of Los Angeles, but without the inconvenience of going all over the city to find them. Whether you're looking for a drink in an English pub or an electrifying dance club, Santa Monica has an astonishing variety of evening establishments in a relatively small area. The nightlife is happening in spots such as Main Street, the Third Street Promenade, on the beach, and around the Santa Monica Pier. A number of Santa Monica hotels also have popular bars and lounges, many of which offer a beautiful view of the evening skyline.