Santa Monica.
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You step off the Metro E Line onto Colorado Avenue and hit a wall of marine fog and fried dough. Santa Monica sits pinned between steep sandstone bluffs and the Pacific surf. Walk past the neon on the wooden pier down to Ocean Avenue where line cooks take smoke breaks beside jacaranda trees. It is an old beach town wearing a modern suit, sustained by Wednesday morning produce stalls and grease-slicked seafood shacks.
Last updated 22 Aug 2026
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The Bed
Where to stay in Santa Monica
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The Comparison
Santa Monica, or somewhere near it
The places you are realistically choosing between, and the honest case for each.
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Where to read more about Santa Monica
The blogs, boards, guides and operators worth bookmarking.
What to do in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Santa Monica Los Angeles United States sits in Los Angeles, United States. Travellers usually come for farmers markets, local seafood, coastal cycling, street food — and the guide above turns any combination of those interests into a timed plan, stop by stop, with the local context behind each recommendation.
24 hours in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
With one day, keep it tight. A single-day Santa Monica Los Angeles United States itinerary built around farmers markets and local seafood gives you a morning, an afternoon and one evening stop without crossing the town twice. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Two days lets you separate the place itself from what surrounds it — adding coastal cycling on day two, plus time for a slower meal. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Three days is where Santa Monica Los Angeles United States opens up: street food, day trips, and the things that only work when you are not rushing.
Santa Monica Los Angeles United States itineraries by interest
Farmers Markets in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Walk Arizona Avenue on Wednesday mornings before chefs strip the tables of Harry's Berries strawberries, Coleman Family greens, and Weiser melons.
Local Seafood in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Grab smoked albacore and Santa Barbara spot prawns at the Santa Monica Seafood market counter, or sit down for local rock cod ceviche along Wilshire.
Coastal Cycling in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Rent an upright three-speed at Perry's and pedal the Marvin Braude Bike Trail south along the sand toward Venice breakwater early before midday winds rise.
Street Food in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Find the taco trucks parked along Pico Boulevard slicing pork pastor off the trompo onto griddled corn tortillas topped with salsa verde and cilantro.
Maritime History in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Walk the timber pilings of the 1909 pleasure pier where anglers drop lines for surfperch beside the 1922 Looff Hippodrome and old bait stations.
Modern Art in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Wander the repurposed red-brick train sheds of Bergamot Station along Michigan Avenue, housing independent contemporary galleries and printmakers.
Historic Architecture in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Seek out Julia Morgan's 1929 beach house pool tiles along Pacific Coast Highway and the mid-century bungalows tucked into the Ocean Park grid.
Ocean Swimming in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Head to the surf break near Tower 26 where locals swim the Pacific shorebreak without wet suits during calm September mornings before the wind shifts.
Craft Cocktails in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Pull up a stool inside classic dive Chez Jay on Ocean Avenue for a cold beer and buttered steaks, or try mezcal highballs in quiet neighborhood bars.
Casual Dining in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Line up on Lincoln Boulevard for classic griddle smash burgers and crinkle-cut fries or sit down for crisp wood-fired pizza on Rose Avenue.
Scenic Walks in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Stroll Palisades Park along the bluff tops on Ocean Avenue at sunset, where old eucalyptus trees frame views of Malibu and breaking swell below.
Urban Parks in Santa Monica Los Angeles United States
Explore the drought-tolerant Arroyo gardens and rolling bioswales at Tongva Park, designed on former parking lots right across from City Hall.