10 Best Things to Do in Santa Monica, California (2023)

Are you planning to explore Santa Monica as a tourist? Here, we’ve mentioned the 10 best things to do in Santa Monica, California that you should definitely explore in the city to make the most of your trip.

The city that is most popular for its beaches in California is Santa Monica which is a town in Los Angeles.

There are various stunning beaches and the skies are usually bright in the city. Every year more than 7 million tourists visit the city because of its various attractions and its proximity to Los Angeles city.

Santa Monica is only 15 kilometers away from Los Angeles which makes this place accessible for most people.

There are a lot of places to visit in the city like Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, Looff Hippodrome, etc, and even a lot of interesting things that attract people to this city. 

Interesting Facts about Santa Monica, CA

• One of the most up-to-date things about Santa Monica is that it’s currently known as Silicon Beach. Its moniker is a result of all the internet and technology companies relocating to the area. 
• Although Santa Monica may appear little, there are countless things to do there. Santa Monica Pier is one of the city’s top tourist destinations. 
• Two connected piers make up Santa Monica Pier. There were two different proprietors of these piers. 
• The Pacific Wheel, the first Ferris wheel powered by solar energy, is located on the Santa Monica Pier.
• One of the best cities for cyclists is Santa Monica, which has miles of open trails and bike lanes.

Here are the top 10 best things to do in Santa Monica that are worth visiting for any kind of traveler visiting the city.

Best Things to do in Santa Monica, California

Without further delay, let’s get started on our list of top things to do in Santa Monica, California.

1. Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is one of the most beloved places in the city. It is located on Route 66’s seaside and offers a variety of activities for friends and family.

The park contains a rollercoaster ride, and, obviously, the lovely Ferris wheel that shimmers beautifully at night is one of the attractions at the pier.

There is even a playground that conducts various games that cannot be listed. One can rent a bike and shop in the stores near the beach.

• Location – 200 Santa Monica Pier, CS 90401, US
• Visiting Hours – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Famous For – For various rides.

2. Santa Monica State Beach

The Santa Monica State Beach is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and offers a variety of activities for visitors.

You can hire motorcycles, go to a camping ground, swim while being watched by authorities, bring your children to the beach, or reserve some equipment for water activities at this fantastic state beach.

It provides an excellent beach experience and is the best thing to do in Santa Monica on weekends.

•  Location – Ocean Ave at Colorado Ave, CA 90401, US
• Visiting Hours – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Famous For – Camping

 3. Annenberg Community Beach House

Annenberg Community Beach House is one of the best places to spend your weekend with your friends and family.

The beach provides a cultural center on the beach which makes this place even more interesting.

The beach house was created by Marion Davis during the 1920s and offers various luxurious activities to the people who visit this beautiful house.

The ground of this house allows people to conduct small gatherings with their loved ones. 

•  Location – 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, CA 90402, US.
• Visiting Hours – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Famous For – various luxurious activities.

4. Looff Hippodrome

The Looff Hippodrome was created by Charles Looff and named after him.

During the late 1800s, Looff had his headquarters in Brooklyn but was well-known all throughout the nation for designing a number of the most magnificent and gorgeous carnival rides.

In order to improve the pier, the municipality of Santa Monica made a significant investment at the time and hired Looff to do his miracle.

•  Location – 200 Santa Monica Pier, CA 90401, US.
• Visiting Hours – 
• Famous For – magnificent and gorgeous carnival rides.

5. Pono Burger

The Pono Burger is an establishment that is open for lunch and dinner and is totally based on Western Coasts.

The menu of the shop offers a variety of different dishes which includes burgers, fries, beer as well as milkshakes.

The restaurant’s setting is unique, with an outside that resembles a recently refurbished farm property and an atmosphere that balances minimalism and modernity to produce a warm and memorable eating scene.

•  Location – 829 Broadway, CA 90401, US.
• Visiting Hours – 11:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Famous For – Classic American food.

6. Santa Monica Farmers Market

Santa Monica Farmers Market is a vibrant event that is conducted throughout the week and is renowned in the whole nation.

There are a variety of people who visit this market every (WSS) and are provided by all the natural products.

This is a great place to visit with your kids as this place provides them with a different glance at the world.

•  Location – 155-199 Arizona Ave, CA 90401, US.
• Visiting Hours – 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)
• Famous For – Elegant design.

7. Third Street Promenade

Third Street Promenade, a scenic high street with many cafes and a few of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles, is located in the center of central Santa Monica, California.

Waterfalls, artwork, and lighting chains all contribute to the beautiful ambiance.

Instead of the boisterous performances just on the pier, street musicians charm onlookers here with calm music.

•  Location – 1351 3^rd Street Promenade, CA 90401, US.
• Visiting Hours – 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Famous For – Best Coffee Shop.

8. Palisades Park

Palisades Park is situated above the mountains and one can see a great scenic view while visiting there.

This breathtaking view, which stretches from either the Santa Monica Pier or its northern end to Malibu, is easily accessible from several seats.

The park was established in the 1890s and some more constructions were done after the establishment which included the pathway and some plantations were also done.

•  Location – Ocean Ave, CA 90401, US.
• Visiting Hours – 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Famous For – Breathtaking View

9. The Georgian Hotel

Whenever it concerns accommodations, The Georgian Hotel is unmatched, but it’s also a wonder to behold.

The Art Deco buildings transport you to a bygone era of LA history and make you nostalgic for Tinsel town.

The Georgian Hotel offers the convenience of being close to a number of significant Santa Monica destinations, including the well-known Santa Monica Beach.

•  Location – 1415 Ocean Ave, CA 90401, US.
• Visiting Hours – 24/7.
• Famous For – Best for Accommodation Options. 

10. Museum of Flying

Adjacent to Santa Monica Airport, this space and aviation museum is situated on the outskirts of Santa Monica.

This 22,000-square-foot area houses a variety of exhibitions and demonstrations that allow visitors to learn more about the creation of airplanes and the heritage of aviation innovation.

• Location – 3100 Airport Ave, CA 90405, US.
• Visiting Hours – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Famous For – Aviation Innovation.

Where to Stay in Santa Monica, California

These locations will give you a genuine taste of Santa Monica, whether you’re looking for a boutique getaway right on the beach or a historical hotel for sunset cocktails.

1. Overall Best hotel in Santa Monica – Hilton Santa Monica

Hilton Santa Monica is overall the best hotel in Santa Monica that you can undoubtedly consider for your stay. Starbucks and two restaurants called Fritto Misto and Chez Jay are only 250m, 400m, and 400 distant respectively. You can also find an outdoor swimming pool here.

• Location: 1707 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA
• Amenities: WiFi, Mini Market on site, Air conditioning, Soundproof rooms
• Food Information: Wine/champagne, Snack bar, Breakfast in the room, Bar and Restaurant.

2. Best Luxury Hotel in Santa Monica – Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

This oceanfront hotel is 3 minute drive from Santa Monica Beach Park and has a full-service spa and rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Amenities like a Fitness center, Beachfront, free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool, etc are offered by the hotel.

• Location: 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica
• Amenities: Pet bowls, Air conditioning, Car hire, Lift, Family rooms, and Pets allowed. 
• Food Information: Wine/champagne, Bar, and Restaurant

3. Best Cheap Hotel in Santa Monica – Bayside Hotel

The distance between Bayside Hotel and Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park is 15 minutes by foot. This hotel offers free Internet in its contemporary rooms as well as a sun patio with plants. There are offered rooms with balconies that overlook gardens or the ocean.

• Location: 2001 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA
• Amenities: Air conditioning, Family rooms, and Pets allowed. 
• Food Information: Restaurant. 

Where to Eat in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, which is known for its recognizable pier and accessible Third Street Promenade, has the ideal restaurant for every palate, from fast food to gourmet dining.

1. Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar Santa Monica

Locals adore the peaceful restaurant’s environment and appealing cuisine, which includes dishes like burrata gnocco fritto and fried pizza dough as well as pasta finished inside huge wheels of cheese. 

Location: 1610 Montana Ave, Santa Monica

2. Margo’s Pizza Kitchen

Some of the best vegan pizzas on the Westside can be found at Margo’s in Santa Monica, which offers a fully plant-based menu. 

Location: 1534 Montana Ave, Santa Monica

3. Tartine Santa Monica

The consistent toasts, salads, and sandwiches on the all-day menu feature Tartine’s top-notch naturally fermented bread in large quantities.

Location: 1925 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica

Conclusion – Best Things to Do in Santa Monica

So, these are the best things to do in Santa Monica, California. If you are planning to explore the city, you should definitely add these things to your bucket list. It will definitely make your trip interesting as well as memorable.

FAQs – Best Things to Do in Santa Monica

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