100 Reasons to Visit Santa Monica

There are endless reasons to visit Santa Monica, from our world-famous beaches and iconic landmarks to Michelin-starred dining and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you're looking for things to do with family or a romantic getaway in our coastal city, this guide covers why Santa Monica is the jewel of Southern California.

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The Beach & Ocean

1.Four miles of pristine, golden sand beaches.

2.World-class sunsets over the Pacific Ocean every evening.

3.The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand) running right along the sand.

4.Surfing lessons at the historic Santa Monica Breakwater.

5.Paddleboarding in the calm morning waters of the bay.

6.Dozens of public beach volleyball courts.

7.Spotting wild dolphins playing in the surf.

8.The original Muscle Beach, where outdoor fitness was born.

9.Oceanfront picnic spots with unmatched views.

10.The perfect ocean breeze that keeps the city cool year-round.

Iconic Landmarks

11.The world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

12.The historic 1922 Looff Hippodrome Carousel.

13.The Pacific Wheel – the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

14.The official Route 66 'End of the Trail' sign.

15.The iconic neon Santa Monica Yacht Harbor sign.

16.Palisades Park with its sweeping bluff-top ocean views.

17.The historic Camera Obscura Art Lab.

18.The Annenberg Community Beach House, built by William Randolph Hearst.

19.The California Incline, a dramatic oceanfront roadway.

20.Tongva Park's modern, award-winning architectural landscape.

Food & Dining

21.Four weekly Farmers Markets featuring the best local produce in SoCal.

22.Michelin-starred dining experiences.

23.Incredible fresh seafood caught locally.

24.Historic diners and classic American eateries.

25.Oceanfront dining where you can hear the waves crash.

26.A thriving specialty coffee and cafe culture.

27.Authentic street tacos and diverse global cuisine.

28.Innovative plant-based and vegan restaurants.

29.Beautiful outdoor patios perfect for brunch.

30.The annual Dine LA restaurant week specials.

Outdoor Adventures

31.Renting beach cruisers and riding to Venice.

32.Hiking the nearby Santa Monica Mountains.

33.Yoga on the beach at sunrise.

34.Rollerblading down the oceanfront boardwalk.

35.Deep-sea fishing charters leaving directly from the Pier.

36.Playing tennis at ocean-view public courts.

37.Outdoor fitness classes at Palisades Park.

38.The Santa Monica Stairs – a famous outdoor workout spot.

39.E-bike tours exploring the coastal neighborhoods.

40.Sailing lessons in the Santa Monica Bay.

Shopping

41.The open-air Third Street Promenade.

42.Luxury boutiques at Santa Monica Place.

43.Montana Avenue's tree-lined street of upscale shops.

44.Main Street's eclectic, independent boutiques.

45.Surf shops featuring authentic local gear.

46.Vintage clothing and thrift stores.

47.Local artisan markets on the weekends.

48.High-end beauty and wellness apothecaries.

49.World-class record stores and bookstores.

50.Tax-free shopping for international visitors at select stores.

Arts & Culture

51.The Bergamot Station Arts Center, home to dozens of galleries.

52.Stunning public street art and murals.

53.The Broad Stage for world-class performing arts.

54.The Santa Monica History Museum.

55.Live street performers on the Third Street Promenade.

56.The California Heritage Museum on Main Street.

57.Twilight Concert Series on the Pier (during summer).

58.Independent film screenings at the Aero Theatre.

59.Local art walks and gallery opening nights.

60.Architectural tours of historic beach homes.

Nightlife & Entertainment

61.Rooftop bars with panoramic ocean views.

62.Speakeasies hidden behind secret doors.

63.Live music venues featuring local and touring bands.

64.Comedy clubs where famous comedians drop in.

65.Historic dive bars with incredible local character.

66.Craft cocktail lounges with award-winning mixologists.

67.Late-night dining options after a night out.

68.Wine tasting rooms featuring California vineyards.

69.Sunset cruises departing from the nearby marina.

70.Beachfront lounges perfect for golden hour drinks.

Wellness & Relaxation

71.World-renowned luxury day spas.

72.Sound baths and meditation centers.

73.The cleanest ocean air in Los Angeles.

74.Holistic wellness clinics and IV therapy lounges.

75.Boutique fitness studios (Pilates, barre, boxing).

76.Organic juice bars on every corner.

77.Reading a book under a palm tree in Palisades Park.

78.Watching the waves roll in – the ultimate stress relief.

79.Luxury hotel pools with cabana service.

80.A city-wide focus on health, wellness, and sustainability.

Family Fun

81.Pacific Park's roller coaster and carnival games.

82.The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (Heal the Bay).

83.Safe, family-friendly beaches with gentle waves.

84.The Cayton Children's Museum.

85.Splash pads and playgrounds at Tongva Park.

86.Ice cream and gelato shops galore.

87.Family bike rentals (including surreys).

88.Street magicians and entertainers.

89.Junior lifeguard programs during the summer.

90.Easy walkability – no need to strap kids into a car all day.

The Vibe & Lifestyle

91.300+ days of sunshine a year.

92.The laid-back, welcoming surf culture.

93.It's highly walkable – a rarity in Southern California.

94.Excellent public transit (The Expo Line connects to DTLA).

95.The perfect basecamp for exploring the rest of LA.

96.Celebrity sightings are a casual, everyday occurrence.

97.Eco-friendly initiatives (one of the greenest cities in the US).

98.The vibrant mix of locals, tourists, and creatives.

99.Every neighborhood has its own distinct personality.

100.One night simply isn't enough to experience it all!

Ready to experience it all?

With 100 incredible reasons to visit, one day simply isn't enough. Make Santa Monica your basecamp and stay a while.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Monica best known for?

Santa Monica is best known for its iconic Santa Monica Pier, featuring the solar-powered Pacific Wheel, as well as its wide sandy beaches, world-class dining at the Third Street Promenade, and its vibrant outdoor lifestyle.

Is Santa Monica worth visiting?

Absolutely! Santa Monica offers a unique blend of urban energy and beach relaxation. With 100+ distinct attractions, from historic landmarks to modern luxury, it's a must-visit destination in Southern California.

How many days should I stay in Santa Monica?

While you can see the highlights in a day, we recommend staying for at least 3 to 4 days to fully experience the different neighborhoods, enjoy the beach activities, and explore the local dining and nightlife scene.

What are the top free things to do in Santa Monica?

Top free activities include walking the Santa Monica Pier, exploring Palisades Park, visiting the Wednesday and Saturday Farmers Markets, enjoying the beach, and window shopping at the Third Street Promenade.