Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA
The definitive guide to things to do in Santa Monica — from the iconic Pier and the Third Street Promenade to rooftop bars, farmers markets, and free outdoor activities under the year-round sunshine. Looking for events in Santa Monica this weekend? Check our live calendar.
How we choose attractions: Every recommendation on this page has been visited and vetted by our local team. We prioritize experiences that are genuinely worth your time — not paid placements. Prices and hours are current as of our last update, but always verify before visiting.
Best Things to Do in Santa Monica
The 15 most essential Santa Monica experiences, ranked by visitor value. Distances are from the Santa Monica Pier.
Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park
Rides, aquarium, arcade, and the solar-powered Ferris wheel. 2-3 hours. Paid rides, free to walk.
Santa Monica State Beach
3.5 miles of sand. Free. Swim, surf, or sunbathe. All day.
Palisades Park
26-acre blufftop park with ocean views. Free. 45-60 min walk.
Third Street Promenade
Pedestrian shopping and dining district. Free. 1-2 hours.
Tongva Park
Modern park with splash pad, sculptures, ocean decks. Free. 45 min.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Wed & Sat Downtown, Sun Main Street. Free entry. 1 hour.
Annenberg Community Beach House
Pool, beach, volleyball, café on the sand. Pool $, beach free. 2-3 hours.
Muscle Beach
Outdoor gymnastics area on the sand. Free to watch. 30 min.
Santa Monica Stairs
Popular outdoor cardio workout. Free. 30-60 min.
Montana Avenue Shopping
10 blocks of upscale boutiques and cafes. Free. 1-2 hours.
California Incline Walk
1,400-ft oceanfront walkway from Palisades Park to the beach. Free. 5 min down, 10 min up.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
22-mile coastal bike path (The Strand). Free. 1-3 hours.
Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
Historic marker on the Pier. Free. 10 min.
Pacific Wheel
World's only solar Ferris wheel. $8-$12 per ride. 15 min.
Beach Volleyball Courts
40+ free public courts. Free. 1-2 hours.
Choose Your Santa Monica Day
Short on time? Pick a plan that fits your schedule.
I have 3 hours
Hit the essentials: the Pier, a beach walk, and the Promenade.
I have half a day
Add the Farmers Market, Tongva Park, or a beach bike rental.
I have one day
Beach morning, Pier afternoon, Promenade & dinner at night.
I have a weekend
Follow our 3-day weekend itinerary covering all the highlights.
Free Things to Do in Santa Monica
Santa Monica doesn't have to be expensive. Many of the city's best experiences are completely free. Here are our top recommendations — for the full list with a $0 one-day itinerary, see our dedicated Free Things to Do in Santa Monica guide. For broader money-saving tips, see our budget guide:
Palisades Park
26-acre blufftop park with panoramic ocean views. Open 24 hours.
Santa Monica State Beach
All 3.5 miles of sand are free to access, from the Pier to Will Rogers State Beach.
The California Incline
Walk the pedestrian path for dramatic Pacific Coast Highway and coastline views.
Tongva Park
Award-winning 6.2-acre park with sculptures, native gardens, and a kids' splash pad.
Farmers Market
Wednesday and Saturday in Downtown, Sunday on Main Street. Free to browse.
Beach Volleyball Courts
40+ free public courts along the sand. Bring a ball or join a pickup game.
Third Street Promenade
Car-free shopping district with street performers. Free to wander.
Muscle Beach
Watch acrobats and athletes on the outdoor gymnastics equipment. Free to spectate.
Things to Do in Santa Monica with Kids
Santa Monica is an incredibly family-friendly destination. Kids will love the rides and games at Pacific Park, the hands-on exhibits at the Cayton Children's Museum, and the splash pads at Tongva Park and the Annenberg Community Beach House.
Pacific Park (Pier)
Rides, games, and the solar Ferris wheel. Rides $5-$12 each or all-day wristband.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Small aquarium under the Pier. $12 adults, $8 kids. 45 min visit.
Tongva Park Splash Pad
Free water play area for toddlers and young kids.
Annenberg Beach House
Historic pool, splash pad, and beach access. Pool day passes $10-$20.
Cayton Children's Museum
Interactive museum on the Promenade. $15. Ages 0-8. 2 hours.
Santa Monica Pier Carousel
Historic 1922 carousel on the Pier. $2 per ride.
Things to Do at the Beach
With 3.5 miles of wide, sandy shoreline, the beach is Santa Monica's biggest playground. The quickest way from downtown to the sand is the California Incline — a 1,400-foot oceanfront walkway that descends from Palisades Park to the beach in about 5 minutes. Beyond just sunbathing, there are endless activities to enjoy. You can rent a bike and ride the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand), which stretches 22 miles along the coast. For the more active, the Original Muscle Beach offers public gymnastics equipment, and there are dozens of free volleyball courts available for pickup games.
Surfing and paddleboarding are popular year-round, with several schools offering lessons for beginners right on the sand. The North Beach area is quieter and better for families, while South Beach is closer to the Pier and more lively.
Things to Do in Santa Monica at Night
When the sun goes down, Santa Monica's energy shifts to its vibrant nightlife scene. The Pier takes on a magical glow with the neon lights of Pacific Park reflected in the waves. The Third Street Promenade remains lively with street performers and evening shoppers, while the surrounding streets are filled with bars, lounges, and nightclubs. From rooftop bars with sunset views to historic live music venues like Harvelle's, there's always something happening. For a complete look at where to go after dark, check out our Santa Monica nightlife guide.
Pacific Park at Night
The Pier glows after dark. Rides open until 10pm or midnight on weekends.
Harvelle's Blues Club
Oldest live music venue in LA. $15-$25 cover. Downtown.
Rooftop Bars
Ocean-view rooftop bars like The Bungalow and Élephante.
Third Street Promenade
Street performers, open shops, and restaurants stay lively until 11pm.
Live Music at McCabe's
Intimate acoustic concerts. $20-$40. Pico Blvd.
Romantic Things to Do in Santa Monica
Santa Monica's ocean views, golden sunsets, and walkable neighborhoods make it an ideal destination for couples. Whether you're planning a date night or a romantic getaway, here are the most memorable experiences for two.
Sunset from Palisades Park
The blufftop is the best free sunset spot in the city. Arrive 30 min before sunset.
Pacific Wheel at Night
Ride the Ferris wheel after dark for sparkling coastline views. $8-$12.
Beachfront Dinner
Oceanfront restaurants along Ocean Avenue and the Pier. $$-$$$.
Moonlight Beach Walk
The sand is peaceful after dark. Free. Bring a jacket — it gets cool.
Montana Avenue Stroll
Quiet, tree-lined boutique street perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk.
Things to Do When You Only Have One Day
If you only have one day in Santa Monica, here's a realistic itinerary that covers the highlights without rushing. All locations are within walking distance of each other.
Beach walk & coffee
Start at the Pier and walk north along the sand. Grab coffee at a beachfront cafe.
Palisades Park & California Incline
Walk the blufftop park, then descend the California Incline to the beach.
Lunch at Farmers Market (Wed/Sat)
Or grab lunch on the Promenade if it's not a market day.
Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park
Ride the Ferris wheel, visit the aquarium, play arcade games.
Tongva Park
Relax in the modern park with ocean views and sculptures.
Dinner on the Promenade
Choose from dozens of restaurants on Third Street Promenade.
Nightlife or sunset stroll
Catch live music or walk the Pier as the lights come on.
Want a longer plan? See our 3-Day Weekend Itinerary for a full breakdown.
Things to Do in Santa Monica This Weekend
There is always something happening in our city. From the weekly Farmers Markets to seasonal festivals and live concerts, staying up to date with the local calendar is the best way to enhance your visit. Check out our upcoming events in Santa Monica to see what's on during your stay.
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesday 8:30am–1:30pm & Saturday 8am–1pm, Arizona Ave. Free.
Main Street Sunday Market
Sunday 9:30am–1:30pm. Herbs, produce, prepared foods. Free.
Live Music at the Promenade
Street performers most weekends. Free.
Twilight Concerts (Summer)
Thursday evenings, July & August on the Pier. Free.
Local & Less-Touristy Things to Do
Want to experience Santa Monica like a local? Skip the Pier crowds and explore these neighborhood favorites that residents actually frequent.
Santa Monica Stairs Workout
Join locals for a sunrise stair workout. Free. 4th & Adelaide.
Main Street Farmers Market
Sunday market on Main Street — less crowded than Downtown. Free entry.
Ocean Park Neighborhood
Eclectic Main Street area with local shops, coffee, and street art.
Douglas Park
Neighborhood park with a chess area, dog park, and tennis courts. Free.
South Beach Surf Spot
Locals' surf break near the Pier. Less crowded than north beaches.
Rainy Day Activities in Santa Monica
Santa Monica averages over 280 sunny days a year, but when the rain does come, there are still plenty of things to do indoors. Here are the best options for a rainy day.
Cayton Children's Museum
Interactive indoor play space. $15. Great for ages 0-8.
Santa Monica Place Mall
Downtown shopping center with dining deck. Free entry.
Arcade on the Pier
Covered arcade games on the Pier. Pay per game.
Cooking Class
Sur La Table offers hands-on cooking classes at Santa Monica Place. $69+.
Movie at AMC
AMC Santa Monica 7 on the Promenade. Standard pricing.
Barnes & Noble
Third Street Promenade bookstore with a kids' area. Free to browse.
Shopping in Santa Monica
From high-end luxury to unique local boutiques, Santa Monica is a premier shopping destination. The Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place offer a mix of major global brands and department stores in a beautiful open-air setting. For a more curated and local experience, head to Montana Avenue for upscale boutiques and home goods, or Main Street for a more eclectic, bohemian vibe.
Third Street Promenade
Pedestrian mall with major brands and street performers. Free. 1-2 hours.
Santa Monica Place
Open-air mall with Nordstrom, dining deck. Free. 1-2 hours.
Montana Avenue
10 blocks of upscale boutiques and cafes. 0.8 mi from Pier.
Main Street
Eclectic, bohemian shops and vintage finds. 1 mi from Pier.
Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods. Wed, Sat, Sun.
Food & Dining in Santa Monica
Santa Monica's dining scene ranges from $5 boardwalk snacks to Michelin-level tasting menus. The city's proximity to the ocean means fresh seafood is always on the menu, and the year-round Farmers Market supplies local chefs with exceptional produce. Browse our full restaurant directory for hundreds of options, or check out our cheap eats guide for meals under $15.
Farmers Market Fresh
Sample produce and prepared foods from local farms. Wed & Sat Downtown.
Ocean Avenue Fine Dining
Upscale restaurants along Ocean Avenue with ocean views. $$$.
Main Street Casual
Relaxed dining in Ocean Park. $$.
Pier Food
Classic boardwalk food: corn dogs, ice cream, funnel cakes. $.
Budget Eats
Cheap eats guide with 5+ recommendations under $15.
Outdoor Activities in Santa Monica
With its Mediterranean climate and oceanfront location, Santa Monica is an outdoor activity paradise. Whether you want an intense workout or a leisurely bike ride, here are the best ways to get outside.
Beach Volleyball
40+ free courts. Best at Ocean Park North Beach. Bring a ball.
Surfing
South Beach break near the Pier. Lessons ~$90. Board rental ~$20/day.
Bike the Strand
22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Bike rental ~$15/day. 1-3 hours.
Santa Monica Stairs
Outdoor stair workout. Free. 30-60 min. 4th & Adelaide.
Beach Yoga
Free and donation-based beach yoga classes near the Pier. 60 min.
Paddleboarding
SUP rentals near the Pier. ~$25/hour. Best in calm morning conditions.
Explore by Vibe
Santa Monica Events This Week
All Santa Monica Attractions(49)
Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park
The iconic wooden pier features an amusement park, an aquarium, arcade games, and classic boardwalk food. Ride the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel for incredible views of the coastline.
Third Street Promenade
Three car-free blocks of open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment. Street performers line the walkway, making it a lively spot day or night.
Palisades Park
A 26.4-acre park located along Ocean Avenue on top of the coastal sandstone bluffs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the entire coastal range.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
One of the best farmers markets in the country. Top chefs from across LA come here to source their ingredients. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays in Downtown, and Sundays on Main Street.
Montana Avenue
A 10-block stretch of more than 150 high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon of window shopping and grabbing a coffee or healthy lunch.
Tongva Park
A 6.2-acre modern urban park just south of Colorado Avenue. Features native plants, striking art sculptures, a splash pad for kids, and ocean observation decks.
Annenberg Community Beach House
A unique public beach facility on the site of a former Hollywood estate. It offers a historic pool, splash pad, beach volleyball courts, and a café right on the sand.
Santa Monica Stairs
A famous outdoor workout spot nestled in a residential neighborhood. The steep wooden and concrete stairs offer an intense cardio workout with glimpses of the ocean.
Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House is a unique community destination, open to all. With spectacular views, splash pad, playground, tours of the Marion Davies Guest House, beach courts & fields, community & cultural events, historic summer pool, free wi-fi, and more, theres something for everyone to enjoy! As an event space like no other, the Beach House provides the perfect setting for your next meeting or celebration, accommodating groups as intimate as ten to celebrations for 400, also available for film and photoshoots.
Bergamot Station Arts Center
Bergamot Station is an internationally recognized creative arts complex featuring over 20 fine art galleries and creative businesses. It showcases a diverse range of rotating exhibitions and experiences across various art mediums, including live performances, video art, and educational programs.
Camera Obscura Art Lab
The City of Santa Monica, California is a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County. The city was founded in 1875 and incorporated in 1886.
Cayton Children's Museum
Cayton Children’s Museum is a nonprofit organization that activates the power of PLAY to enrich the lives of children and their families, build stronger, more connected communities, and create a better world. We strive to nurture children of all backgrounds and abilities to become responsible citizens of the world by providing outlets for experiential learning and creative expression, both in our museum space and through our community programs.
Christine Emerson Reed Park
The City of Santa Monica offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing community living, including affordable housing, public safety, and recreational activities. It serves various clients, including residents, businesses, and visitors, by providing resources for housing, transportation, and community engagement.
Clover Park
The City of Santa Monica offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing community living, including affordable housing, public safety, and recreational activities. It serves various clients, including residents, businesses, and visitors, by providing resources for housing, transportation, and community engagement.
Colorado Center Park
The City of Santa Monica offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing community living, including affordable housing, public safety, and recreational activities. It serves various clients, including residents, businesses, and visitors, by providing resources for housing, transportation, and community engagement.
Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica is a premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, located near the Pacific Ocean. It features attractions like the Third Street Promenade and the renowned Farmers Market offering a wide selection of local produce.
Gandara Park
The City of Santa Monica offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing community living, including affordable housing, public safety, and recreational activities. It serves various clients, including residents, businesses, and visitors, by providing resources for housing, transportation, and community engagement.
Ginger Rogers Beach
Ginger Rogers Beach is a local attraction in Santa Monica, CA.
Heal The Bay Aquarium
Heal the Bay is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Southern Californias coastal waters and watersheds through community engagement and education. They offer a variety of programs including beach and neighborhood cleanups, educational field trips, and events at their kid-friendly aquarium.
Holbrook Park (formerly Goose Egg Park)
Holbrook Park (formerly Goose Egg Park) is a local attraction in Santa Monica, CA.
Liferush Adventures
LifeRush Adventures is an electric bike rental and tour company based in Santa Monica, California, offering exhilarating experiences for both beginners and experienced riders. They provide guided tours through Southern Californias scenic mountain ranges and ocean views, including popular destinations like Malibu Canyon and Griffith Park Observatory.
Malibu Discovery
Malibu Discovery Wine Tours offers a premier wine tour experience as well as adventure and sightseeing tours in the Malibu and Los Angeles area. Their services include signature wine tours, corporate events, bachelorette parties, and custom tours tailored to special occasions.
Marine Park
The City of Santa Monica offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing community living, including affordable housing, public safety, and recreational activities. It serves various clients, including residents, businesses, and visitors, by providing resources for housing, transportation, and community engagement.
Museum Of Flying
The Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, CA offers a rich array of exhibits, including the California Aviation Hall of Fame, vintage aircraft, artifacts, and special events honoring aviation pioneers. The museum also hosts corporate and private events in a unique setting with a history dating back to 1974.
North Beach Playground
Santa Monica Arts Commission is a company that operates in the Architecture & Planning industry. It employs 11-20 people and has $0M-$1M of revenue. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.
Pacific Park On The Santa Monica Pier
Located on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park® is the family place to play! Featuring 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and Pacific Wheel, the first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Millions of visitors each year enjoy all the rides, games and fun youd expect from one of Southern Californias leading entertainment destinations.
Palisades Park
The City of Santa Monica offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing community living, including affordable housing, public safety, and recreational activities. It serves various clients, including residents, businesses, and visitors, by providing resources for housing, transportation, and community engagement.
Pedal Or Not Electric Bike Tours
Pedal Or Not offers semi-private guided electric bicycle tours in Santa Monica and Venice, CA, providing a unique way to explore these vibrant coastal areas. Their tours, suitable for participants aged 13 and older, are led by knowledgeable guides who share insights while riders enjoy the sights from the comfort of electric beach cruisers.
Things to Do FAQ
What is Santa Monica best known for?
Santa Monica is world-renowned for its iconic Santa Monica Pier, which features the solar-powered Pacific Wheel and a historic carousel. It's also famous for its expansive sandy beaches, vibrant shopping at the Third Street Promenade, and its role as the official end of the legendary Route 66.
Is Santa Monica worth visiting?
Absolutely! Santa Monica offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and urban sophistication. With its Mediterranean climate, world-class dining, and diverse range of activities from surfing to luxury shopping, it provides an quintessential Southern California experience that appeals to all types of travelers.
What are the free things to do in Santa Monica?
There are numerous free activities in Santa Monica, including strolling through Palisades Park for breathtaking ocean views, exploring the sculptures at Tongva Park, visiting the weekly Farmers Markets, and enjoying the 3.5 miles of public beach sand.
How many days do you need in Santa Monica?
While you can see the major highlights in a single day, we recommend staying at least 2 to 3 days to fully experience the different neighborhoods, enjoy the beach at a relaxed pace, and explore the extensive local dining and nightlife scenes.
What is the best time of year to visit Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is a year-round destination, but many locals consider September and October to be the best months. During this time, the summer crowds have thinned, and the weather remains warm and sunny with very little marine layer fog.
Is Santa Monica good for families?
Yes, Santa Monica is exceptionally family-friendly. Between the amusement park rides on the Pier, the hands-on exhibits at the children's museum, and the numerous parks and splash pads, there is no shortage of activities to keep children of all ages entertained.
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Discover the best hotels in Santa Monica, from beachfront luxury to budget-friendly picks near the Pier.
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Local Tips & Editorial Notes
Local Insider Tips
- →If you only have one day: start at the Pier (morning), walk through Palisades Park (midday), explore the Promenade (afternoon), and end with sunset on the beach.
- →If you have a weekend: Day 1 for the Pier and beach, Day 2 for neighborhoods like Montana Avenue and Main Street.
- →Parking is the biggest logistical challenge — always plan where you'll park before you arrive. Downtown structures (first 90 min free) are the best default.
How Long to Spend
1-3 days depending on how much you want to see
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