Posted below, are suggestions to consider for those with a limited amount of time in Santa Monica.

1/2 Day

The Beach, the Pier, Palisades Park, Third Street Promenade
If you only have half a day to spend in Santa Monica, we recommend visits to the Pier, beach and Third Street Promenade, all centrally located and within easy walking distance of each other. Enjoy Ocean Front Walk with it's cafés and seaside atmosphere. Visit the newly refurbished Santa Monica Aquarium, a hands-on fun learning experience for the whole family. Walk to the Santa Monica Pier with its historic Carousel built in 1922. Experience thrills and chills on Pacific Park's roller coaster and nine-story, solor-powered Ferris wheel.

Next to the Pier, on the bluff, is beautiful Palisades Park, an ideal place for sauntering along the cliffs above the ocean and watching the sunset. It is also recommended that visitors check out the Camera Obscura

Stroll down to bustling Third Street Promenade for some casual shopping and enjoy the myriad of street performers with their eclectic blend of music, juggling, magic and dance.

One Day

The Beach, the Pier, Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, Main Street, Montana Avenue
Only a few blocks from Third Street Promenade, is the upscale laid-back atmosphere of Montana Avenue, home to several one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops. Dine at one of the quaint sidewalk cafes and it's possible to spot one or more film and television stars who live and/or shop in the area.

From Montana Avenue, return to the Downtown district and take the Tide Shuttle to Main Street, an area of fine restaurants and shops. On Sunday mornings, enjoy the festival atmosphere of the Farmers' Market, with its variety of food, honey, flowers, candy, live music and fresh omelets and crepes.

Two Days

The Beach, the Pier, Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, Main Street, Montana Avenue, Bergamot Station, Pico Blvd.
Historic McCabe's Guitar Shop along Pico Blvd. is worth a visit as it is where many legendary musicians have played and shopped over the years.

Bergamot Station is a converted train station that now houses over thirty-five art and photography galleries. It is also home to the Santa Monica Museum of Art.

Three Days

The Beach, the Pier, Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, Main Street, Montana Avenue, Bergamot Station, Pamper yourself and relax.
With an additional 24 hours, visitors may choose to visit on of Santa Monica's 14 spas for a little R&R, add some extra beach time or explore the hiking trails of the Santa Monica mountains.