Recommendations

7 Places to Watch the Sunset

Santa Monica Pier (end of Colorado Avenue, at Ocean Avenue) - From the western end, there's only a few hundred miles of Pacific Ocean between you and the setting sun

The Lobster (1602 Ocean Avenue) - Just south of the Pier entrance sign, this restaurant overlooks the Pier, Pacific Park, the beach and the ocean

Mariasol Restaurant (end of Santa Monica Pier) - A view that makes you feel as if you own the world

Pacific Wheel (Pacific Park) - A breathtaking ocean view from atop the Ferris wheel

Palisades Park - A lushly landscaped balcony of a park on top of the city's famous red sandstone bluffs

Santa Monica Mountains - For the most natural of "up high" viewing spots

The Penthouse (Huntley Santa Monica Beach, 1111 Second Street) - A white interior sets a contrast to the azures of the sky and sea. It offers stunning views of the ocean, Santa Monica Mountains, and the city

10 FREE Places to Go and Things to Do

Self-Guided Tours - Free maps are available (most are downloadable) of Santa Monica's Design District; galleries, murals, public installations and other art sites and venues; historic and notable architecture.

South Bay Bicycle Trail - This oceanfront trail stretches through spectacular Southern California coastal scenery

Muscle Beach - This is the original Muscle Beach; great for adults and kids

International Chess Park - This open-air chess venue makes for an unforgettable match, whether you're playing or just watching

City Hall - Bring a blanket and enjoy Jazz On The Lawn, Sundays in August at 5:00 pm

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium - Award-winning Santa Monica Symphony presents four concerts a year at no charge

The Beach - Stroll, swim, surf, sun, snack, skate or cycle

Camera Obscura - Italian for "dark room," camera obscura consists of a revolving turret on the roof (you can rotate it by means of an old ship's wheel inside) which captures an image of the surrounding landscape and reflects it onto a table (enter through the Senior Center)

Twilight Dance Series at The Pier - Brings top-name performers to the pier for free open-air concerts Thursday nights from late June through Labor Day weekend

Santa Monica Drive-In at The Pier - Plays weekly through the month of September. The movies are projected onto a huge screen in the open air. Admission is free but tickets are required; these can be obtained at any Santa Monica Visitor Center location.

Check our calendar of events for the latest information on special events in Santa Monica.