Stretching scenically along a 3.5-mile piece of Pacific coastline, and averaging 280 days of sunshine a year, it’s always a great time to visit Santa Monica. Plus, there’s an extraordinary number of things to see, do, and experience across the city’s walkable 8.3 square miles, making it the ideal base for a wide variety of Southern California adventures.
How to Spend 24 Hours in Santa Monica
Morning
Kick-start your day with the perfect blend of sightseeing, exercise and orientation, on the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Rent bikes at 圣莫尼卡自行车中心 ($20 for two hours) and explore this beautiful oceanside path — connecting Santa Monica with Torrance County Beach, and passing through Venice, Hermosa and Redondo Beach along the way. Picturesque photo spots abound as you pedal along this paved, scenic path.
归还自行车后，向街对面的地标前进 圣莫尼卡码头 - 加州最古老的游船码头之一。它位于城市的最西端，可以欣赏到迷人的海景，拥有一个多世纪的历史，并充满了适合家庭游玩的景点、商店和餐馆。.
Ride the wooden horses at the 旋转木马; take a spin on Pacific Park’s solar-powered Ferris wheel; get up close to marine life at the 治愈海湾水族馆; and snap a selfie in front of the pier’s most recognizable backdrop — a Route 66 sign that marks the western terminus. In the mood to try something different? Book a two-hour class at TSNY Los Angeles, where you can learn to soar through the air with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop!
Afternoon
Worked up an appetite? Take a seat for lunch at 码头海滨. Comprising two separate eateries — a gourmet Sandwich Company and a Grille & Rooftop Bar — this is a top spot for either quick eats to go or a more leisurely sit-down meal. Create your own handcrafted sandwiches and enjoy them on Santa Monica’s iconic, three mile-long golden beach or opt for seafood and salads with a side of sweeping coastal views, on the grille rooftop.
Next, rest and digest with a stroll around Santa Monica. Just two blocks east from the ocean, Main Street offers chic boutiques, upscale art galleries, patio-lined cafés, a classy weekly Sunday farmers market, as well as the walk-in 圣莫尼卡游客信息中心, where the helpful staff is always happy to point you in the right direction. Walk the length of this popular thoroughfare and be sure to pause at the 加州遗产博物馆 — housed in one of the first Victorian houses — for a fascinating tour of local history.
不远处就是世界闻名的 第三街海滨长廊 is another Santa Monica must-visit. Lined with big-name brands and shopping aplenty, it’s an amazing outdoor experience. Shop ‘til you drop or simply browse the unique window displays, as you are serenaded by street entertainers.
Evening
As the sun starts to lower towards the horizon, head back towards the beach for drinks with a view at 可可俱乐部. Perched atop The Beacon Hotel, this indoor/outdoor rooftop bar and lounge is the only one of its kind in Santa Monica — a cool retro mix of Studio 54 and Rat Pack-era Vegas. Cozy up in one of its 1950s waltzer fairground-style booths, sip on sophisticated cocktails and enjoy one of the best sunsets on the West Coast.
Finally, round off your evening at one of the city’s coolest live music venues: 地下室酒馆 (temporarily closed). Located at the bottom of 维多利亚时代, this cool speakeasy boasts eclectic live bands, handcrafted cocktails, and a trendy local crowd.
Make it 48 hours in Santa Monica by adding:
Morning
Do like the locals on day two and hit the beach for a relaxing morning. Whether you want to take a dip in the incredible outdoor pool, try a yoga class, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball there’s something for everyone at 安纳伯格社区海滩之家. After working up an appetite, there’s no need to leave your perfect seaside spot thanks to onsite eatery Back on the Beach Cafe. With delicious brunch staples, kick back at one of its umbrella-covered tables right on the sand.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon shopping along Montana Avenue. Stretching for 10 blocks, this tree-lined street’s shopping district is filled with popular eateries, juice bars, more than 150 boutiques and the historic Aero Theatre. Finally, no trip to Santa Monica is complete without a visit to 佛手柑站; Southern California’s largest art gallery complex which spans a staggering eight acres. Browse its numerous independent art galleries for unique souvenirs that are sure to make a statement.
Evening
Get a different perspective of Santa Monica’s famous sunsets with a walk in Palisades Park.
Running the full length of Downtown Santa Monica, this beautiful 26-acre space boasts more than a mile of cliff-level ocean views, as well as some awesome public art sculptures. Continue your stroll back to Montana Avenue and head to casual neighborhood joint, Spumoni Trattoria & Pizzeria. Just off-the-beaten-track, this friendly Italian is renowned for its authentic handmade pasta, specialty Spumoni ice cream and excellent house red. Dine out on the sidewalk patio for a side of celeb-spotting. In the mood to party? End your final day in town at The Bungalow, on the grounds of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, for great music and a fun atmosphere that lasts well into the night.
Make it 72 hours in Santa Monica by adding:
Spending the entire day lounging in luxury is a popular pastime thanks to Santa Monica’s range of iconic, five-star oceanview hotels. Book into Casa del Mar 酒店, known for its Palm Terrace Pool overlooking the beach; stay at the stylish 海滩上的百叶窗, moments from the Santa Monica Pier; relax with the in-crowd at the 圣莫尼卡总督酒店; or get treated like royalty at 费尔蒙特美丽华酒店及别墅.
However you spend your day, toast your final evening in town with a glass or two of wine at locals’ favorite, Upper West Restaurant on Pico Boulevard before heading out for some live entertainment. Music lovers will enjoy the famous, yet intimate concert venue, McCabe’s Guitar Shop, while theater aficionados should make a beeline to Morgan-Wixson Theatre.
