Why Go to Santa Monica
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Santa Monica is where Los Angeles goes to relax. Just west of the city, this stylish beach town offers a welcome break from LA's hustle, with wide sandy beaches, ocean breezes and an easygoing atmosphere.
The famous Santa Monica Pier is a must, with its solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coaster and the historic carousel, plus the sign marking the end of Route 66. Spend the day on Santa Monica State Beach, then rent a bike or skates and ride the scenic beach path, which runs south to Venice Beach and its colorful boardwalk and canals. Shop and people-watch along the Third Street Promenade and Main Street, relax in the clifftop Palisades Park with views of the coast, and dine at some of the area's top restaurants and farmers markets.
Santa Monica is a great home base for exploring Los Angeles, with easy access to Malibu, Beverly Hills and Hollywood. I'll find the right beachfront hotel and plan days that balance beach time with LA's top sights.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, couples, families and urban explorers
BEST MONTHS
April–October
EXPLORE
Ocean Avenue faces the coast; Downtown and Third Street Promenade have dining and shopping; Montana Avenue is a quieter retail district.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Santa Monica
North America › West Coast › USA › California
Oceanfront promenades, California sunsets and creative city energy
Coastal & Harbor
Pier
Shopping
Entertainment
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit the beach and pier early, then explore the shops and restaurants after the midday crowds.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Sunset is popular; expect crowds and check individual ride schedules.
Santa Monica Pier
Explore the historic oceanfront pier with amusement rides, food stands and Pacific views.
Swim only where conditions permit and heed lifeguard flags.
Santa Monica State Beach
Relax on wide sandy stretches beside the Pacific and follow oceanfront paths.
Go near sunset and use designated stairways to reach the beach.
Palisades Park
Walk bluff-top gardens and paths overlooking Santa Monica Bay.
Pair an afternoon here with dinner near the waterfront.
Third Street Promenade
Browse a pedestrian shopping and dining area in downtown Santa Monica.
Check reservations and pool operating dates before planning a swim.
Annenberg Community Beach House
Visit a public beachfront recreation complex with cultural programs and seasonal pool access.
A luxury beachfront hotel with a residential coastal feel near the Santa Monica Pier.
Shutters on the Beach
Ocean Avenue / beachfront
Hotel Tags
An elegant oceanfront hotel a short stroll from the beach and pier.
Casa del Mar
Ocean Avenue / beachfront
Hotel Tags
A historic luxury property with gardens near the Third Street Promenade.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Ocean Avenue
Hotel Tags
A design-focused hotel near shopping, dining and the beachfront.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Downtown Santa Monica
Hotel Tags
A distinctive Art Deco boutique hotel overlooking the Pacific near the pier.
The Georgian Hotel
Ocean Avenue
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Santa Monica
High 68°F · Low 53°F · Rain 1.1 in
Mild fall weather and thinner crowds make November great for biking to Venice.
Spring through fall brings popular beach weather; coastal mornings can be cool or cloudy, especially in late spring.
Best Times to Visit Santa Monica
WHEN TO GO
06
Pacific Coast Highway outings
Build extra flexibility around pacific coast highway outings when visiting Santa Monica. Verify access, cancellations, road or sea conditions and the return journey before committing to an excursion.
05
Beach paths and downtown walking
Plan time for beach paths and downtown walking in Santa Monica. Check terrain, weather, accessibility and local restrictions; allow an alternate transfer where walking is impractical.
04
Taxis and rideshares
For more flexible journeys, taxis and rideshares may be relevant in Santa Monica. Use authorized providers, confirm the pickup location and agree on payment arrangements before travel.
03
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
Consider santa monica big blue bus when organizing trips beyond your accommodation. Confirm the exact boarding location, advance booking requirements and any transfer between terminals.
02
Metro E Line
For travel within Santa Monica, investigate metro e line. Verify route coverage, ticket rules, operating dates and the last return service before relying on it for sightseeing.
01
LAX airport transfers
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 10 miles south, often 25–45 minutes in traffic. Rideshares, shuttles and rental cars are the usual transfers.
Downtown is walkable, with buses and Metro rail connections to Los Angeles. Expect traffic and limited parking near popular beaches.
Getting Around Santa Monica
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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