Need a little help dreaming up your perfect Santa Monica stay? Explore our all-day itineraries for every type of trip and traveler.
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MenuHomeThings To DoThings To DoLife’s a Beach in Santa Monica
The Pierside is just the beginning, located steps from beach-side adventures and endless ways to soak up the sun or squeeze in some self-care. It’s also the gateway to our colorful neighborhood, offering eight square miles of culture at the intersection of city and sea.
Vacation Inspiration & Itineraries
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It’s easy to spend an entire day on Abbot Kinney discovering locally-loved shops, cafés, and eateries minutes from the legendary Venice Beach.
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Malibu & Pacific Coast Highway Day Trip
The Pacific Coast Highway is a drive so stunning it doesn’t need an end destination, but postcard-perfect Malibu makes an idyllic stop. -
One-Day Girls' Getaway
Have you been California dreaming of getting the girls together? A short and sweet Santa Monica stay offers unbeatable fun under the sun. -
Play Day With The Kids
A Santa Monica getaway offers the best of family fun in the sun, plus plenty of options for spending quality time together. -
Historic Venice Beach & Santa Monica
Between pool dips and cocktail sips, history buffs will find so many ways to peer back in time in the heart of storied Santa Monica.
The Neighborhood
Staying in Santa Monica means all the cultural experiences, local shops, and latte stops you can imagine within wandering distance and the coastline just around the corner. Take a look around.
What's in the Neighborhood
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- Arts & Culture
- Attractions
- Dining & Nightlife
- Dog Friendly
- Fitness & Wellness
- Parks & Nature
- Tours & Experiences
- Shopping
American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre
Built in 1939, this single-screen theatre offers a unique moviegoing experience, along with other artistic and film-focused programming.Bergamot Station Arts Center
Built in an old trolley station, Southern California’s largest creative arts complex is home to over 20 galleries and creative businesses.California Heritage Museum
Located in the 1894 Historic Landmark Roy Jones house, this multicultural facility is dedicated to exhibitions that showcase the community’s history and cultures.Santa Monica History Museum
This museum houses fascinating exhibits on the life of the Tongva, the original inhabitants of the Santa Monica Bay area, the town’s rise as a resort destination, and more.Annenberg Community Beach House
A inclusive community destination located on Santa Monica State Beach, featuring a splash pad, children’s play area, gallery, historic pool, and spectacular views.Heal the Bay Aquarium
This Ocean Front Walk marine education facility offers interactive activities focused on the understanding and conservation of Southern California coastal waters.Pacific Park
The Pier’s amusement park is packed with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, an arcade boasting over 200 games.Santa Monica Pier
An iconic attraction where fishing, fair-style food, and Pacific Park’s world-famous Ferris wheel converge.1212 Santa Monica
This vintage-chic two-story restaurant serves up New California Cuisine and late-night vibes.Ashland Hill
This relaxed Main Street hangout serves up pub fare, craft beer, and specialty G&Ts. *Dog-friendly patio.Bruno's Italian Restaurant
Dig into soul-satisfying Italian staples and handmade pizza in a relaxed atmosphere.Courtyard Kitchen
Serving New American cuisine alongside a lengthy wine list, this outdoor courtyard is an all-day hangout. *Dog-friendly patio.Del Frisco's Grille
This new American grill serves up cocktails and twists on comfort food overlooking the Pier.Elephante
Experience the spirit and cuisine of coastal Southern Italy at this breezy, ocean-view spot.Ivy at the Shore
Enjoy inventive cocktails and California cuisine among whimsical, flower-filled décor.Massilia
French, Italian, Spanish, and Moroccan flavors blend in this Marseille-inspired brasserie.Meat on Ocean
Savor dry-aged meats and order from the charcuterie bar at this surf and turf steakhouse.RED O Cantina
Indulge in elevated Mexican cuisine, shareable plates, and craft cocktails on a Pier-view patio.Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Find artisanal pizzas and an extensive wine list in this airy restaurant with a patio alongside the Promanade.Stout Burgers & Beers
This upscale gastropub pairs innovative burgers with a wide selection of unique craft beers. *Dog-friendly patio.Tar & Roses
A globally-inspired culinary experience focused on wood-fired cooking and rotating menus.The Albright
Located directly on the Pier, this spot has been serving award-winning seafood since 1977. *Dog-friendly patio.The Lobster
A fine dining destination for nearly 100 years, specializing in Maine and California Spiny Lobsters.The Misfit Bar & Restaurant
Find comfort food made with local ingredients and handcrafted cocktails at this gastropub. *Dog-friendly patio.The Surfing Fox
At The Surfing Fox, each dish is paired with panoramic views of the Pacific, and Santa Monica’s iconic attractions are just around the corner.True Food Kitchen
Health-conscious fare and plant-based options take center stage at this sustainable eatery.Water Grill
This sleek and nautically-detailed fine-dining restaurant focuses on the freshest seafood.Bark Williams
This popular dog spa offers bathing & grooming services, plus a shop with raw pet foods, harnesses & toys.Lincoln Bark
Need to drop off the pooch for a while? This nearby doggy daycare offers safe indoor and outdoor play areas.Moon Doggy’s Grooming
This nearby spot offers dog grooming services in the heart of Santa Monica.Paws & Effect Pet Spa
This tranquil pet stylish salon offers specialized grooming services for your pup’s personal style.Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Known locally as “The Strand,” This iconic Santa Monica bike route stretches 22 miles along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance.Santa Monica Pier
An iconic attraction where fishing, fair-style food, and Pacific Park’s world-famous Ferris wheel converge.Santa Monica Stairs
A destination for fitness enthusiasts of all types, this famous pair of outdoor stairs descends from Adelaide Drive in Santa Monica to Santa Monica Canyon in Los Angeles.The Bike Center Santa Monica
Take your pup on a bicycle ride around town. Rent a front-loading electric assist cargo from The Bike Center with a carrier large enough to allow most dog breeds to sit in the front seat.The Original Muscle Beach
This dog-friendly famous outdoor gym on Ocean Front Walk features ropes, parallel bars, swings, and more for families and fitness lovers.Venice Beach
On the other side of The Pier awaits Venice Beach. Its acclaimed Breakwater is a favorite local surf spot and the only place on the beach where waves break on both sides.Christine Emerson Reed Park
This quiet neighborhood park features a children’s playground, two basketball courts, and six tennis courts with lights.Herb Katz Dog Park
This 1.25-acre fenced park offers off-leash fun for all pooches, including a separate small dog area. Dog owners visiting Santa Monica will need to receive a temporary permit to visit this park.Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Known locally as “The Strand,” This iconic Santa Monica bike route stretches 22 miles along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance.Pacific Street Dog Park
This nearby dog park features a fully fenced-in play space, a dedicated off-leash area, and water fountains for humans and pups alike.Palisades Park
Spanning 26 acres along Ocean Avenue, Palisades Park offers stunning ocean scenery, rose gardens, picnic spots, and more.Santa Monica State Beach
Stroll 3.5 miles of sandy shoreline and discover parks, playgrounds, bike trails, and the Original Muscle Beach.Tongva Park
This six-acre urban oasis and walking park showcases Santa Monica flora, rolling hills, and art sculptures in its four sections.Venice Beach
On the other side of The Pier awaits Venice Beach. Its acclaimed Breakwater is a favorite local surf spot and the only place on the beach where waves break on both sides.Will Rogers State Park
This 186-acre state park is home to horse stables, a polo field, a riding ring, and a host of trails that feed into other state park systems.Blue Plate Oysterette
Known for its lobster roll and raw bar, this upscale-casual restaurant serves California-inspired seafood dishes.Pedal... or Not Electric Bicycle Tours
Ride along Santa Monica State Beach to Venice Beach Skate Park and beyond on a guided electric bicycle tour.Santa Monica Downtown Walking Tours
Discover downtown Santa Monica’s architecture, history, and culture on a two-hour guided walking tour.Six Taste Food Tours
Embark on a tasty tour of Santa Monica that makes stops at five to six eateries across eight walkable blocks.Brentwood Country Mart
A Los Angeles institution since 1948, the iconic Brentwood Country Mart is home to organic eateries and Shops including Christian Louboutin, Goop, and James Perse.Main Street
Steps from the Pacific is Santa Monica’s walkable Main Street, packed with hotspot restaurants, shops, and galleries.Montana Ave
Just a 10-minute drive from The Pierside, This ten-block stretch at Santa Monica’s Northern edge boasts over 150 shops and locally loves eateries.Santa Monica Place
This outdoor shopping destination spans three levels of Santa Monica’s high-end retailers, plus dining and entertainment.Third Street Promenade
An open-air, pedestrian-only shopping destination home to over 80 retailers and vibrant street performances.Dining NearbyEat Like a Local
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The Surfing Fox
The Surfing Fox is a chilled-out gathering spot serving up coastal California cuisine on a plate (or in a glass!) with a generous side of good times and vibes. -
1212 Santa Monica
This vintage-chic two-story restaurant serves up New California Cuisine and late-night vibes. -
Ashland Hill
This relaxed Main Street hangout serves up pub fare, craft beer, and specialty G&Ts. *Dog-friendly patio. -
Bruno's Italian Restaurant
Dig into soul-satisfying Italian staples and handmade pizza in a relaxed atmosphere. -
Courtyard Kitchen
Serving New American cuisine alongside a lengthy wine list, this outdoor courtyard is an all-day hangout. *Dog-friendly patio. -
Del Frisco's Grille
This new American grill serves up cocktails and twists on comfort food overlooking the Pier. -
Elephante
Experience the spirit and cuisine of coastal Southern Italy at this breezy, ocean-view spot. -
Ivy at the Shore
Enjoy inventive cocktails and California cuisine among whimsical, flower-filled décor. -
Massilia
French, Italian, Spanish, and Moroccan flavors blend in this Marseille-inspired brasserie. -
Meat on Ocean
Savor dry-aged meats and order from the charcuterie bar at this surf and turf steakhouse. -
RED O Cantina
Indulge in elevated Mexican cuisine, shareable plates, and craft cocktails on a Pier-view patio. -
Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Find artisanal pizzas and an extensive wine list in this airy restaurant with a patio alongside the Promanade.