Pictures of Santa Monica with roads lined with palm trees and the beach were what prompted me to move to California in the first place. Having lived here for 8 months now I have visited almost all of the attractions of the city. Today I bring to you the top things to do in Santa Monica on your weekend California getaway.
Looking for the ultimate New York Bucket List ? Checkout – My New York City Bucket List – Top Things to do in One Weekend.
Day 1
Morning : Venice Beach and Muscle Beach
If you have seen a picture of a beach filled with the hottest guys from California flexing their fine abs it was probably taken here. What started off as a small outdoor gym has turned into a popular tourist attraction. People come here to oogle at all the muscle on display and why not? The fitness junkies know this is where you can exercise your abs while the crowds appreciate you for it. Satisfactory all around I would say!
Next to the beach are small vendors selling foods like fruits, ice cream, hotdogs and burgers. You can munch on one of these and sit on the bleachers behind the gym. With a gorgeous view of the ocean and an even more gorgeous view of the guys what more could you want 😉
Afternoon : Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
This is one of those places I pretty much go to every weekend and never get tired of. The Pier is famous amongst tourists and is filled to the brim with people on the weekends.
Developed a 100 years ago, this is an iconic destination that is popular with both tourists and locals alike. It consists of the Pacific Park and the Aquarium that is underneath the pier, considered one of the best in the nation.
The top of the pier has vendors that line the boardwalk selling churros, caricatures or magnets. The boardwalk has amazing options for seafood and truly delicious fries in every single restaurant. Go here in the evening around 5, stay for dinner and enjoy the way it lights up at night!
Night : Third Street Promenade
This street that extends 3 blocks parallel to the ocean is blocked off to cars and made into a pedestrian venue with lined with upscale shops.
This is my absolute favorite street to walk thru while going and coming back from work. It is lined with the cutest cafes and shops. You can smell everything from ice cream to soft cheesy pizzas and cocoa body butter. WHat puts the cherry on the top are the musicians that serenade the crowds here. You can hear anything from old jazz to bellowing tones of sweet pop. The atmosphere at night is electric and you can enjoy a glass of wine while watching the people pass by.
During various times of the year the promenade is decorated with lights or balloons or paper lanterns and turn in into a festival like location. It includes decorating the giant bush dinosaurs with a Christmas hat or turning up with some lights.
Day 2
Morning : Farmers Market
I happen to usually stumble into this on Wednesday mornings because it takes places right outside my work on Arizona and 2nd St. I love the hustle bustle of the market and the produce is so fresh!
Here you are going to find freshly pressed juices, yoghurts with flavors ranging from lemon to pomegranate and homemade chocolate that is delicious to boot. This is the perfect place to start your day and grab a delicious breakfast before heading out.
Afternoon : Santa Monica Beach
The beach has a famous reputation for being overly crowded during the weekends but personally I have never found that to be the case. If you walk away two lifeguard huts from the entrance near the Pier the beach is pretty abandoned and great to relax and tan.
There are really cute aquamarine lifeguard huts every 200 metres that make for the best IG picture backdrops if you want a pic and dont worry people are used to models making the weirdest postures so you will feel right at home.
My recommendation is to go there between 11-12 when the sun is shining. Take a picnic basket with you packed with fruits, sandwiches and juices and spend the next few hours lounging on the beach. In the summers it gets very hot so definitely pack your sunscreen and sunnies to protect from sunburn.
Night : The Bungalow at Fairmont Miramar
This is my favorite night bar and one of the top things do in Santa Monica. The other bars around the area just don’t have the charm that oozes from this place. It is an indoor/outdoor bar and the locals have kept this a good secret so you wont find any tourists here. Go here between 10-11pm and you will find a good mix of crowd and amazing drinks.
The last time I went here was just before Christmas and the place was decorated proper with a Christmas tree and a fire going in the corner. If you want a night away from the kids or just cozy up to your baby then get them here.
Day 3
Morning : The Strand
The Strand is the strip of paved road that runs along the beach from Santa Monica down to Venice Beach. You can usually find it being used by skaters, runners or bikers getting a little exercise. It’s a pretty cool way to spend the morning if you don’t mind getting a little exercise in. The bikes are the best way to enjoy this and travel quickly from Santa Monica to Venice Beach without getting stuck in traffic. This is one of the best things to do in Santa Monica.
I would recommend starting at Venice beach and renting a tandem bicycle for two people to ride at once. This is really fun way to sea the coastline and the ocean. You can find tandem bikes for rent at 1915 Ocean Front Walk at the Ride Venice office.
Afternoon : Camera Obscura and Shopping
The Camera Obscura was built in 1898 by Robert F. Jones and given to the city in 1907. Now a famous tourist attraction, it is housed in the Adult Recreation Centre at the city run art lab. The camera obscura was one of the earliest optical inventions of the ancient Greeks. There are only a few functional ones remaining in the US, one of which sits in Santa Monica.
To access the camera you will need to leave your identification at the front desk and get a key to the room upstairs. In the room you can find a large white disk with a rotating wheel to change the position of the camera. You can spy on the outsiders unaware of this device pointed at them and have some fun!
Once you are done with this quick fun visit, head over to the Mercenary General Store which is one of my favorite shops here in Santa Monica. The shop is filled with notebooks, some very interesting and off the beat books, stuffed flamingos and other goodies to take for your family back home.
Santa Monica is filled with cute shops such as these and other interesting places. The fun is walking around and discovering them as you go along!
Night : Basement Tavern
The Basement Tavern is a speakeasy bar that has a laid back easy vibe to end your day with. Known for its whisky, the cocktails here are refreshing and smooth. They have themed nights and music to charm you away. You can opt to sit outside under their eclectic chandeliers and go for a pizza which is to die for. Stay here to as long as you like and marvel at being in the heart of one of California’s amazing cities.
In My Opinion
There are lots of amazing things to do in Santa Monica whether its morning, afternoon or night. The vibes at each times are different and give you a different perspective of this beach city. Pick and choose your things to do and have a wonderful time!
I totally missed out on most of these when I went to LA! I’ll definitely keep them in mind next time. Thanks for the inspiration!
These are all such great ideas ???? awesome post!
Found them after much trial and error
Looks like a wonderful place to play
Its amazing, I love it..
Beautiful pictures! I love Santa Monica, you have some great ideas of things to do. I can’t wait to go back now 🙂
I love living here because its so great!
Looks so cool! We can’t wait to visit one day, will def use your guide 🙂
Yes it is so cool! let me know what you think of it..
I’ve never thought of going here before, but now I’m convinced. The beach looks lovely and the Farmer’s Market sounds great. Sounds like a perfect place to spend a day.
Its the perfect weekend getaway with the family!
It looks like there are so many great things to do in Santa Monica! It looks like you had a great time! Thanks for all the tips on what to do!
Yep it is an amazing place to go on a holiday!
Such a fun guide! Definitely handy to know about when to go to the beach to avoid the crowds. It’s so much nicer when you don’t have to look for a patch of sand to lay your towel.
Yes! I hate going to crowded beach and getting frustrated by others..
I’ve only been to the pier so it was cool to see other things to do.
Santa Monica is filled with things to do!
This is a great guide to Santa Monica. I’ve only visited the beach so I’d love to check out the Farmer’s Market and some of the other local fun things!
You should! The farmers market takes place 4 days a week each at a different location so lots of options for you!