Top Santa Monica Attractions

Looking for things to do in Santa Monica, California? We’re the perfect beach town, offering a balance of seaside charm and coastal sophistication. At just 8.3 square miles, the city is walkable and laid back but packed to the brim with attractions and never-ending things to do.

Your itinerary can be as busy or as casual as you like: fill your days with museum-hopping, dining, and world-class shopping, or relax on the beach and watch the world go by. Here are some of our top Santa Monica attractions and things to do.

What beach-related attractions does Santa Monica offer?

The long, wide expanse of Santa Monica Beach is distinguished from other Southern California shorelines by the sheer extent of available activities. Both the sand and the ocean are clean and beautiful, making for some grade-A beachcombing, swimming and surfing.

But that’s not all. Bike down the Marvin Braude Bike Trail with the wind at your back and the crash of the waves in your ears, try your hand at a game of beach volleyball or stop to enjoy the outdoor activities offered at the Annenberg Community Beach House.

After a day out, stick around for the finest Santa Monica attraction of all: a fiery beachside sunset.

Santa Monica Beach Attractions

As one of the most popular Southern California attractions, the 3.5 mile Santa Monica Beach offers plenty of room for year-round beach goers. Manned lifeguard stations, paved walkways, restrooms and restaurants are plentiful and easy to find.

Bike it

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as the South Bay Bicycle Trail or The Strand, is a 22-mile paved trail that starts in Santa Monica and ends at Torrance County Beach. It passes through Venice, Hermosa, Redondo Beach, Marina del Rey, El Segundo Beach and Manhattan Beach. Bicycle rentals, bike tours and hotel loaner programs are available for visitors.

Surf it

Named the official state sport in 2018, surfing along the 3.5 miles of Santa Monica Beach is easily accessible and encouraged for all levels of surfers. Bay Street, just south of Hotel Casa del Mar, and the Santa Monica Pier are popular surf spots known for their easy parking, clear waters, hospitable people and consistent conditions. Abundant rentals and lessons adjacent to the beach offer beginners an introduction to Southern California surfing and experts an expansive community of fellow enthusiasts.

Pump it

Located on the south side of the Santa Monica Pier, Original Muscle Beach was established in the early 1930s. It quickly grew from a few tumbling mats and gymnastic bars to the epicenter of the 20th century’s growing fitness movement. Today, the collection of rings, bars and other retro equipment is a popular location for a free, outdoor workout with the beach as your backdrop.

Sun, fun and a little rum

Santa Monica Pier Attractions

For visitors to Santa Monica, Santa Monica Pier is a no-brainer. Dive in and explore the Pier’s Pacific ocean views, souvenir shops, arcade with more than 200 games or grab a bite (or drink!) at one of the many restaurants. If you are looking for some excitement, check out Pacific Park, a full-service amusement park. The park’s solar-powered, over-water Ferris wheel makes it the only one of its kind in the region. The park also features a five-story West Coaster roller coaster and nine-story Pacific Plunge tower ride. More than 6 million visitors a year stop at this iconic Santa Monica attraction.

Make memories and grab photos at some of the state’s most Instagrammable spots, including the official end of Route 66 sign and the instantly-recognizable blue and yellow Santa Monica Pier sign.

For those completing a trip along Route 66, don’t forget to stop at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s Visitor Information Kiosk along Palisades Park or the Pier Shop in the carousel building for your official Route 66 certificate.

By day, marvel at the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel, check out the street performers, or snag a stick of puffy cotton candy. For an evening adventure, grab a drink, funnel cake or Smashie’s Burger and admire the unforgettable views of Malibu and the South Bay. Stick around past sunset and you might just catch live local music to accompany the sound of nearby waves.

The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit Santa Monica attraction that really sets Santa Monica apart as an ideal destination for families and visitors of any age.

Just for fun

Ocean Front Walk is a wide, paved footpath lined with shops and restaurants. Kids love the South Beach Park that includes a stone-walled sandbox, concrete Viking ship and interactive dragon’s head. A row of volleyball courts are available at Ocean Park North Beach on a first-come, first-served basis.

South Beach Park

Dine near the Pier

The Santa Monica Pier has 7 restaurants, ranging from fine seafood to classic American dishes. Thanks to the unique location over the Pacific Ocean, visitors come for the views as much as the food.

Fish the Pier

Fishing from the Santa Monica Pier is a popular pastime with local residents and visitors alike. Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle offers gear, poles and bait for fishing in the Pacific Ocean. No fishing license needed.

Learn the History

Walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier and you’ll not only find yourself at the Western-most tip of LA, but various shadowboxes hung along the historical walls highlight some of the Pier’s most iconic history, including a homage to Route 66, lifeguard culture and innovation, and more.

Visit the Aquarium

Grab a bit of shade and play with the underwater locals under the Santa Monica Pier at Heal the Bay Aquarium. This all-ages aquarium features over 100 local marine animal and wildlife species. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the touch tank’s hermit crabs, sea urchins and sea cucumbers and check out developing and newborn pups at the shark nursery.

Retail therapy

Santa Monica’s fashion scene has everything shoppers want: name brands, global couture and independent boutiques. Visit the quaint shops that line Montana Avenue or head to Nordstrom’s glittering storefront at Santa Monica Place before hitting up the famous Third Street Promenade.

Santa Monica outdoor adventures

Beyond the sandy beaches, Santa Monica’s parks provide a range of options for those looking to stop and smell the roses. Take a walk along the palm tree-lined paths of Palisades Park while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean. Dive into the cultural heritage of Tongva Park, exploring the gardens and learning the history of the native Tongva people. Relax at Crescent Bay Park, a hidden treasure with green spaces and picnic areas. Or, grab your furry friend and head over to one of the off-leash dog parks. Finally, unwind with a friendly game of lawn bowling or tennis at Douglas Park.

Arts and culture

Santa Monica boasts over 55 museums, galleries and creative venues, plus plenty of art spanning far beyond four walls, including public art and sculptures, street performers, and over 170 street art murals. One of Santa Monica’s must-visit attractions is Bergamot Station, an old train depot containing nearly 20 distinct galleries. Be sure to check the events calendar for an ever-changing line-up of live shows, farmers markets, gallery openings, outdoor concerts and more.

Paint:Lab

Nightlife

Stick around past sunset and watch the city transform. Locals from all over the LA area head to Santa Monica where the combination of walkability and variety of nightlife makes for a memorable evening no matter the occasion. Start with happy hour on a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean, like The Coco Club at Sonder The Beacon or Élephante, and end the night dancing or saddled up to the counter at one of the city’s long-standing dive bars, such as Chez Jay.

Elephante Beach House

The Coco Club

Stay in Santa Monica

With so many must-experience activities and an endless, always-changing catalog of things to do in Santa Monica, why not extend your stay at one of Santa Monica’s 40 hotels?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I spend a day in Santa Monica?

To spend a day in Santa Monica, begin with a stroll along Santa Monica Beach and grab breakfast on Ocean Avenue. Then, head to the Santa Monica Pier to enjoy the amusement park and aquarium, and have lunch at one of the many restaurants on the pier or grab a quick bite from a licensed food vendor designated with an “Official Vendor” blue and white umbrella or flag. Afterward, walk along the Third Street Promenade to explore shops and street performers before visiting Santa Monica Place for high-end and mid-range shopping. End the day with a beautiful sunset view from Palisades Park, overlooking the ocean, and enjoy the blufftop walking path or play on the expansive grassy area. For more ideas, check out our trip planner.

What is a must-see in Santa Monica?

If you’re looking for a lively neighborhood in Santa Monica, look no further than Downtown Santa Monica. This area boasts two of the city’s largest shopping destinations: the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place. Walk a block to Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Beach, visit Santa Monica’s popular farmers markets and dine at a variety of restaurants ranging from fine dining to grab-and-go options. With so many stores and restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to have a great time exploring this part of town.

Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring more of Santa Monica’s cultural scene, don’t miss the furthest inland neighborhood known as Mid-City. This is the arts and entertainment hub of Santa Monica, and is home to a number of the largest entertainment companies. Similarly, Mid-City is where you’ll find one of the largest contemporary art collections in Los Angeles, Bergamot Station, which was formerly a railroad station but now houses a plethora of different art galleries. It’s a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and those looking to experience the creative side of Santa Monica.

What area of Santa Monica is walkable?

Ringing in at 8.3 square miles, Santa Monica’s eight distinct neighborhoods can be easily traversed on foot. Many people enjoy walking between the Downtown/Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier/Ocean Park neighborhoods to see the city’s major sights while those looking for a more local experience are encouraged to explore the quaint, tree-lined streets of Montana Avenue for local shopping, dining and wellness experiences.

Is Santa Monica fun at night?

In contrast to the bustling energy of Downtown LA or Hollywood, Santa Monica provides a chill coastal setting for nighttime activities. There are plenty of outdoor patios, live music spots and bars with great happy hour deals, all contributing to the laid-back beach atmosphere that continues into the evening.

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