Things to Do in Santa Monica: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Santa Monica is Los Angeles' laid-back beach city: a classic pier with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, wide sand, palm-lined bluffs and easy bike paths. It feels like a small town while giving you quick access to Venice, Malibu and the Getty.
This guide helps you enjoy the beach life and use Santa Monica as a convenient, car-light base for the west side of LA.
Top things to see in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Park's rides, arcades and the official end of Route 66 sign. Come at sunset when the Ferris wheel lights up.
The Marvin Braude bike path
A beachfront path running south through Venice and Marina del Rey. Rent bikes or e-bikes near the pier.
Palisades Park
A clifftop park above the ocean, ideal for a morning walk with views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Third Street Promenade
A pedestrian street of shops, street performers and cafés right in downtown.
Main Street
A relaxed stretch of independent boutiques, brunch spots and the Sunday farmers market.
Venice Beach and the canals
The boardwalk's skate park and Muscle Beach contrast with quiet canals lined with pretty homes.
Annenberg Community Beach House
A public beach club with a historic pool, open in summer.
Santa Monica in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Beach and pier
Morning in Palisades Park, swim, ride the pier's Ferris wheel and stay for sunset. Dinner on Main Street.
2Day 2 · Bike to Venice
Ride to Venice Beach, explore the canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard, return via Marina del Rey.
3Day 3 · Art and views
The Getty Center's art and gardens, then Bergamot Station galleries and an evening on Third Street Promenade.
Santa Monica in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Malibu
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway to El Matador Beach and Point Dume, with lunch on the sand.
5Day 5 · Hollywood day
Take the E Line metro towards downtown LA and Hollywood for studio tours or the Walk of Fame.
Santa Monica in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Santa Monica Mountains
Hike Temescal Canyon or Will Rogers State Historic Park for ocean views.
7Day 7 · Slow Saturday
Farmers market, yoga on the beach and a final sunset at the end of the pier.
What to do in Santa Monica on a weekend
Saturday: pier, beach and Palisades Park sunset. Sunday: bike to Venice and brunch on Main Street.
What to do in Santa Monica in the evening
Enjoy sunset on the pier, live music and rooftop bars downtown, and comedy clubs nearby. Summer concerts on the pier draw big crowds.
Santa Monica for couples
A sunset bike ride along the sand, dinner with an ocean view and a scenic drive to Malibu for golden hour.
Santa Monica with kids
Pacific Park, the aquarium under the pier, playgrounds in Tongva Park and calm bike paths make it easy with kids.
Practical tips for Santa Monica
Best time to visit
September and October are warmest and least foggy. May–June often bring morning gloom. Winter is mild.
Getting around
LAX is about 25 minutes away. Bikes, scooters and the E Line metro make a car optional for local sights.
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Monica a good place to stay in LA?
Yes, it's safe, walkable and close to the beach and west-side attractions.
Can you swim in Santa Monica?
Yes, though the Pacific is cool. Lifeguards are present most of the year.
How far is Santa Monica from Hollywood?
About 40 minutes by car without traffic, longer at rush hour.