Here are some great things to do in Santa Monica:
- Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which has shops, cafes, an amusement park (Pacific Park), and an aquarium.
- Explore Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier with its oceanfront amusement rides including a Ferris wheel and arcade games.
- Stroll along Third Street Promenade for shopping, dining, and street performances.
- Walk or bike the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand), a 22-mile beachfront path great for picnics, swimming, and volleyball.
- Enjoy the scenic Palisades Park overlooking the ocean with gardens, picnic areas, and public art.
- Check out the Santa Monica Art Museum and various art galleries like at Bergamot Station Arts Centre.
- Experience Original Muscle Beach, a historic outdoor gym with bars, rings, and ropes overlooking the ocean.
- Relax at Ocean View Park, a beachfront park with tennis, basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic tables.
- Catch a movie at the historic Aero Theatre, known for arthouse films and documentaries.
- Dine at restaurants near Muscle Beach like Élephante (coastal Italian) or Cobi’s (Southeast Asian cuisine).
- Visit Santa Monica Place, an open-air mall with luxury shops, a food court, and a movie theater.
These activities offer a mix of beach, culture, shopping, dining, and outdoor fun suitable for families, couples, and solo visitors. Whether enjoying rides on the pier, biking the coast, exploring art galleries, or dining seaside, Santa Monica has something for everyone. If you want, I can also recommend a tailored itinerary based on your interests.
