Redondo Beach
Last Updated on Jan 20, 2025
Santa Monica beckons with its laid-back charm, picturesque beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. As one of the most iconic beach cities in the world, Santa Monica effortlessly combines the allure of a coastal paradise with the sophistication of a cosmopolitan destination. From the famous Santa Monica Pier with its historic amusement park to the bustling Third Street Promenade lined with shops and restaurants, this coastal gem offers something for everyone. Whether you're soaking up the sun on its pristine beaches, exploring its diverse culinary landscape, or immersing yourself in its thriving arts and entertainment scene, Santa Monica promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of California's quintessential beach culture.
Santa Monica is a popular tourist destination in California, known for its beautiful beaches, shopping and dining. If you're planning a trip to Santa Monica and looking for a luxurious accommodation, then check out our guide to the best hotels in the area. We have compiled a list of top hotels in Santa Monica, including Shutters on the Beach, Oceana Beach Club Hotel, and Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. Find the perfect hotel that suits your needs and budget, and enjoy all that this vibrant California city has to offer.
Fia Restaurant Santa Monica
Santa Monica boasts some of the finest dining experiences on the West Coast, with standout restaurants like Fia, Citrin, Mélisse, Pasjoli, and Élephante. Fia offers a romantic and whimsical dining experience in a lush garden setting, featuring California and Italian Coastal Cuisine crafted by celebrated chef Brendan Collins. Citrin, led by renowned Chef Josiah Citrin, delivers modern Californian cuisine with meticulous attention to detail, providing a fun and approachable experience. For an exclusive and intimate dining adventure, Mélisse offers an 18-serving symphony of California's finest ingredients, seamlessly integrating the kitchen and dining room under Chef de Cuisine Ian Scaramuzza. Pasjoli, an elevated French bistro by acclaimed chef Dave Beran, combines traditional French cuisine with fresh, local produce, resulting in a memorable blend of classic techniques and modern innovations. Lastly, Élephante, a rooftop restaurant and bar, offers seasonal California Italian cuisine with stunning ocean views and dramatic sunsets, transporting guests to the Southern Mediterranean. With exquisite cuisine, inviting atmospheres, and breathtaking views, these restaurants provide unforgettable dining experiences in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica State Beach is a world-famous tourist destination located in Santa Monica, California. The beach stretches for three miles and offers visitors the perfect opportunity to relax, catch some waves, or take a leisurely bike ride along the beachfront. The beach is managed by both the City of Santa Monica and California State Park, ensuring that it is always kept in pristine condition for visitors to enjoy. Santa Monica Beach has two distinct areas that cater to different tastes. North Beach offers a serene atmosphere with miles of sand and spectacular views of Santa Monica Bay, while South Beach is full of life, bustling with activities such as beach volleyball, surfing, rollerblading, and skateboarding.
The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit location in Southern California. As one of the most photographed locations in the world, it is a symbol of the heart of Santa Monica. Located at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado, the pier offers a variety of entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park, a historic 1922 Carousel, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and an interactive aquarium. Walking along the pier, visitors can enjoy lively street performers, musicians, and artists while indulging in some of the best sunset views along the California coast. Whether you are looking for a family outing, a romantic date spot, or just a fun-filled day, the Santa Monica Pier is sure to offer something for everyone.
Santa Monica Beach is a premier destination for surfers, offering a perfect blend of accessible waves and a vibrant surf culture. With a variety of surf spots like Ocean Park, the Santa Monica Pier, Bay Street, and Will Rogers State Beach, surfers of all skill levels can find their ideal break. Ocean Park, known for its reliable beach break and versatile conditions, is especially popular among locals and visitors alike. For those seeking a less crowded experience, Will Rogers State Beach provides a peaceful alternative with its scenic beauty and potential for uncrowded waves. Surfing in Santa Monica is not just about the waves but also about immersing oneself in the quintessential California lifestyle, with a friendly surf community, picturesque views, and numerous surf schools ready to welcome beginners. Whether you're catching a wave at dawn or enjoying the sunset from your board, Santa Monica's surf scene offers a quintessential Southern California experience year-round.
Embarking on a bike ride along the Santa Monica Beach bike path is a quintessential Southern California experience, inviting enthusiasts to immerse themselves in coastal splendor and embrace the vibrant bike-rider culture that defines the area. Stretching from just south of Chautauqua Blvd at the North end to Marine Avenue, the Santa Monica portion of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, known as The Strand, offers a breathtaking 21-mile journey. As cyclists pedal along this picturesque route, they not only enjoy the stunning views but also traverse through a cinematic landscape. The iconic Santa Monica Pier, a celebrated landmark along the trail, has served as the backdrop for countless movies, music videos, and TV shows. Movie buffs will recognize the pier from memorable scenes in classics like "The Sting," "Forrest Gump," "Hancock," "Titanic," "Iron Man," and "A Night at the Roxbury," solidifying its status as one of the most-filmed locations in Los Angeles and weaving the magic of Hollywood into the fabric of this sun-soaked coastal paradise.
The Cove Skatepark in Santa Monica, California, is a premier destination for skateboard enthusiasts across Los Angeles and Southern California. Known for its expansive design and community-friendly atmosphere, The Cove features a diverse mix of bowls, ramps, and ledges that cater to skaters of all skill levels. As one of the best skateparks in Santa Monica, it attracts skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts alike who come to practice tricks, build skills, and enjoy the scenic beachside location. With safety gear required, The Cove offers a secure environment along with lessons, events, and camps, making it a cornerstone of the skateboarding community. Visitors can check The Cove’s schedule to plan their visit and experience one of the top skateboard parks in Los Angeles, CA.
Palisades Park in Santa Monica is an iconic 26-acre park that stretches along a 1.6-mile section of Ocean Avenue on top of a terrace with exposed bluffs. The park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its history dates back to 1892 when the land was donated to the city because it was considered too unstable to support houses. Today, Palisades Park is a beautiful oasis filled with features such as benches, picnic areas, artworks and monuments, and a rose garden . Palisades Park remains a stunning gem in Santa Monica, perfect for jogging, biking, people watching, and taking in the unforgettable sunsets over the Santa Monica Bay.
Tongva Park, located near the Santa Monica Pier, is a stunning six-acre urban oasis that blends modern design with natural beauty. This thoughtfully designed space features unique architectural elements, art sculptures, and an array of sustainable plants and trees that create a serene environment. The park is divided into four distinct sections, offering something for everyone, from walking paths and peaceful gardens to engaging play structures. A highlight for families is the seasonal splash pad, open from Memorial Day through summer (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), providing a refreshing escape on hot days. For even more water fun, nearby splash pads at Virginia Avenue Park and the Annenberg Community Beach House await exploration!
Enjoy the beautiful West Coast weather with a leisurely walk through the Third Street Promenade, which is closed to street traffic and welcomes pets. This vibrant pedestrian street offers a plethora of shopping and dining options, as well as the opportunity to people-watch and discover talented street performers. The Promenade is home to a variety of specialty retailers, including popular brands such as Patagonia, Lululemon, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters, among many others.
For plays, musicals, classical music, concerts, live music, and comedy, Santa Monica offers a fantastic selection of venues. The Broad Stage is a standout for theater and classical music lovers, hosting high-quality plays, musical performances, and dance productions in an intimate yet modern space. The Miles Memorial Playhouse is a charming venue known for community theater, unique plays, and classical music recitals, making it a cultural gem in the heart of the city. For live music, the Harvelle’s Blues Club on 4th Street is a historic spot that has featured jazz, blues, and soulful performances since the 1930s. The Westside Comedy Theater at Santa Monica’s Promenade is ideal for comedy lovers, offering stand-up shows, improv, and sketch comedy acts from both seasoned and up-and-coming comedians. These venues together create a rich and vibrant scene for performing arts in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica offers plenty of free activities that let you soak up its coastal charm and lively atmosphere. Start at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can take a scenic walk, watch street performers, and enjoy stunning ocean views. Nearby, the Third Street Promenade is a bustling pedestrian street filled with unique street performers, art installations, and window-shopping opportunities. For outdoor lovers, Palisades Park provides scenic walking trails along the bluff, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. The beach itself is free to visit, and you can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the famous Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as "The Strand." Additionally, Bergamot Station Arts Center offers a rotating selection of contemporary art galleries that are open to the public, providing a cultural experience without an entry fee.
Santa Monica is famous for its beautiful beach, iconic pier, and vibrant culture, making it one of California’s most popular coastal destinations. The Santa Monica Pier, with its historic Pacific Park amusement rides, including the beloved Ferris wheel, draws visitors from all over the world and offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. The city is also known for its relaxed, wellness-oriented vibe, with an abundance of outdoor activities like biking along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, surfing, and yoga on the beach. Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, famous for its lively atmosphere and street performers. The city is also celebrated for its dedication to sustainability, with pedestrian-friendly streets, extensive bike lanes, and eco-conscious initiatives. This mix of natural beauty, entertainment, and commitment to well-being gives Santa Monica its unique and enduring appeal.
The Santa Monica Farmers Market is a vibrant and bustling community hub, offering a wide array of fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and handmade products. Located in the heart of Santa Monica, California, the market is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, attracting both food enthusiasts and those seeking high-quality, organic ingredients. Open year-round, it features a diverse selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and specialty items like fresh-baked bread, cheeses, and gourmet jams. Beyond the fresh offerings, the market also fosters a sense of community, with local chefs, artists, and performers frequently adding to its lively atmosphere. The Santa Monica Farmers Market stands as a testament to sustainable farming practices and the city's commitment to supporting small-scale farmers and local businesses.