Santa Monica
Laid-back, relaxing beaches await travelers in Santa Monica, California. Three and a half miles of Pacific Ocean beachfront and more than 300 days of sunshine with mild temperatures make the location one of the top beach destinations in the world.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Santa Monica lies only a short drive north up the coast from Los Angeles International Airport. Once in the city, opt to rent a bike to explore on two wheels. Other ways to get around include rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, the Big Blue Bus or scooter.
LODGING Hotel Casa del Mar
Enjoy sweeping views of the coastline from Palos Verdes to Malibu at Hotel Casa del Mar. Don’t miss the Sea Wellness Spa for relaxation and Catch Restaurant for a fresh seafood dinner.
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405, tel 310 581 5533 hotelcasadelmar.com
JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot
The JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot is a pet-friendly luxury hotel located right on the beach. Guests can swim in the pool, grab a drink at the lobby bar, relax on the beach and take out bikes for the day.
1740 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, tel 310 395 9700 marriott.com
Ocean View Hotel
Centrally located Ocean View sits near landmarks such as The Getty Villa Museum and the Santa Monica Yacht Harbor. Guests receive two complimentary beach cruiser vouchers, complimentary beach towels, morning yoga, surf lessons and beach access.
1447 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, tel 310 458 4888 oceanviewsantamonica.com
DINING Blue Plate Oysterette
Get your fix of fresh seafood at Blue Plate Oysterette. The restaurant sources only the best seafood in the area, buying directly from fishermen and picking up daily at LAX. Stop by during Oyster Hour (happy hour) for great deals on oysters, beer, wine and cocktails.
1355 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, tel 310 576 3474 blueplateoysterette.com
Mercado
Enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine with more than 70 premium tequilas and 14 beer options to choose from. Sample the signature carnitas from a recipe handed down through generations.
1416 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, tel 310 526 7121 cocinasycalaveras.com
Tar & Roses
Cooking all food over wood-burning stoves, Tar & Roses satisfies any grill craving. The menu features meat, seafood, vegetarian and vegan options. The wood used rotates daily for hints of almond, apple, olive, oak and walnut.
602 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401, tel 310 587 0700 tarandroses.com
ATTRACTIONS Beaches
Most popular for its beachfront, Santa Monica is home to soft sand, surfing, beach volleyball and the Santa Monica Pier. Used as a setting in many films, the pier is a must-see attraction with rides, lights and classic carnival food.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Discover how Native Americans lived in the mountains for more than 10,000 years while you hike more than 500 miles of trails. Visitors have the chance to see bobcats, coyotes, quail and even dolphins from atop the mountain, looking at the ocean below. 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302, tel 805 370 2301 nps.gov/samo
Third Street Promenade
The Third Street Promenade is an open-air mall full of restaurants, hundreds of shops, movie theater screens, photo ops and street performers. The area spans three blocks open only to pedestrians.