16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica is the top seaside destination for Los Angeles and the surrounding Los Angeles County. It's a beautiful city with consistently sunny weather and a sprawling beach. Thanks to its location, less than 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the city receives more than seven million visitors every year.

There's an undeniable excitement buzzing from Santa Monica. It has energy spurred by the lapping waves of its western border, and a visceral excitement from the pedestrian-friendly downtown district, buzzing with activity well into the night. Its nautical spirit is best experienced at Palisades Park, perched atop a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica State Beach.

And no visit is complete without walking down the Santa Monica Pier, which also serves as the seaside terminus of Historic Route 66. This tourist-friendly boardwalk defines many Southern California vacations, complete with amusement park rides and miles-long views across the ocean.

Pack your bags and start planning your next Southern California vacation with the best places to visit and things to do in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Pier

Highlights: Iconic pier with an amusement park, attractions, and sprawling beach on both sides

The Santa Monica Pier is a classic landmark of the city and the seaside terminus of historic Route 66. It's surrounded on both sides by Santa Monica State Beach and this family- and dog-friendly pier is filled with fun things to do and plenty of people to watch.

Pacific Park on the pier is perhaps the most eye-catching attraction, thanks to its iconic Ferris wheel and roller coaster jutting high above the boardwalk. The Ferris wheel is especially noticeable at night, when the ride illuminates the pier from a distance. This ocean amusement park also features the popular Playland Arcade, adding a bit of nostalgia to this central beach attraction.

Other attractions on the pier include bike rentals, beach and souvenir shops, as well as the Heal the Bay Aquarium hidden beneath the carousel building. Much of the experience of visiting the pier is simply strolling the length and appreciating the ocean views and people watching, including numerous musicians playing on the boardwalk.

Of all the special events that take place on the pier, the Twilight on the Pier music festival is one of the biggest, with live world music from across the globe. This celebrated concert series occurs in the evenings throughout the summer.

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica State Beach

Highlights: One of the best beaches in LA with plenty of space for the crowds that show up

Santa Monica State Beach spans over 3.5 miles on either side of the iconic Santa Monica Pier. It's one of the top beaches in the Los Angeles area, less than 15 miles from Hollywood, attracting millions of beachgoers to spread their towels out on the sand each year.

The Santa Monica Pier bisects the beach into Santa Monica State Beach North and Santa Monica State Beach South. Both sides of the beach have different access points, but each caters to activities like building sandcastles, surfing, and soaking up the sun.

Fun places to visit at Santa Monica State Beach South include the International Chess Park and Carousel Park. The Original Muscle Beach is also south of the pier, featuring a wide range of fitness equipment, including gymnastic rings. Santa Monica State Beach also has easier beachfront parking.

North of the pier, facilities like the Annenberg Community Beach House provides inclusive beach amenities, including volleyball courts, beach seats, and a swimming pool. Santa Monica State Beach north is only accessible by descending from Palisades Park over the Pacific Coast Highway via the Pier or pedestrian bridge.

Address: Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, California

Marvin Braude Bike Trail

Highlight: Twenty-two-mile bike trail connecting the entire Santa Monica shoreline

The 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, spans the entirety of the Santa Monica shoreline. It stretches from Will Rogers State Beach north of Santa Monica all the way down to Torrance County Beach. And navigating this sandy expanse is one of the most popular things to do when visiting.

The path is popular for bicyclists, walkers, runners, rollerbladers, and anyone getting around without a motor. The trail is split between a walking and biking path along busier sections of the trail, including the Santa Monica waterfront. And as the most-used pedestrian path in the city, the trail certainly gets some use.

The real appeal of the Marvin Braude Bike Path is its length. The 22-mile route connects every beach within Santa Monica Bay, enabling nearly every ocean activity under the sun, as well as bonfire destinations for the evening. Whether looking for the best waves, the most solitude, or any number of beach volleyball courts, The Strand connects them all.

Palisades Park

Highlights: Landscaped park next to downtown, separated from the beach by the Pacific Coast Highway

Tourists and residents tend to gravitate toward Palisades Park. This 26-acre coastal bluff park on Ocean Avenue overlooks the Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica State Beach and provides a well-manicured space with non-stop ocean vistas.

Palm trees, rose bushes, and plenty of places to take a seat line the cement path navigating this landmark city space, as well as pedestrian bridges that cross the highway and access the ocean. Palisades Park is also home to unique amenities like a camera obscura, pétanque courts, and public art installations.

Palisades Park is also a connecting point for several other attractions in the area, including the Santa Monica Pier. And on Ocean Avenue and farther inland, the lively streets of Downtown Santa Monica and the 3rd Street Promenade compliment the ocean activity.

While all vistas from Palisades Park catch the eye, the aptly named Inspiration Point on the north side of the park is worth the walk.

Address: Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California

3rd Street Promenade

Highlights: Lively pedestrian district with shops, restaurants, and sculptural landscaping

The heart of downtown Santa Monica is the 3rd Street Promenade. This pedestrian-only shopping space features a lot of foot traffic and tons of entertainment. Shops, restaurants, and talented street musicians line every block well into the night when this lighted area really shines. But whether day or night, something is bound to catch the eye on this fashionable retail strip.

Alongside the shopping, dining, and entertainment options like a movie theater and Augmented Reality Museum, the promenade is also home to beautiful landscaping. Dinosaur hedge sculptures, photo booths, and various sitting options define the aesthetic of this downtown district.

Address: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, California

Dining in Santa Monica

Highlights: Vast array of local menus featuring food from all over the world

Part of the Santa Monica experience is enjoying a meal out on the town. The city's food scene is wide and varied and highly lauded. From downtown digs to oceanfront views, it's easy to find something for everyone's taste.

A few notable favorites include Forma for Italian food and Tar & Roses for unique menu items like oxtail dumplings. And just about every taste is catered for — Japanese, Caribbean, and Polish cuisine are among the wide range of world flavors.

Venice Beach

Highlights: Colorful beach, twisting bike path, several storefronts, and community attractions

Venice Beach is the southern city bordering Santa Monica, connected by the Marvin Braude Bike Path, also known as The Strand Beach Path. Venice offers its own distinct flavor of coastal appeal that's a bit more bohemian in spirit. The oceanfront district is well regarded for the art found on the streets and the style represented by the community.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a common tourist magnet of scenic appeal. Waves of people walk this tourist path bordering the beach, and several unique storefronts and sidewalk vendors line the boardwalk. A visit isn't complete without strolling down this Ocean Front Walk and getting a taste of the flavor and atmosphere of this creative seaside city.

The bike path at Venice Beach winds and weaves throughout many sandy attractions. Public art and tasteful graffiti surround this bike path, as do other amenities, like playground equipment and basketball courts.

Annenberg Community Beach House

Highlights: Free spot to hang out on the beach with several family-friendly attractions

North of the Santa Monica Pier and stemming from the city's Gold Coast era of the 1920s, Annenberg Community Beach House was once a private beachside mansion belonging to the actress Marion Davies.

The state of California now operates this oceanfront cultural center, including amenities like beach courts, playgrounds, and a splash pad, as well as a seasonal swimming pool. The on-site Marion Davies Guest House features free tours and rotating art exhibits.

Address: 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Highlights: Several different markets offering local produce throughout the week

Santa Monica offers four different farmers' markets throughout the week, rain or shine. Two different markets take place on Saturdays, and two others take place on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.

These acclaimed farmers' markets have been a treasured city tradition since 1979. Alongside seasonal local produce, the farmer's markets also include special events like live cooking demonstrations, street musicians, and hot-cooked fares that add a savory aroma to the whole experience.

Tongva Park

Highlights: Tranquil public park within short walking distance of Santa Monica Pier

Gardens, sculptures, and the smell of the ocean infuse Tongva Park, encompassing six acres off Ocean Avenue, south of the Santa Monica Pier. It's inviting for a relaxing moment, taking a break from downtown and is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic away from the crowds at the beach.

Adjacent to Tongva Park, the newly instated Ken Genser Square adds an extra acre of natural space to explore with a fountain and babbling brook.

Address: 1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica Stairs

Highlights: Fun fitness challenge in a quiet residential neighborhood, known best to locals

Comprised of both wooden and concrete steps, the Santa Monica Stairs are tucked within a quiet residential neighborhood less than a mile from the ocean. They were once a hidden gem within the community, but the secret might be out regarding the fun fitness to be had on this long set of stairs. And even with limited parking, it's not uncommon to see crowds of people exercising on the stairs.

It's no secret that the 300-plus steps of this public walkway leave visitors with a distinct thigh-burning sensation.

Address: 699 Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica, California

Montana Avenue

Highlights: Chic shopping district with local storefronts and dining

Montana Avenue is a popular thoroughfare for dining and shopping extending into the city's northside. Over 150 restaurants and storefronts line the sidewalks of this inland street, providing an abundance of daytime window shopping and outdoor cafés for a casual lunch.

Many of the boutique storefronts and fashionable retail shops on Montana Avenue are found nowhere else in California. And at the heart of Montana Avenue, the Aero Theatre is a renovated 1930s movie house now featuring independent and classic Hollywood films.

Bergamot Station Arts Center

Highlights: Expansive arts campus with several permanent and rotating exhibits

In north Santa Monica away from the ocean, this world-renowned creative space was once a railroad station between 1875 and 1953. After transitioning between manufacturing and packaging warehouses, the city of Santa Monica purchased the abandoned property and in 1994, the nearly five-acre Bergamot Station Arts Center opened to the public.

With numerous galleries and workshops, Bergamot Station regularly features rotating exhibitions of artists from across the globe, all with free admission and free parking.

Address: 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica Place

Highlights: Outdoor shopping center with name-brand retailers and storefronts.

On the south end of the 3rd Street Promenade, more shopping and dining opportunities await at Santa Monica Place, the city's premier outdoor shopping mall. Familiar storefronts like Nike and Nordstrom fill out the directory of Santa Monica Place, as well as nationally recognized restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Johnny Rockets.

The Cayton Children's Museum opened in 2019 in Santa Monica Place. This family-favorite, experienced-based museum features an abundance of play space and learning opportunities.

The Getty Villa

Highlights: Landscaped gardens and centuries-old art set on formal grounds

The Getty Villa is near the oceanfront in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, north along the coast from Santa Monica. It's one of two sites operated by the Getty, a philanthropic foundation dedicated to preserving the world's artistic legacy.

The Getty Villa is a reconstruction of an ancient Roman country home, complete with intricate gardens and a peristyle. Simply admiring the luxurious grounds and architecture of the villa is an experience alone, and it's a popular spot to photograph.

Perhaps more incredibly, ancient artworks occupy nearly the entire villa. On display are several marble statues, Roman coins, and ancient mummies. And the second floor of the villa is home to a rotating exhibition space, where premier collections from across the world are regularly displayed.

Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, California

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Highlights: Ocean-adjacent mountain range with state parks, hiking trails, and places to camp

The Santa Monica Mountains meet the sea in dramatic fashion north of Santa Monica and are readily visible from the beach. These elevations and Santa Monica's Mediterranean climate make it possible to climb a mountain and surf some waves all in the same day, throughout the year.

The Santa Monica Mountains extend north nearly to Oxnard. The Pacific Coast Highway narrows throughout this rugged section of coastal mountains as it passes through other iconic destinations, including Malibu.

And, some of California's best state parks are within the Santa Monica Mountains, including Leo Carrillo and Malibu Creek State Parks, as well as Point Mugu State Park, with stunning ridge lines and great views of the ocean.

The mountains are easily accessible from downtown L.A., and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is an easy contender for a top day trip from Los Angeles.

The 2018 Woolsey Fire severely affected the landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains. Much of the 500-mile network of trails re-opened in 2019, as well as the many campgrounds throughout, and visitors are asked to respect any current closures.

Address: 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, California

Map of Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica, CA - Climate Chart

Santa Monica is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit Santa Monica is during the shoulder seasons, including March, April, and May, and September and October. These seasons deliver warm weather in the 60s Fahrenheit, less-crowded conditions, and typically more affordable travel.

The summer months, including June, July, and August, are also fantastic times to visit Santa Monica. The weather is at its warmest, averaging in the 70s Fahrenheit and sending most of the crowds to the bountiful beach. The summer season experiences the highest amount of tourist traffic.

Winter is a suitable time to visit Santa Monica thanks to its moderate climate. Temperatures still encourage t-shirts when the sun is out, with daytime averages never dipping below the 60s Fahrenheit. Tourism picks up around the holidays, but the months of January and February are the best months to visit for the best value.

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