If you haven't been to Santa Monica yet, then it's time for a visit.
California is rapidly reopening and will be fully operational as of June, so if you've been dreaming of a SoCal getaway, there has never been a better time to explore its wonders.
Whether you are coming to sample the world-class beaches, dining, shopping, and entertainment options or looking for a fantastic family getaway at the area's numerous theme parks or cultural attractions, the sheer diversity of vacation options available here is hard to beat!
Truth be told, being a native of Los Angeles, this part of the city was always my favorite growing up, and now that I have a family. So most of these recommendations are family-oriented.
Either way, you can't go wrong.
So let's review some of our favorite things that make Santa Monica such a fantastic place.
Here are the top things to do, visit or see when you visit Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica's Pier is a must-see for any visitor in the city, and there are plenty of food options to choose from as well.
A perennial classic and a must-do, without a doubt, the Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks in California, and it's worth a visit. With plenty of restaurants to choose from on the Pier or along Ocean Ave -- you're sure to find something for everyone!
The Pier is the oldest in California and offers a variety of activities for all ages.
Third Street Promenade
This lively center offers Santa Monicans and its visitors an opportunity to explore new stores, enjoy live entertainment, and sample the tasty local cuisine. You'll also have your pick of great pubs, wine bars, and ice cream parlors right here on Third Street Promenade.
Plus, the live street performers are certainly going to entertain you and the whole family.
Be sure to leave a tip!
Palisades Park
A walk along the palm and eucalyptus-lined paths here, and it becomes super apparent why so many locals, and tourists, flock to this park.
This bluff-top park runs the length of Santa Monica's northern coast. It boasts incredible views not only of the ocean but also of the Santa Monica mountains. Basically, a picture-perfect, postcard-like view.
Nestled between the beach and Ocean Avenue, be sure to check this place out.
Santa Monica Stairs
Synonymous with SoCal is fit and buff bodies.
While vacation may not be a time we think about fitness or exercise, it can still be a good idea to get some steps in. There's no better place than the Santa Monica Stairs.
Choose between the concrete steps (199 of them) or the more prominent and broader wooden steps (170 of them). And if seeing some sights is on your radar, then look no further since hard-bodies and weekend fitness warriors abound.
Insider tip: this is an excellent place for the kiddos to work out lots of energy!
Santa Monica Camera Obscura
This curious old optical contraption is a historical and offbeat place to catch a breather or a break, whether you're waiting for late stragglers to your dinner reservations or trying to find a quiet escape from the Pier.
Though the technology behind this rudimentary camera-like room is thousands of years old, it still feels like magic.
Santa Monica Place
At the Promenade's southern end, set on the more commercial side of Santa Monica, is the revamped Santa Monica Place shopping center. Just two blocks from the beach and the Santa Monica Pier, the mall attracts many tourists looking for a quintessential L.A. shopping experience.
Major retail outlets like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom sit alongside the very L.A. eatery True Food Kitchen.
Plenty of shopping for you and the entire family, or simply a great place to take a stroll.
Santa Monica State Beach
Measuring 3.5 miles along the Cali coast is Santa Monica State Beach.
With tons of things to do, a day trip to this beach should be near the top of your list.
At this beautiful beach, you can rent a bike for a beachside ride, have a family picnic, take a dip into the Pacific, or hang out with the kids at the playground.
Other fun things to do here are simply building a good old-fashioned sandcastle, chilling out in the sand and catching some sun, or even a quick swim.
The bottom line is this beach is the quintessential SoCal beach, and that's why it's one of our personal top picks.
Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
While there's a lot to do and see in Santa Monica, without a doubt, one of the most famous and iconic is the end of the road sign.
The famous Route 66 ends here, and there's, of course, a sign to mark the spot.
Once upon a time, it was just a waypoint on the East-to-West migration path. Now it's arguably one of the most famous and Instgrammable spots in all of SoCal.
Few realize that Route 66 ends somewhere specific, and that place happens to be in Santa Monica, where the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign is erected.
The final word
We hope that in our things to do In Santa Monica article, we have provided helpful information about what there is to do when visiting this beautiful city by the sea.
** Be sure to check these places online or on social media for operating hours and any special COVID restrictions.