Stretching 3.5 miles along California’s iconic Pacific coastline, Santa Monica is a vibrant beach town that blends laid-back charm with coastal sophistication. Ideal for explorers, beach lovers, and foodies alike, a three-day getaway offers just enough time to soak in the sun, savour the flavours, and experience the best of this seaside destination. This thoughtfully curated itinerary covers the best things to do and how to make the most of a short yet memorable weekend trip to Santa Monica.
Day One: Sun, Surf and Seaside Classics
Take a short stroll to the historic Santa Monica Pier, the city’s westernmost landmark and a beloved icon for over a century. The pier is home to Pacific Park, an oceanfront amusement park featuring the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, offering sweeping views of the Southern California coastline from more than 130 feet above. Don’t miss the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Heal the Bay’s marine education centre dedicated to inspiring conservation through hands-on discovery. As the afternoon turns to evening, explore Downtown Santa Monica just steps from the beach. Wander the world-famous Third Street Promenade, an open-air shopping and entertainment district with more than 200 shops, restaurants, and attractions. Street performers, musicians, and ocean breezes create a lively yet distinctly Southern California atmosphere.
For your first sunset, head to Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar for a cocktail and panoramic ocean views as the sun melts into the Pacific. Later, take a short walk to Chez Jay, a longtime local favourite known for its retro charm and famously peanut-strewn floors.
Start your morning like a local with a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean. Take things a step further by learning to catch a wave with a surf lesson from Aqua Surf School. Headquartered in Santa Monica, Aqua Surf offers surfing instruction services across Southern California.
After working up an appetite, head to Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals for a relaxed beachfront lunch. With uninterrupted ocean views and sand beneath your feet, Perry’s has been a staple of California’s beach lifestyle for more than 40 years, serving gourmet burgers, fresh sandwiches, and crisp salads. From there, take a short stroll to the historic Santa Monica Pier, the city’s westernmost landmark and a beloved icon for over a century. The pier is home to Pacific Park, an oceanfront amusement park featuring the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, offering sweeping views of the Southern California coastline from more than 130 feet above. Don’t miss the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Heal the Bay’s marine education centre dedicated to inspiring conservation through hands-on discovery.
As the afternoon turns to evening, explore Downtown Santa Monica steps from the beach. Wander the world-famous Third Street Promenade, an open-air shopping and entertainment district with more than 200 shops, restaurants, and attractions. Street performers, musicians, and ocean breezes create a lively yet distinctly Southern California atmosphere.
For your first sunset, head to Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar for a cocktail and panoramic ocean views as the sun melts into the Pacific. Later, take a short walk to Chez Jay, a longtime local favourite known for its retro charm and famously peanut-strewn floors.
Day Two: Coastal Cruising and Local Flavours
Spend your second day exploring Santa Monica on two wheels. With mild weather, scenic terrain, and a bike-friendly culture, the city is ideal for a self-guided cycling adventure. Many hotels also offer complimentary bikes for guests, or you can pick up a set of wheels at Santa Monica Bike Centre.
Ride along “The Strand,” a legendary multi-use coastal path stretching 22 miles from Torrance to Pacific Palisades. The bike path parallels the entire 3.5 miles of beach found in Santa Monica and connects the city with neighbouring Venice Beach. As you pedal along, soak up Southern California’s beach culture, famous for its surfers, bodybuilders, exhibitors, street performers and spectacular ocean views.
Later, make your way to Montana Avenue, a tree-lined boulevard known for its relaxed sophistication. Home to more than 150 shops and restaurants between 7th and 17th Streets, it’s a hotspot for the latest beauty trends, fashion and healthy eateries. Stop in at Primo Passo Coffee for a quick pick-me-up before you stroll past time-honoured classics such as Andrew’s Cheese Shop and Larissa Love Cosmetics. Moreover, pedicures and massages to laser skin treatments and hair salons, Montana Avenue also has all your beauty needs covered.
Stay in the neighbourhood for dinner at Father’s Office, a beloved gastropub where locals gather for the much-celebrated ‘Office Burger’ and 36 craft beers on tap.
Day Three: Wellness, Shopping and Sunset Views
Begin your final day with a beach yoga session. If you enjoy moving your body, being on the beach and breathing in the fresh air, then beach yoga is for you! Escape from your day and experience a yoga retreat right in your backyard. Beach Yoga SoCal provides private lessons as well as group classes, allowing visitors to stretch, breathe, and flow alongside locals with the sound of waves as their soundtrack.
In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at Santa Monica Place. Spanning three levels, this shopping destination features a mix of luxury and contemporary brands, including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Nike, Hugo Boss, Uniqlo, Tory Burch, and more.
For a hands-on culinary experience, visit one of Santa Monica’s four weekly farmers’ markets and take a private cooking class at The Gourmandise School. This beloved institution offers hands-on cooking classes for beginners to professionals. The Gourmandise experience is designed to teach you how to develop your culinary intuition and create amazing meals and pastries out of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
As your trip winds down, enjoy a final sunset stroll through Palisades Park. This 26.4-acre public space stretches along the bluffs of Santa Monica, offering uninterrupted vistas of the coastline. After dark, stop by JuneShine, a bright and airy atmosphere resembling a desert oasis, serving sustainable, transparent and delicious hard kombucha. The perfect final toast to Santa Monica.
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