Santa monica bay spans about 20 miles (32 km) between two of the richest communities in California – Malibu and Palos Verdes. It’s truly the “Gold Coast” of the Golden State, and its shores have some of the finest beaches anywhere, including Topanga, Santa Monica, and Venice on through Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo, and Torrance. American surfing, and the youth culture it spawned, was born here. In the movies, these fabled beaches have stood in for everything from Guadalcanal and Tahiti to Shangri-la. The rows of mammoth palms along the Santa Monica promenade cliffs epitomize California. Access to the Pacific along the beaches – whether by ferry to Catalina Island, surfing, taking a gondola cruise through the canals of Long Beach, or just popping into the local waves from a newly discovered favorite strand – is bountiful. Take the plunge! Santa Monica’s main attraction however, is Santa Monica Pier which offers sundry entertainment options and a lively carnival atmosphere.
Third Street Promenade and Main Street in Santa Monica are great for walking-
Located in the ritziest part of Santa Monica, this low-key favorite borrows from Italian, French, and Mexican cuisines.
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This neighborhood restaurant serves generous portions of American and Continental cuisine in a romantic setting. Specialties include large burgers, pastas and salads.
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Morning
Start your day with a drive north along the Pacific Coast Highway for glorious ocean views. Travel to sheltered Paradise Cove for breakfast at the beachfront restaurant, followed by a couple of hours of frolicking in the surf here or a few miles north at Zuma Beach . Head back south, stopping at Malibu Adamson House to admire beautiful ceramic tiles before walking over to Surfrider Beach (see Malibu Lagoon State/Surfrider Beach) to watch the world’s finest surfers in action.
Then it’s off to Santa Monica. Stroll beneath the towering palms of the bluff-top Palisades Park with the ocean at your feet. For better views of city and sea, treat yourself to a ride on the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier and perhaps a snack from one of the many vendors.
Afternoon
For the rest of the afternoon, rent a bicycle and become part of LA’s beach scene during an easy ride south to Venice along the paved beachfront bike trail. Park the bike or push it along the bizarre Venice Boardwalk (see Venice Boardwalk Attractions), perhaps stopping to get a tattoo (henna or ink), visit a fortune teller, stock up on unique souvenirs, or tank up on gourmet sausages from Jodi Maroni’s (see Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom). If time permits, continue south to Marina del Rey, one of the world’s largest yacht harbors, before heading back to Santa Monica where myriad dinner options await.
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Bookworms in search of rare and out-of-print books may find what they’re looking for. A great café next door.
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This lovely stationery store stocks hundreds of artist-made greeting cards, pens, and guest books. They also create custom-made invitations.
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The game’s always on at Venice’s famous outdoor courts, especially during “Hoops by the Beach,” which draws the best street basketball teams.
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Unique private homes line the Boardwalk between Venice and Washington Boulevards. Look for the one by Steven Ehrlich at No. 2311 and Frank Gehry’s Norton House.
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This former historic trolley station has been imaginatively recycled into an industrial-flavored complex of nearly three dozen galleries, shops, artists’ studios, and a café. A highlight is the Santa Monica Art Museum, exhibiting cutting-edge artists, many of whom work in non-traditional media including video installations. It also organizes lectures, workshops, and other events designed to involve the community in the creative process.
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The paved beach path is equally popular for slow bike cruises. Mountain bikers have plenty of trails to explore in the Santa Monica Mountains.
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Enjoy the thrill of the waves while riding a boogie board to the shore. It’s easy and fun. All the towns on the beach have rental stations on or near the sand.
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Restaurant price categories
Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
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