Santa Monica, California Day Trip: Itinerary for a Fun Visit

Santa Monica is a perfect beachside destination with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. It offers a delightful mix of sunny beaches, renowned shopping areas, and opportunities for stargazing for A-list celebrities. Santa Monica provides a variety of activities, such as strolling along the historic boardwalk or enjoying the rides at Pacific Park, an amusement park located on the renowned Santa Monica Pier. This beachfront town is a quick drive or Metro train ride from downtown Los Angeles. Visiting Santa Monica, California, blends beach culture, entertainment, and urban charm. Here are some of the best things to do and see.

Santa Monica Pier and Amusement Park

The Santa Monica Pier has been a popular destination for families for generations. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere with children playing, street musicians performing, and artists selling artwork. For those seeking thrills, the nearby Pacific Park offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Some of the notable attractions at the pier’s amusement park include the five-story West Coaster roller coaster, the nine-story Pacific Plunge tower ride, and the unique Seaside Swing, all of which provide stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean spanning from the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the Santa Monica Mountains.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium: Discover Local Marine Life

The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, operated by Heal the Bay, is located beneath the pier, next to the Pacific Ocean. It attracts over 65,000 visitors annually and features Shark and Ray, Octopus, and Touch tanks. The aquarium staff is knowledgeable about the habitats, and there are many colorful and exciting sea life attractions. The aquarium emphasizes hands-on experiences, such as touch tanks and interactive exhibits, to ensure that kids have an enjoyable visit. Visitors should plan on spending at least 30 minutes at the aquarium. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium 1600 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, California. WebSite.

Santa Monica Ocean Front Walk

Explore the Santa Monica lifestyle on the Ocean Front Walk, a broad paved footpath lined with palm trees, shops, and restaurants. It winds along the sandstone bluffs overlooking the Pacific and stretches from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach. The walkway is approximately 3 miles long, and the most lively section is from the Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach. Along the path, vendors sell souvenirs, beach gear, handmade crafts, and unique art pieces. The vibrant atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd of tourists, locals, and artists.

Santa Monica State Beach

Santa Monica Beach stretches along the Pacific Ocean from the Santa Monica Pier southward to the border with Venice Beach. The beach is easily accessible from the Santa Monica Ocean Front Walk. It’s a great place for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and enjoying beautiful sunrises and sunsets. There are plenty of lifeguard stations, gentle but fun waves, playgrounds for kids, public restrooms, and convenient showers. Several parking lots are available but can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Street parking is also an option, but it might require a bit of walking.

Third Street Promenade Shopping District

The pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade is an interesting place to stroll after a few hours of soaking up the sun on the beach. The city of Santa Monica developed this area in the late 1980s to revitalize the declining downtown area. It quickly became one of Santa Monica’s most popular shopping districts. However, in recent years, it has seen a decline in activity and commerce, reflecting broader retail and urban development trends. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, interest in revitalizing the area is renewed. The aim is to attract a mix of businesses catering to residents and tourists.

California Heritage Museum

A great way to start your visit is by visiting the California Heritage Square Museum in the heart of fun and funky Main Street in a 19th-century Victorian-style home. This museum offers a unique glimpse at local history with a series of period rooms depicting the Santa Monica way of life from the 1890s through the 1930s. 2612 Main St. Website.

Camera Obscura Art Lab

The camera obscura is located on the 2nd floor of the Palisades Park Art and Culture Center. It was built in 1898 by Robert F. Jones and was originally housed on the Santa Monica beach boardwalk. In 1955, the mechanism was moved to its current location in Palisades Park. Admission is free. The address is 1450 Ocean Blvd.

Annenberg Community Beach House

The Annenberg Beach House was originally built in 1925 for Marion Davies, a film actress and the mistress of William Randolph Hearst. One of the original buildings of the mansion, the Marion Davies guest house, is the only remaining structure from the oceanfront estate. The Annenberg Community Beach House and the swimming pool are open to the public and are located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway. Website.

Getting To Santa Monica, California

When planning your visit, it’s important to consider the weather. The area can often be foggy in the morning but typically clears up by the afternoon. Parking can also be challenging, so public transport or bike rentals are worth considering. Santa Monica is conveniently located just off the 10 Freeway, about 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles and 55 miles from southern Orange County. This central location makes it easy to explore other nearby attractions. To the north, you’ll find Malibu Beach; to the south, you’ll find Venice Beach, California.

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