Santa Monica is where Los Angeles meets the ocean and slows down. The pier has been here since 1909. The Third Street Promenade has been a pedestrian mall since 1965. Venice Beach is a 15-minute walk south. The light in the late afternoon — Pacific light, softer than anywhere else on the California coast — makes everything look like a film still. It is, of course, Los Angeles. But the ocean changes things.
What to do there
- 01
Santa Monica Pier at sunrise — the 100-year-old pier before the tourists arrive, when the only people there are fishermen dropping lines over the railing and joggers finishing their morning run. The Pacific Park ferris wheel is closed, the carousel is dark, and the end of Route 66's western terminus marker stands alone. Breakfast at Patrick's Roadhouse on the PCH afterward.
- 02
The Annenberg Community Beach House — a public beach club on a former Hearst estate at the north end of the beach. The original Hearst beach house is preserved as a gallery; the pool is public. $10 for pool access in summer. The best quiet beach access in Santa Monica, known mainly to locals.
- 03
Bergamot Station Arts Center — a former rail yard converted into 30+ art galleries on Olympic Boulevard. Saturday afternoon is the right time: all galleries open, no crowds, free entry to everything. The Gallery of Functional Art has been showing design-forward furniture and objects since 1990.
- 04
Gjusta in Venice — a Venetian bakery-deli opened by the Gjelina group, cavernous and unpretentious, with house-smoked fish, excellent pastries, and grain bowls that have earned a genuine cult following. Go on a weekday morning; the weekend queue wraps around the block.
- 05
Palisades Park at dusk — the bluff-top strip above the beach running the length of the city, with benches overlooking the Pacific. Watch the sun drop into the ocean from a bench at the north end away from the tourist section. Then walk down the stairs to the beach and walk back south in the dark with the pier lit up ahead.
Best time to go
Year-round — the marine layer keeps Santa Monica 10-15 degrees cooler than inland LA even in summer. June is 'June Gloom' (overcast mornings, perfect afternoons). September and October are the warmest, clearest months. February and March are uncrowded and often sunny.
Insider tip
The Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings (Arizona Ave between 2nd and 4th) is one of the best in Los Angeles — chefs from across the city come here specifically. The stand-up breakfast of a warm pasty from the British imports vendor and a cup from the coffee cart has been a Wednesday ritual for people who know.
Book experiences
Some links earn us a small commission — at no cost to you.
Plan this trip
Where in the world
Sound of Santa Monica
Make this your once-in.
Tell us how you want to feel and we'll find the right destination.
Start dreaming →