Attractions and Places To See around Santa Monica - Top 20

Santa Monica is home to several iconic landmarks. The historic Santa Monica Pier, dating back to 1909, is a must-see, featuring Pacific Park and marking the western terminus of Route 66. Another significant landmark is the Looff Hippodrome, also on the pier, which houses a vintage carousel. The Georgian Hotel, with its distinctive turquoise exterior, is also a visually striking and historically significant building.

For a lively shopping and dining experience, visit the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only street filled with boutiques, retail chains, and street performers. Santa Monica Place is another premier shopping and dining destination in the heart of the city. Main Street offers an eclectic mix of cozy coffee shops, trendy restaurants, and unique stores.

Yes, Santa Monica offers beautiful natural spaces and viewpoints. Palisades Park, perched on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, provides stunning panoramic views of the coastline. Tongva Park is an urban oasis with landscaped gardens, winding paths, and interactive water features. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, just outside the city, offers expansive wilderness with diverse views from mountain vistas to ocean expanses.

Santa Monica boasts a rich cultural scene. Bergamot Station is an art complex with over 55 galleries and creative spaces. You can also delve into aviation history at the Museum of Flying, or learn about local marine life and ocean conservation at the Heal the Bay Aquarium, located under the Santa Monica Pier. The Santa Monica History Museum and the California Heritage Museum also offer insights into the area's past and art.

Santa Monica Beach offers miles of sandy shoreline perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various beach sports, complete with playgrounds and picnic areas. Will Rogers State Beach is another excellent option, known for being less crowded than some neighboring beaches, offering over 3 miles of frontage ideal for families, with volleyball courts and picnic tables.

Absolutely! The Santa Monica Pier features Pacific Park with a Ferris wheel and carnival games, making it a hit with families. The Heal the Bay Aquarium is an educational and fun attraction for all ages. The Annenberg Community Beach House offers a public pool, splash pad, and beach access. Many beaches, like Will Rogers State Beach, are also well-equipped with playgrounds and picnic areas.

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a fantastic option, running along the Pacific Coast for more than 35 kilometers. It offers a safe and scenic route, separated from car traffic, with access to many beaches. You can also find scenic road cycling routes around Santa Monica, such as the Palisades Park – Will Rogers State Beach loop, which offers ocean views. For more options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Santa Monica guide.

Beyond the beaches, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. For running, popular routes include the Venice Beach Boardwalk out and back, or loops around the Santa Monica Pier. You can find detailed running routes in the Running Trails around Santa Monica guide.

Santa Monica has a rich history reflected in its over 100 designated city landmarks and five historic districts. Notable examples include the Henry Weaver House, Parkhurst Building, Hotel Casa del Mar, and the Mayfair Music Hall. The Santa Monica Pier itself is a historic landmark, and the Looff Hippodrome, built in 1916, is part of the National Register of Historic Places.

The Original Muscle Beach is a historic site located at Santa Monica Beach. It's renowned for its outdoor gymnastic equipment and its legacy as a hub for fitness culture. It's a great spot to observe athletes and enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere.

Visitors frequently praise the lively atmosphere of the Ocean Front Walk, with its street performers, shops, and direct access to the wide sandy beach. The scenic beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the opportunity for leisurely strolls or bike rides along the coast, such as on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, are also highly appreciated.

Yes, several areas in Santa Monica offer wheelchair accessibility. Will Rogers State Beach provides beach wheelchairs, making its beautiful coastline accessible. Palisades Park, with its paved paths along the bluffs, also offers stunning ocean views that are generally accessible. The Beach Green - The Promenade area is also noted for its accessibility.