Things to Do in Santa Monica: A Laid-Back Traveler’s Guide
There’s something about Santa Monica that slows time down. Maybe it’s the ocean breeze, or the way the sky turns gold just before sunset. I remember the first time I walked along Ocean Avenue — everyone seemed to move at half speed, like the city itself was breathing calmly.
Santa Monica isn’t just another beach town; it’s a lifestyle that mixes calm mornings with coastal adventure.
According to SantaMonica.gov, the city welcomes over eight million visitors each year across its three miles of Pacific coastline, and it’s easy to see why. Clean beaches, walkable streets, and endless ocean views make it feel like a natural reset button.
Here’s why this place deserves a spot on your travel list — and how you can make the most of it.
Start at Sunrise: Santa Monica Beach and the Pier
If you’re up early, head straight for the sand. The air is crisp, and you’ll smell salt and roasted coffee drifting from the pier cafés.
The hours after sunrise feel special — joggers on the boardwalk, surfers catching their first waves, and seagulls gliding overhead. It’s when Santa Monica shows its calmest side.
The pier wakes slowly. Spectrum News1 reports it draws nearly 14 million visitors each year, but in the morning, you can still hear the water slapping against the wooden pylons.
Grab a coffee from one of the stands near Ocean Avenue and stroll to the pier’s edge. You’ll see locals fishing, chatting softly, and greeting the day like an old friend.
Try this: rent a cruiser bike around 8 a.m. from a small shop under the pier. Ride south toward Venice before the sun climbs too high. You’ll skip the traffic, catch ocean breeze on your face, and see the coast come alive in real time.
Next, let’s trade the pier’s buzz for the stillness of the paths that follow the shoreline.
Slow Down by the Water: The Oceanfront Path and Palisades Park
The Oceanfront Path, part of the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, runs just beneath the pier and hugs the beach for miles. On one side, the Pacific glimmers; on the other, rows of pastel houses and palm trees sway gently in the breeze. It’s the kind of ride that makes time slip away.
If walking feels more your pace, climb up to Palisades Park. It stretches along the cliffs above the water, where locals practice yoga, nap on picnic blankets, or sit in quiet reflection. Bring a small journal — it’s the perfect place to write while the morning sun warms your shoulders.
Pro tip: start at the north end near California Avenue. The crowd is thinner there, and the view — the Ferris wheel framed by cliffs and ocean mist — looks straight out of a painting.
When you’re ready for more movement and sound, downtown is only a few steps away.
Where City Meets Surf: Third Street Promenade and Downtown
Downtown Santa Monica hums with life. Street performers strum guitars, taco stands release waves of spice into the air, and the crowd feels like a mix of travelers and locals on their lunch break.
DowntownSM.com reports that foot traffic climbed 16 percent in 2023, with visitors lingering over an hour in the area — not surprising once you feel the rhythm yourself.
Start at Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian stretch filled with shops, cafés, and buskers. Grab an iced latte and find a shady bench. It’s people-watching heaven. Couples laugh over street art, kids chase pigeons, and somewhere nearby, a saxophone plays the same tune on repeat.
Insider tip: the city-run garages offer 90 minutes of free parking — perfect for those who’d rather walk than circle for spots.
Once hunger kicks in, follow the smell of grilled fish and citrus. You’re about to discover the heart of coastal dining.
Eat Like a Local: Coastal Cafés and Sunset Dining
Santa Monica’s dining scene feels relaxed yet intentional. You can eat barefoot at a seafood shack or sip a chilled drink on a rooftop with the pier in view. Try the local catch — not only does it taste fresher by the ocean, it’s part of the community’s rhythm.
If you care about the environment, you’ll fit right in. Many restaurants along the coast use sustainably sourced seafood and focus on seasonal produce.
SantaMonica.com reports that tourism and hospitality support over 7,000 local jobs, many tied to beachside dining — proof of how closely food and community connect here.
Try this: time your dinner with sunset. Sit near the beach, order something fresh, and watch the horizon change color. For a few minutes, conversations slow, forks pause midair, and the city seems to breathe with you.
When the last light fades, the hills start calling for something quieter.
Reset in Nature: The Santa Monica Mountains and Nearby Trails
Just a few miles inland, the sound of waves fades into the rustle of canyon leaves. The Santa Monica Mountains give you a quick way to reset — ideal if you’ve spent the day in crowds.
The Temescal Canyon Loop is a favorite among locals. It’s a 2.6-mile route with ocean views and about 860 feet of elevation gain. The trail begins in Temescal Gateway Park, winding through oaks and sycamores before opening to wide ridges above the Pacific.
What to do: wear sturdy shoes, pack water, and start before 9 a.m. You’ll beat the heat, hear birds before the city noise returns, and get views that make every step worth it.
Once the hike ends, circle back toward the coast — just in time to catch the sky turning gold.
Catch the Golden Hour: Best Sunset Spots
Every evening, Santa Monica glows. The mix of sunlight and ocean haze turns streets and faces into warm portraits.
Head to Palisades Park if you want an easy view, or sit right on the pier as the Ferris wheel flickers on behind you. It’s a simple but grounding ritual — one of those moments that feels bigger than it looks.
The Los Angeles Times once described Temescal Canyon as perfect for its ridgeline sunsets, and that still rings true. I once watched a small crowd cheer as someone proposed there. Strangers clapped, phones lit up, and the sky burned orange. For a few seconds, everyone shared the same quiet joy.
When darkness settles, Santa Monica doesn’t sleep — it softens.
Nightfall Vibes: Where to Wind Down
After dark, the energy shifts. The crowds thin out, and the city hums in low tones — guitars from rooftop patios, waves breaking softly, the smell of wood smoke from beach bonfires.
Some nights I find a movie screening under the stars or a hidden bar playing jazz. Whether you’re solo or with friends, the vibe stays easygoing and safe.
Solo traveler tip: stick to bright streets or join group events hosted by local boards — they’re friendly and a great way to meet people without feeling like a tourist.
When the night quiets, you’ll already be planning your next morning by the water.
Plan It Smart: When to Visit and How to Get Around
Santa Monica shines year-round, but spring and early fall bring the best balance — warm days, lighter crowds, and fair prices.
SMMirror.com notes that international travel grew sharply in 2024, filling hotels while keeping a steady, relaxed flow of visitors.
You won’t need a car. Most attractions are close together, and public transit covers what’s not walkable. Rent a bike or hop on the Big Blue Bus — locals use it daily, and it’s clean and simple. The city also runs the Park Santa Monica app for affordable, real-time parking updates.
If you want to branch out, LAEDC.org says the greater Los Angeles region attracts about 50 million visitors yearly, making it easy to pair Santa Monica with nearby Venice or Malibu for day trips.
Read more: 9 Unique Experiences in Santa Fe, New Mexico You Can’t-Miss.
FAQ: Things to Do in Santa Monica
- What is the best time of year to visit Santa Monica?
Spring and fall usually offer warm days and fewer crowds. The beaches feel relaxed, hotels cost less, and the sunsets stay stunning. Summer brings more people, but the atmosphere feels lively if you don’t mind a bit of buzz.
- Can you visit Santa Monica without a car?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest coastal cities to enjoy car-free. You can rent bikes, hop on the Big Blue Bus, or walk between most attractions. Many hotels also loan out beach cruisers for guests.
- Are the beaches free and open to everyone?
They are. Santa Monica’s beaches are public, with free access from sunrise to sunset. You’ll find clean restrooms, volleyball courts, and lifeguards on duty near the main pier.
- What are the best spots for first-time visitors?
Start with the Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, and the Oceanfront Path. Then spend a few hours downtown at Third Street Promenade or grab lunch at one of the rooftop cafés. If you have extra time, hike Temescal Canyon for ocean views.
- Is Santa Monica safe for solo travelers?
Yes, it’s friendly and well-patrolled, even after dark. Stay on main streets, avoid empty stretches of beach late at night, and trust your instincts. Many solo travelers describe it as welcoming and easy to navigate.
- Where can you watch the sunset in Santa Monica?
The pier, Palisades Park, and Temescal Canyon’s ridge trails are all favorites. Each offers a different view — the pier gives you the Ferris wheel glow, the park gives peace and palms, and the canyon gives height and silence.
- What’s one local habit worth trying?
Locals bike or walk everywhere. Start your morning with a ride along the coast or grab a smoothie after a short hike. It’s a small change that instantly makes you feel part of the rhythm here.
Conclusion: Finding Your Pace in Santa Monica
Santa Monica has a way of slowing you down in the best way. You start the day chasing sunlight and end it watching the sky fade over the pier. Between those hours, you’ll walk, taste, listen, and breathe — all without rushing.
If there’s one lesson the city teaches, it’s to live by the ocean’s pace: calm, steady, and always present. Whether you’re here for the weekend or a week, that rhythm stays with you long after you leave.
I’d love to know — what moment in Santa Monica would you want to experience first?
Drop your thoughts below or share your own favorite spots in the comments. I read every comment,
