Curator’s statement
Santa Monica, California, offers a side of Los Angeles that is easy to overlook. Beyond the famous pier, it combines beautiful beaches, exceptional luxury hotels, great restaurants, wellness, and a relaxed California lifestyle. What I love most is that you can explore as much or as little as you like, whether that means discovering Southern California or simply enjoying a long lunch and sunset by the Pacific. For me, Santa Monica is more than a day trip; it is a destination worth slowing down and staying a while.
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Where to stay in Santa Monica
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Things to do in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Beach yoga and sound bath
Stay by the beach & slow down
One of the best reasons to stay in Santa Monica is simply having the Pacific Ocean at your doorstep. Start the day with a walk along the beach, take your time over breakfast, and leave room in the itinerary to simply enjoy being in California.
Find the right luxury hotel
Santa Monica’s luxury hotels each offer a very different experience. Shutters on the Beach feels like a sophisticated California beach house, Hotel Casa del Mar offers historic glamour and oceanfront character, while Regent Santa Monica Beach is the contemporary choice with exceptionally spacious rooms and a strong wellness focus.
Make time for wellness
Santa Monica is a destination where I would deliberately leave some free time in the itinerary. Whether it is beach yoga, a sound bath, or an afternoon at the spa, the relaxed coastal setting makes it easy to slow down and recharge.
Explore Montana Avenue
Montana Avenue is one of my favorite areas to wander, with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants offering a more local and residential side of Santa Monica. It is a nice contrast to the busier atmosphere around the Santa Monica Pier.
Walk to the Santa Monica Pier at sunset
The Santa Monica Pier is iconic and worth visiting, particularly for first-time visitors to California. I prefer combining it with a walk along the beach around sunset, when you can enjoy the atmosphere without treating it as something to simply tick off a list.
Enjoy a long California lunch
Santa Monica is made for lingering over lunch rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. Find a table with an ocean view, order a few things to share, and let lunch become part of the experience.
Spend an afternoon by the pool or at the spa
A spa afternoon or a few quiet hours by the pool is an easy way to experience the slower side of Santa Monica. Regent Santa Monica Beach’s Guerlain Spa is particularly worth considering for travelers who want wellness to be part of their California getaway.
Use Santa Monica as a base to explore Southern California
Santa Monica works beautifully as part of a wider Southern California itinerary. Spend a few nights by the beach before exploring Venice, Malibu, or other parts of Los Angeles, then return to the Pacific at the end of the day.
Consider flying with JSX
Depending on your itinerary, JSX can make traveling to or from Santa Monica surprisingly easy. If your route is available, flying through Santa Monica Airport offers a very different experience from navigating one of Los Angeles’ major airports.
Places to eat & drink in Santa Monica
Loungers for Shutters or Casa del Mar guests
Élephante
A lively rooftop restaurant with ocean views and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Perfect for a long lunch or sunset drinks.
Cobi’s
A distinctive neighborhood favorite with Southeast Asian-inspired dishes and a fun, eclectic setting. A great change of pace from beachfront dining.
Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar
Oceanfront dining overlooking the Pacific and Santa Monica Pier. I particularly like it for a relaxed breakfast or sunset dinner.
The Lobby Lounge & Cabana at Hotel Casa del Mar
A lovely spot for a drink and something light, especially when you want to stay close to the beach. The cabanas are ideal for a slower afternoon.
Coast Beach Café & Bar at Shutters on the Beach
A relaxed beachfront option for breakfast, lunch, or a casual drink. It’s a great way to enjoy the Shutters atmosphere without committing to a formal meal.
Orla by Michael Mina at Regent Santa Monica Beach
A more elevated dining experience with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, Pacific views, and a beautiful setting. A good choice for a special dinner or weekend brunch.
Need to know
Give Santa Monica at least two to three nights.
It is easy to visit as a day trip from Los Angeles, but I think you get much more from it by staying a few nights and allowing time to enjoy the beach, hotel, and restaurants.
Consider flying into Santa Monica.
If your itinerary works with JSX, Santa Monica Airport is a fantastic alternative to the usual LAX experience. JSX operates from Santa Monica Airport, with check-in recommended just 20 to 30 minutes before domestic departures.
You don’t need a rental car.
Santa Monica is very walkable, with plenty of pedestrian and bike options. Rideshare services are also readily available, making it easy to get around without a rental car.
Don’t over-plan.
This is probably my biggest tip. Santa Monica is at its best when you leave some room in the itinerary for a long lunch, a walk by the Pacific, time by the pool, or an afternoon spa treatment. It is a destination where doing less can actually make the trip better.
Travel Advisor
Miharo by Ken
Ken Yao
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