THINGS TO DO
1) Take a stroll on Santa Monica beach and Pacific Palisades Park Bluffs
Pacific Palisades Park is bluff-top park that runs along the beach. You can be sure to catch the most incredible sunsets over the ocean and views of the Santa Monica mountains. The Santa Monica beach stretches along most of Santa Monica itself. Catch some rays on the beach and put your toes in the sand.
2) Third Street Promenade
If you are looking to do some shopping on your visit, the Third Street Promenade has everything you may need. It is a 4 block outdoor shopping mall with shops and restaurants to pick from.
Third Street Website
3) Santa Monica Pier
This west coast staple is the focal point of Santa Monica beach. The pier includes Pacific Park, complete with a ferris wheel, roller coaster and aquarium.
Santa Monica Pier Website
4) Los Leones Hiking Trail
A great alternative to the gym is getting outside and hiking up one of our gorgeous trails. Los Leones Trail is close to Santa Monica an offers amazing views of the Pacific ocean. The trail weaves through lush vegetation in the canyon and then up the mountain. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island!
Los Leones Hiking Trail Website
Address: 510 Los Liones Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Parking is available along the street.
5) Bike the Strand
The Marvin Braude Beach Trail, better known to locals as "the Strand", is a 22-mile paved trail that runs from Will Rogers State Beach and runs through Santa Monica to Torrance Beach in the south. You can rent a bike at Perry's Cafe and Rentals on Santa Monica beach.
Perry's Cafe Website
Address: 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
6) Surf in Santa Monica
Become a true Cali-native and take a surf lesson! The Santa Monica Surf School offers daily lessons for every level surfer.
Santa Monica Surf School Website
Address: 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90405
P: 310-526-3346
7) The Museum of Flying
Santa Monica offers more than just scenic overlooks. The Museum of Flying is located on the Santa Monica airport grounds. It features exhibits related to the Douglas Aircraft Company, as well as other historic planes and replicas. If you are feeling daring, the museum has a Maxflight Simulator, which will simulate flying a variety of different planes with 360 rolls and all.
Museum of Flying Website
Address: 3100 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
P: 310-398-2500
8) Stroll the Getty Villa
Go back in time to ancient Greece and Rome at The Getty Villa. The Getty is an education center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. Over 1,200 works are on display in 23 galleries, with five additional galleries for changing exhibitions. Besides the artwork, the Getty Villa stages performances in the estates beautiful garden.
The Getty Villa Website
Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
P: 310-440-7300
9) Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
Enjoy a meal on the water at local hot-spot Paradise Cove Beach Cafe. This seafood restaurant sits int he sand along a particularly panoramic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. This cafe comes fully stocked with a private beach and cove, so be sure to bring your swim suit for post-lunch sun.
Paradise Cove Website
Address: 28128 Pacific Coast Hey, Malibu, CA 90265
P: 310-457-2503
