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Birthdays are always a great excuse for a vacation, and when celebrating my husband’s this year we decided to head to the west coast to enjoy sunny California for a few days.
We spent a portion of our time in the beachy city of Santa Monica, just west of Los Angeles, which provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway. The sights, sounds and tastes of the area made for a memorable experience, with breathtaking sunsets and plenty of opportunities for entertainment.
Unlike many areas of Los Angeles County that are heavily dependent on having a car to get around, Santa Monica is a walkable city that’s ideal for strolling. Whether you’re walking along the beach, the pier or checking out Ocean Avenue’s restaurants and cafés, feel free to ditch the car in favour of travelling by foot or take the region’s free local shuttle, Circuit.
If you’re looking for a laid-back alternative to bustling Los Angeles, keep reading for my recommendations on what to see and do, and where to stay in Santa Monica. All prices listed in USD.
Things to do in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Pier
Why I love it: The Santa Monica Pier recently celebrated its birthday, marking 115 years of delighting visitors. Debuting on Sept. 9, 1909, the Santa Monica Pier quickly evolved into a popular fishing and boating destination, while its status as an entertainment hub began in 1916. Today, guests can enjoy the rides at Pacific Park, play arcade games and snack on tasty treats for an authentic carnival experience. You’ll also spot the end of the iconic Route 66 along the pier’s boardwalk. The pier is quite touristy, but I recommend a weeknight visit as a great way to unleash your inner child without battling the crowds.
Location: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Price range: Free to visit, but rides, games and snacks start at $10 per person
More information: Santa Monica Pier
Cirque du Soleil: Kooza
Why I love it: With dazzling acrobatics, live music, dance and comedy, Kooza follows the journey of The Innocent, an endearing yet naive clown looking for his place in the world. Many of the sets and costumes are heavy on traditional circus imagery, making for a thoroughly modern clown show. I loved that the pre-show entertainment was interactive, particularly for audience members seated close to the stage, but shy viewers be warned. Plus, the Kooza big top tent is uniquely situated right on the beach, making it the perfect way to end a day of sand and surf. Catch the show while it runs in Santa Monica until Jan. 5, 2025.
Location: 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica
Price range: $69+
How to book: Ticketmaster | Cirque du Soleil
Santa Monica Picnic Co.
Why I love it: If you’re looking for a unique date activity, look no further than the Santa Monica Picnic Co. The company partners with local businesses to curate the perfect beach picnic experience without you having to lift a finger — just show up at your designated time and enjoy an elevated beach picnic. My husband and I enjoyed a two-hour breakfast on the beach with all of the essentials and more: a blanket and table was laid out with a full breakfast spread, along with beach chairs, an umbrella and an assortment of two-person games like cornhole and beach paddleball.
Location: 1200 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica
Price range: $200 for a two-hour beach picnic for two
How to book: Santa Monica Picnic Co.
Where to stay in Santa Monica
Viceroy Santa Monica
Why I love it: Those who prefer a boutique hotel experience will be sure to enjoy the Viceroy Santa Monica. Embellished with colourful exterior murals and contemporary artwork scattered throughout the hotel, it’s an eclectic pick for a fun weekend stay. Book an ocean view room to enjoy the beach even from the indoors. Bike rentals are also available for guests to ride up and down the coastline and make the most of the local beach atmosphere.
Location: 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
Price range: From $345/night
How to book: Booking.com | Viceroy Santa Monica
Shutters on the Beach
Why I love it: For anyone looking to go all out on a luxury Santa Monica stay, consider Shutters on the Beach. Friends who recommended it to me called this hotel “dreamy” — its beachfront property is steps from the sea and sand, as well as the iconic Santa Monica Pier. If pools are more your speed than the beach, guests can also take advantage of poolside cabanas that overlook the ocean. This five-star property was outside my budget this time around, but is on my list should I decide to splurge in the future.
Location: 1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica
Price range: From $750/night
How to book: Booking.com | Shutters on the Beach
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Why I love it: My room at the Hilton Santa Monica was much more spacious than I was expecting — there was a fully separate bedroom and living room area, which meant that my husband and I could comfortably spread out after the end of a long day of exploring. Conveniently located just off the I10 Freeway, getting to and from the hotel was extremely easy, and about a 30 minute drive from LAX. While it was just the two of us on this trip, there were also many families with little ones staying in this hotel while we were there.
Location: 1707 Fourth Street, Santa Monica
Price range: From $233/night
How to book:Booking.com | Hilton
Where to eat in Santa Monica
The Surfing Fox
Why I love it: When you walk inside this restaurant, there’s no doubt that you’re on the California coast. From the bohemian-inspired decor to the fresh seasonal menu, The Surfing Fox is a welcoming retreat. I got the fish tacos with grilled mahi, avocado crema, purple cabbage and carrot escabeche, while my husband raved about the fish and chips with an extra herby tartar sauce. Cocktails (or mocktails) are also a must if you love bright, tangy drinks that feature ingredients like yuzu, passion fruit and pineapple.
Location: 120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
Price range: $40+ per person
How to book: The Surfing Fox
Burgette
Why I love it: For a taste of Canada in Santa Monica, head to Burgette. This upscale bistro serves refined French cuisine with a focus on gourmet burgers and salads, and is the brainchild of Canadian chef, Sean MacDonald. It’s open for lunch and dinner and is a far cry from the airy, laid-back atmosphere of many local restaurants. Instead, you’ll find luxe wood panelling, moody lighting and a sleek curved bar that’s perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and a signature smash burger.
Location: 111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica
Price range: $20+ per person
How to book: Burgette
Dogtown Coffee
Why I love it: No vacation would be complete without exploring the local coffee scene, and Dogtown Coffee is about as local as it gets. The coffee shop occupies the former Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions space on Main St., and pays homage to surf and skate culture with its laid-back vibe and decor. On the menu you’ll find organic coffee, all-day breakfast and lunch, gluten-free and vegan fare. The Havana Latte (also available iced) was a standout treat made with espresso, sweetened condensed milk and steamed milk.
Location: 2003 Main Street, Santa Monica
Price range: $5+
More information: Dogtown Coffee
Urth Caffe
Why I love it: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Urth Caffe has an enormous menu that, admittedly, left me feeling a little overwhelmed. Whether it’s coffee, pizza, salad, sandwiches, brunch, burritos or even lasagna you’re after, Urth Caffe has it on the menu. I recommend taking a look online to decide what you want to eat before heading to the restaurant, as orders are placed first at the checkout and then brought to your table. Also consider grabbing one of their house made pies to go.
Location: 2327 Main Street, Santa Monica
Price range: $10+ per person
How to book: Urth Caffe
Sweet Maple
Why I love it: Originally hailing from San Francisco, Sweet Maple’s Santa Monica location has all of the charms of its original location, including its famous Millionaire’s Bacon that was perfected by chef Hoyul Steven Choi in 2012. The menu features an interesting mix of western brunch and Korean fare, including short ribs, ramyun and galbi. The Gardena soufflegg skillet (soft steamed egg scramble served in a cast iron skillet) was one of my favourite things I ate on the whole trip. The unique coffee creations also won’t be forgotten — I can honestly say I’ve never tried an iced coffee with banana and passion fruit flavour before.
Location: 1705 Ocean Avenue, Unit #110, Santa Monica
Price range: $30+ per person
How to book: Sweet Maple
Prices were confirmed at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
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