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HomeThings To Do

Things To DoLife’s a Beach in Santa Monica

The Pierside is just the beginning, located steps from beach-side adventures and endless ways to soak up the sun or squeeze in some self-care. It’s also the gateway to our colorful neighborhood, offering eight square miles of culture at the intersection of city and sea.

Vacation Inspiration & Itineraries

Need a little help dreaming up your perfect Santa Monica stay? Explore our all-day itineraries for every type of trip and traveler.

  • Malibu & Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

    Malibu & Pacific Coast Highway Day Trip

    The Pacific Coast Highway is a drive so stunning it doesn’t need an end destination, but postcard-perfect Malibu makes an idyllic stop.
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  • Dine & Shop Like a Local on Abbot Kinney

    Dine & Shop Like a Local on Abbot Kinney

    It’s easy to spend an entire day on Abbot Kinney discovering locally-loved shops, cafés, and eateries minutes from the legendary Venice Beach.
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  • Play Day With The Kids

    Play Day With The Kids

    A Santa Monica getaway offers the best of family fun in the sun, plus plenty of options for spending quality time together.
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  • Historic Venice Beach & Santa Monica

    Historic Venice Beach & Santa Monica

    Between pool dips and cocktail sips, history buffs will find so many ways to peer back in time in the heart of storied Santa Monica.
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  • One-Day Girls' Getaway

    One-Day Girls' Getaway

    Have you been California dreaming of getting the girls together? A short and sweet Santa Monica stay offers unbeatable fun under the sun.
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The Neighborhood

Staying in Santa Monica means all the cultural experiences, local shops, and latte stops you can imagine within wandering distance and the coastline just around the corner. Take a look around.

What's in the Neighborhood

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American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre
Built in 1939, this single-screen theatre offers a unique moviegoing experience, along with other artistic and film-focused programming.
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Bergamot Station Arts Center
Built in an old trolley station, Southern California’s largest creative arts complex is home to over 20 galleries and creative businesses.
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California Heritage Museum
Located in the 1894 Historic Landmark Roy Jones house, this multicultural facility is dedicated to exhibitions that showcase the community’s history and cultures.
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Santa Monica History Museum
This museum houses fascinating exhibits on the life of the Tongva, the original inhabitants of the Santa Monica Bay area, the town’s rise as a resort destination, and more.
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Annenberg Community Beach House
A inclusive community destination located on Santa Monica State Beach, featuring a splash pad, children’s play area, gallery, historic pool, and spectacular views.
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Heal the Bay Aquarium
This Ocean Front Walk marine education facility offers interactive activities focused on the understanding and conservation of Southern California coastal waters.
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Pacific Park
The Pier’s amusement park is packed with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, an arcade boasting over 200 games.
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Santa Monica Pier
An iconic attraction where fishing, fair-style food, and Pacific Park’s world-famous Ferris wheel converge.
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1212 Santa Monica
This vintage-chic two-story restaurant serves up New California Cuisine and late-night vibes.
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Ashland Hill
This relaxed Main Street hangout serves up pub fare, craft beer, and specialty G&Ts. *Dog-friendly patio.
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Bruno's Italian Restaurant
Dig into soul-satisfying Italian staples and handmade pizza in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Courtyard Kitchen
Serving New American cuisine alongside a lengthy wine list, this outdoor courtyard is an all-day hangout. *Dog-friendly patio.
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Del Frisco's Grille
This new American grill serves up cocktails and twists on comfort food overlooking the Pier.
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Elephante
Experience the spirit and cuisine of coastal Southern Italy at this breezy, ocean-view spot.
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Ivy at the Shore
Enjoy inventive cocktails and California cuisine among whimsical, flower-filled décor.
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Massilia
French, Italian, Spanish, and Moroccan flavors blend in this Marseille-inspired brasserie.
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Meat on Ocean
Savor dry-aged meats and order from the charcuterie bar at this surf and turf steakhouse.
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RED O Cantina
Indulge in elevated Mexican cuisine, shareable plates, and craft cocktails on a Pier-view patio.
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Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Find artisanal pizzas and an extensive wine list in this airy restaurant with a patio alongside the Promanade.
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Stout Burgers & Beers
This upscale gastropub pairs innovative burgers with a wide selection of unique craft beers. *Dog-friendly patio.
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Tar & Roses
A globally-inspired culinary experience focused on wood-fired cooking and rotating menus.
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The Albright
Located directly on the Pier, this spot has been serving award-winning seafood since 1977. *Dog-friendly patio.
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The Lobster
A fine dining destination for nearly 100 years, specializing in Maine and California Spiny Lobsters.
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The Misfit Bar & Restaurant
Find comfort food made with local ingredients and handcrafted cocktails at this gastropub. *Dog-friendly patio.
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The Surfing Fox
At The Surfing Fox, each dish is paired with panoramic views of the Pacific, and Santa Monica’s iconic attractions are just around the corner.
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True Food Kitchen
Health-conscious fare and plant-based options take center stage at this sustainable eatery.
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Water Grill
This sleek and nautically-detailed fine-dining restaurant focuses on the freshest seafood.
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Bark Williams
This popular dog spa offers bathing & grooming services, plus a shop with raw pet foods, harnesses & toys.
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Lincoln Bark
Need to drop off the pooch for a while? This nearby doggy daycare offers safe indoor and outdoor play areas.
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Moon Doggy’s Grooming
This nearby spot offers dog grooming services in the heart of Santa Monica.
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Paws & Effect Pet Spa
This tranquil pet stylish salon offers specialized grooming services for your pup’s personal style.
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Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Known locally as “The Strand,” This iconic Santa Monica bike route stretches 22 miles along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance.
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Santa Monica Pier
An iconic attraction where fishing, fair-style food, and Pacific Park’s world-famous Ferris wheel converge.
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Santa Monica Stairs
A destination for fitness enthusiasts of all types, this famous pair of outdoor stairs descends from Adelaide Drive in Santa Monica to Santa Monica Canyon in Los Angeles.
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The Bike Center Santa Monica
Take your pup on a bicycle ride around town. Rent a front-loading electric assist cargo from The Bike Center with a carrier large enough to allow most dog breeds to sit in the front seat.
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The Original Muscle Beach
This dog-friendly famous outdoor gym on Ocean Front Walk features ropes, parallel bars, swings, and more for families and fitness lovers.
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Venice Beach
On the other side of The Pier awaits Venice Beach. Its acclaimed Breakwater is a favorite local surf spot and the only place on the beach where waves break on both sides.
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Christine Emerson Reed Park
This quiet neighborhood park features a children’s playground, two basketball courts, and six tennis courts with lights.
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Herb Katz Dog Park
This 1.25-acre fenced park offers off-leash fun for all pooches, including a separate small dog area. Dog owners visiting Santa Monica will need to receive a temporary permit to visit this park.
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Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Known locally as “The Strand,” This iconic Santa Monica bike route stretches 22 miles along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance.
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Pacific Street Dog Park
This nearby dog park features a fully fenced-in play space, a dedicated off-leash area, and water fountains for humans and pups alike.
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Palisades Park
Spanning 26 acres along Ocean Avenue, Palisades Park offers stunning ocean scenery, rose gardens, picnic spots, and more.
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Santa Monica State Beach
Stroll 3.5 miles of sandy shoreline and discover parks, playgrounds, bike trails, and the Original Muscle Beach.
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Tongva Park
This six-acre urban oasis and walking park showcases Santa Monica flora, rolling hills, and art sculptures in its four sections.
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Venice Beach
On the other side of The Pier awaits Venice Beach. Its acclaimed Breakwater is a favorite local surf spot and the only place on the beach where waves break on both sides.
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Will Rogers State Park
This 186-acre state park is home to horse stables, a polo field, a riding ring, and a host of trails that feed into other state park systems.
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Blue Plate Oysterette
Known for its lobster roll and raw bar, this upscale-casual restaurant serves California-inspired seafood dishes.
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Pedal... or Not Electric Bicycle Tours
Ride along Santa Monica State Beach to Venice Beach Skate Park and beyond on a guided electric bicycle tour.
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Santa Monica Downtown Walking Tours
Discover downtown Santa Monica’s architecture, history, and culture on a two-hour guided walking tour.
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Six Taste Food Tours
Embark on a tasty tour of Santa Monica that makes stops at five to six eateries across eight walkable blocks.
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Brentwood Country Mart
A Los Angeles institution since 1948, the iconic Brentwood Country Mart is home to organic eateries and Shops including Christian Louboutin, Goop, and James Perse.
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Main Street
Steps from the Pacific is Santa Monica’s walkable Main Street, packed with hotspot restaurants, shops, and galleries.
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Montana Ave
Just a 10-minute drive from The Pierside, This ten-block stretch at Santa Monica’s Northern edge boasts over 150 shops and locally loves eateries.
Santa Monica Place
This outdoor shopping destination spans three levels of Santa Monica’s high-end retailers, plus dining and entertainment.
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Third Street Promenade
An open-air, pedestrian-only shopping destination home to over 80 retailers and vibrant street performances.
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Dining NearbyEat Like a Local

  • Surfing Fox 5

    The Surfing Fox

    The Surfing Fox is a chilled-out gathering spot serving up coastal California cuisine on a plate (or in a glass!) with a generous side of good times and vibes.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • A bowl of seafood pasta from 1212 Santa Monica

    1212 Santa Monica

    This vintage-chic two-story restaurant serves up New California Cuisine and late-night vibes.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • Two pints of cold beer from Ashland Hill, Santa Monica

    Ashland Hill

    This relaxed Main Street hangout serves up pub fare, craft beer, and specialty G&Ts. *Dog-friendly patio.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • A sliced sausage pizza from Bruno's Italian Restaurant, Santa Monica

    Bruno's Italian Restaurant

    Dig into soul-satisfying Italian staples and handmade pizza in a relaxed atmosphere.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • Friends toasting with wine at Courtyard Kitchen, Santa Monica

    Courtyard Kitchen

    Serving New American cuisine alongside a lengthy wine list, this outdoor courtyard is an all-day hangout. *Dog-friendly patio.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • Juicy steaks from Del Frisco's Grille

    Del Frisco's Grille

    This new American grill serves up cocktails and twists on comfort food overlooking the Pier.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • Mac & Cheese from Elephante, Santa Monica

    Elephante

    Experience the spirit and cuisine of coastal Southern Italy at this breezy, ocean-view spot.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • A pink cocktail with chips and guac from Ivy at the Shore, Santa Monica

    Ivy at the Shore

    Enjoy inventive cocktails and California cuisine among whimsical, flower-filled décor.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • Sliced rare steak and sauce from Meat on Ocean, Santa Monica

    Meat on Ocean

    Savor dry-aged meats and order from the charcuterie bar at this surf and turf steakhouse.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • Shrimp tacos from RED O Cantina, Santa Monica

    RED O Cantina

    Indulge in elevated Mexican cuisine, shareable plates, and craft cocktails on a Pier-view patio.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
  • A pizza and glass of red wine from Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

    Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

    Find artisanal pizzas and an extensive wine list in this airy restaurant with a patio alongside the Promanade.
    Learn More
    Get Directions
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