The Best 5 Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of our favourite places ever. The vibe, the people and the beach should make it top of your list for the West Coast of California.
Santa Monica
1. Bike Riding
Do yourself a favour and hire some bikes while in Santa Monica. The wide, flat bike path along the beach front is the most perfect ride, especially just before the sunsets. Hiring a bike is easy as there are lots of bike hire places dotted along the bike paths. Ride from the Pier to Venice Beach and back. Lots of playgrounds and people watching along the way.
Bike riding
2. 3rd Street Promenade
The 3rd Street Promenade is a paved pedestrian area that has shops and restaurants and lots of entertainment. There is often buskers and people watching to keep you entertained. 3rd Street is an easy stroll from the Pier.
3. Santa Monica Pier
The Pier is the place to be and the heart of Santa Monica. it is like a fair ground on the ocean. After your bike ride find a bike rack to park your bikes and go for a wander along the Pier. Grab a bite to eat, head to the rides and watch the fisherman at the end of the Pier. If you are as lucky as us you will spot the seal that loves to hang out at the end of the Pier.
seal at the Pier
sunset over the Pier
4. Venice Beach
Technically not Santa Monica but hard not to love this area so close to Santa Monica Beach. Start at the skateboard park. Either buy a board and face your fear by having a skate or hang on the side and people watch these talented riders. The people watching continues along the Venice Beach area with markets, shops and people selling their wares. The gym junkies in the Muscle Gym feel like the quintessential Venice Beach thing.
people watching
5. Sunsets
My love for Santa Monica is mainly due to watching the sun set over the ocean. Grab a seat on the swing set and watch the sun go down. Surrounding the swing sets it is like circus performers practising their talents – from slack liners and the rings the talent is top notch.
For more travel tips and tales for Santa Monica click here.
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I’ve always wanted to go to Santa Monica and your pictures only increase my desire to go! What a fun trip, and Venice Beach is always a fun time!
Thanks we love California
The pier is a classic. Simply can not go to Santa Monica and not go there (and hard to resist the Pier Burger with fries.)
Ooo I haven’t had a Pier burger. I’ll add it to my list of things to do
Food is my biggest driver, and I’ve heard Santa Monica has some amazing places. Bike riding is high on my list, too. Thanks for sharing.