Things to do & places to visit in Santa Monica, California, United States

The beaches of Santa Monica attract all sorts of visitors-- don't be surprised to see families playing on the sand next to a boot-camp fitness class with a barking instructor. Visit the Santa Monica Pier, a haven of shops, restaurants, and carnival attractions (including a Ferris wheel) atop a wooden wharf. By night, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, and talented street performers.

Santa Monica city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:41.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Broad Stage (12 reviews)
- Fabulous Venue
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

The Broad Stage has an unequivocal commitment to supporting and entertaining a diverse community. By presenting world-class and emerging performing arts, providing transformative educational opportunities and inspiring our audience, The Broad Stage elevates the human spirit and brings us together in shared humanity. See more..
5.0 Adamm's Stained Glass & Art Glass Gallery (6 reviews)
- Not a museum but worth visit.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Galleries

Adamm's represents over 180 of America's best glass artists. We have the largest selection of art glass in Southern California. Here you will find hand-blown vases, sculptures, perfume bottles, paperweights and platters. In addition, we have a wonderful selection of kaleidoscopes and jewelry, both art glass, and gemstones in silver and gold. We ship worldwide. Adamm's is world-renowned for their custom-stained and leaded, beveled and etched glass as well as expert restorations. See more..
5.0 Morgan-Wixson Theatre (5 reviews)
- Drowsy Chaperone at the Morgan Wixson is a Delight!
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre is the oldest theatrical organization in the city, founded in 1946. We produce two full seasons of a wide variety of plays and musicals for adults and youth. Our performers, creative staff, and crew for all our shows come from the community of Santa Monica and the surrounding area. This creates a warm, family-friendly and reasonably-priced entertainment experience for all our patrons. See you at the show! See more..
4.5 Santa Monica State Beach (6.735 reviews)
- Great beach
State Parks • Beaches

The Santa Monica State Beach is a pretty long stretch of beach, and there are paid parking lots down it - with bathrooms and restaurants and playgrounds as well. When visiting LA with my husband and brother this past weekend, I knew I couldn't leave California without walking along the beach and taking in some ocean views. So we picked a parking lot ($7 for the day on a Tuesday; it was pretty empty) and walked along the beach for a bit. It was a grayish day, but it was still lovely to walk along the beach and watch and smell the ocean before heading back to wintery, rainy, gray Nashville. If your visit includes weekdays, I suggest visiting on the beach on a weekday - it was pretty empty! Very relaxing place to visit! See more..
4.5 Third Street Promenade (6.113 reviews)
- A Great Intro to Los Angeles
Shopping Malls

A moviegoer's haven, this colorful three-block stretch, open to pedestrians only, has some 20 movie theater screens, hundreds of stores, numerous restaurants, animal topiaries and street entertainment running the gamut from dancers to fortune tellers. See more..
4.5 Santa Monica Bay (5.345 reviews)
- Lots of nature
Bodies of Water • Beaches

Santa Monica Bay consists of 50 miles of scenic coastline with 22 separate public beaches, providing recreational opportunities to visitors year round. See more..
4.5 26-Mile Bike Path (1.479 reviews)
- Bicycle Highway
Biking Trails • Scenic Walking Areas

Starting at the Santa Monica pier, this is a popular path for biking, jogging and in-line skating along the Pacific Ocean. See more..
4.5 Ocean Avenue (698 reviews)
- Ocean Avenue
Historic Walking Areas

Some of the world's best views are from Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. People enjoy Palisades Park there and the sea views and also the views of the entire Santa Monica Bay from Malibu in the north to Palos Verdes in the South. Usually, Catalina Island is visible as well. For a special treat on a VERY clear day, one can even see Santa Barbara Island. At night enjoy the kaleidoscope of the Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel. All views are remarkable so it's no wonder that many famous people have chosen to visit and to live on Ocean Avenue. See more..
4.5 Palisades Park (566 reviews)
- A great park for a scenic walk with Pacific Ocean and beach views.
Parks

This lush, 25-acre park overlooking the Pacific is a wonderful place for walkers, bikers and people watchers, and connects with the broad Santa Monica beach made famous in TV's "Baywatch" episodes. See more..
4.5 Montana Avenue (326 reviews)
- Great street
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A great place to celebrity watch, this 10-block stretch is an eclectic mix of chic, upscale shops ranging from furniture to fashions and interspersed with cafes, coffee shops and restaurants. See more..
4.5 Santa Monica Mountains (287 reviews)
- Beautiful!!
Mountains • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Part of the National Recreation Area. See more..
4.5 Tongva Park (221 reviews)
- Oasis amidst the busy Santa Monica Pier
Parks

Great park amidst busy Santa Monica Pier area. It’s literally across the street from the pier. I have been to the Santa Monica Pier many times but had never noticed this place. Things are well maintained here with no trash on the ground. The flowers are blossom right now. I have taken so many flower pictures since they were so pretty. The highlight of the park is the view to the ocean and the pier. During sunset, you can view the spectacular sunset from two platforms. The two dome like structure perch over the park into Ocean Blvd which gives a perfect view of the sunset over the pacific over with the pier as the foreground. Parking is easy for the park as there is a big parking structure on Colorado Blvd across from the pier. 3 hour max for parking but the cost is very cheap, I only paid $2 for 2 hours. See more..
4.5 Santa Monica Farmers Market (175 reviews)
- Huge! Find it all here!
Friday: Flea & Street Markets

Wow what a place! Fruits , vegetables,food,an loads of other things! Free samples,weird and interesting foods,drinks,fruits all grown locally.. would I suggest it ? I'd say DO NOT MISS IT.... Words can't describe the place...just go experience it in person See more..
4.5 South Bay Bicycle Trail (153 reviews)
- FANTASTIC! BIKE RIDE!!!!
Biking Trails

A must do! It's a great way to get exercise and see the different beaches. You can rent a bike at Santa Monica, Venice or Marina Del Rey. Here's a couple of links to help plan out your route. http://www.labikepaths.com/bike-paths/south-bay-along-the-beach/ https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ie=UTF8&msa=0&z=11&mid=z17ciwecSJDk.k9Rm4MuN_9Vo See more..
4.5 Annenberg Community Beach House (134 reviews)
- Take advantage of a historic tour
Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers • Art Galleries • Historic Sites

The Beach House is a unique community destination. With spectacular views, splash pad, playground, gallery, Marion Davies Guest House, beach courts & fields, community & cultural events, historic pool, free wi-fi, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Site hours change seasonally. Call or check our website annenbergbeachhouse.com to confirm hours of operation. The Beach House is also available to rent for private events and as a location for filming. See more..
4.5 Santa Monica Public Library (130 reviews)
- wonderful Library
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Libraries

terrific location and peaceful place to relax and get a great book or dvd and enjoy a walk to the beach with your new found literary treasures See more..
4.5 Museum of Flying (73 reviews)
- A must for visitors of all ages to Santa Monica! Packed with history about flying and fun for children!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • Children's Museums

Originally established in 1974 as the Douglas Museum and Library, the Museum first opened in 1979 at 3200 Airport Avenue. The Museum was founded by Donald Douglas Jr, the second President of the Douglas Aircraft Company. Construction began on the new Museum in early 2010 and the Museum celebrated its grand opening to the public in the new building on February 25, 2012. The Museum collection consists of the many original artifacts related to the Douglas Aircraft Company, a variety of exhibits, aviation art, and features an array of aircraft from a Wright Flyer replica! See more..
4.5 Santa Monica History Museum (24 reviews)
- GREAT SMALL LOCAL MUSEUM
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Discover. Explore. Experience. Since 1975 we've been sharing the rich history of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Bay area. Visit us! With one of the largest image archives in Southern California, our galleries and interactive exhibits are an exciting way to bring history alive and explore the fascinating past of our city. We also offer a gift shop, historical photo reprint sales, research services; and throughout the year present lectures, book signings, workshops, and tours. See more..
4.5 L.A.'s Iconic Lifeguard Towers (23 reviews)
- Santa Monica by the sea
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Capable Lifeguards housed in towers save locals & tourists alike. Weak swimmers bobbing & boogie boarding visit the beach in droves. See more..
4.5 Santa Monica Playhouse (20 reviews)
- Wonderful Playhouse for Everyone
Theaters

Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Playhouse is an internationally acclaimed professional intimate theatre and educational conservatory, presenting exciting year-round Main Stage productions, Family Theatre musicals, workshops for youth, pre-schoolers and adults, classes in private and public schools and birthday parties from its jewel of a theatre space at 1211 4th Street. In almost half a century of operation it has garnered over 200 awards and commendations. See more..
4.5 Route 66 End of the Trail Sign (19 reviews)
- Great iconic sign
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This iconic sign marks the end of the historic Route 66 which goes from Chicago to Santa Monica (2450 miles) spanning 3 time zones. Easy to take a photo of anytime but we found it best early in the morning when not many people around. Nothing appears to open until approx. 10am. See more..
4.5 Edgemar Center for the Arts (19 reviews)
- A Night at The Black Cat Cabaret in Santa Monica
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Theaters

Michelle Danner Acting Studio offers:* The Actor's Golden Box: With Michelle Danner* Audition for Film & Television: On-Camera Cold Reading* Scene Study, Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced* Improv Workout* Casting Director Workshop* Voice intensives level 1 & level 2*Brad Garrett the Emmy Award winning star of EverybodyLoves Raymond Teaching a sitcom/comedy intensive*3, 6 & 12 month WELL ROUNDED ACTOR INTENSIVES AVAILABLE DON’T MISS THE FREE INFORMATIONAL SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT ALL THE CLASSES & MEET WITH MICHELLE DANNER CALL OR E-MAIL Michelle Danner is an actress and acting coach. Her student list include Catherine Bell, Gerard Butler, Common,Penelope Cruz, Justin Chatwin, Marcia Cross, Zooey Deschanel, Rob Estes, Isla Fisher, Rick Fox, James Franco,Salma Hayek, Sally Kellerman, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Christian Slater, Gabrielle Union, Justine Waddell and numerous others. She teaches internationally in Europe, Toronto, Vancouver, Dubai, Los Angeles and New York. MICHELLE DANNER'S techniques emcompasses Meisner, Lee Strasberg, Adler, Uta Hagen, Chekov, & the Stanislavsky Technique.Study Acting & work in HollywoodM1 visa sponsorship available for the 6 and 12 month programMichelle Danner Los Angeles Acting SchoolWELL ROUNDED ACTOR TRAINING INTENSIVE.*The Actor's Golden Box: With Michelle Danner*Audition for Film & Television: On-Camera Cold Reading*Scene Study, Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced*Improv Workout*Casting Director Workshop*Voice intensives level 1 & level 2*Brad Garrett the Emmy Award winning star of Everybody Loves Raymond Teaching a sitcom/comedy intensive atTO REGISTER FOR THESE PROGRAMS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL. SPACE IS LIMITED. See more..
4.5 Angel's Attic (9 reviews)
- A great little, forgotten place.
Speciality Museums
Victorian mansion museum filled with dolls, dollhouses and other collectible items; high tea is also served. See more..
4.0 Santa Monica Pier (19.2k reviews)
- Santa Monica Pier
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks

This hundred-year-old wooden pier offers superb views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. Catch the sunset from the fishing platform at the farther end of pier, though be warned, it can get pretty busy at the height of summer. As one of the most famous wharfs in the L.A. area, there are plenty of eateries, souvenir shops, street performers and things to do—don't miss the adjoining amusement park, which features a giant Ferris wheel, a high-tech arcade, and other thrilling rides. You can visit Santa Monica Pier, along with L.A.’s other iconic spots such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood on a guided tour. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Pacific Park (1.043 reviews)
- Try to avoid the crowds, so much fun
Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Located on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park® is the family place to play! Featuring 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and Pacific Wheel, the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Millions of visitors each year enjoy all the rides, games and fun you’d expect from one of Southern California’s leading entertainment destinations. Pacific Park® has it all… a dozen rides, midway games, ocean-front specialty food outlets, and seaside shopping. See more..
4.0 Santa Monica Place (327 reviews)
- The New Santa Monica Place - Worth Checking Out
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

Urban. Beach Chic. This is Santa Monica Place. A LEED Gold certified shopping and dining retail resort destination. Designed to reflect the trend-setting fashion appeal of Santa Monica, this one-of-a-kind world-famous city by the beach serves up gorgeous ocean views, fabulous fashion, and perfect dining inside & out offering the very best of Southern California cool. Santa Monica Place is a sophisticated, must-visit destination delivering three levels of exciting retail and dining. From Nordstrom to an innovative Bloomingdale's concept store and an array of the city's best shops - Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Emporio Armani, Burberry Brit, Barneys New York, Tory Burch, Kitson, Nike, kate spade new york, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Ted Baker London, AllSaints Spitalfields, 7 For All Mankind, Le SportSac, Coach, True Religion, Diane von Furstenberg, Uniqlo, Kooples and more - Santa Monica Place is the epicenter of relaxed, celebrity-inspired style. See more..
4.0 Santa Monica Yacht Harbor Sign (291 reviews)
- ICONIC SIGN and Roadside attraction
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Date of Visit: Sunday, Dec 15th, 2019 Do you love Route 66? Do you love iconic attractions? This is a must visit for anyone who loves these things. It is a cool sign at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica Pier is the terminal ending of the ROUTE 66. See more..
4.0 Heal the Bay Aquarium (272 reviews)
- Try to visit if you can
Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Aquariums

Heal the Bay Aquarium is a marine education facility, which inspires understanding and conservation of Southern California coastal waters, watersheds and marine life through education, interaction and discovery. Located beach level, just below the Carousel at the Santa Monica Pier, the Aquarium is open to the general public daily. Over its 18 years of operation, the Aquarium has welcomed more than one million visitors during public hours, and in-house education programs have reached close to 200,000 students. Heal the Bay is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy and clean. To fulfill our mission, we use science, education, community action, and advocacy. See more..
4.0 Santa Monica Visitor Center (91 reviews)
- Very helpful
Visitor Centers

When you complete Route 66 go and find the Santa Monica Visitor Center, the staff are very helpful and can organise a certificate to show you have completed Route 66. See more..
4.0 Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome (56 reviews)
- amazing Carrousel
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Date of Visit: Sunday, Dec 15th, 2019 When you are on Santa Monica Pier, be sure to visit the LOOFF Hippodrome Carousel. I love classic and historic merry-go-rounds, and the LOOFF ones are amazing. We visit these carousels as often as possible and there is a Fabulous one on Santa Monica Pier. IT is beautiful, it has amazing characters/animals, and awe inspiring craftsmanship. Take some time and appreciat this beautiful piece of history and artisty and ride the Carousel many times - chosing different animals each time. See more..