A quick guide to Santa Monica, one of the iconic coastal cities in California, from a local’s perspective.
Last updated: September 23, 2024
Visit Santa Monica Like a Local
Set west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is one of the most popular and vibrant neighborhoods of LA. Technically, this oceanfront area is an incorporated city and not a part of the capital of Hollywood. Yet Santa Monica’s close proximity smoothes out all the borders, making it look like a section of the iconic city on the Southern California Coast.
Compared to the noisy downtown LA and upscale Beverly Hills, Santa Monica presents itself as a laid-back, oceanfront paradise with great weather and plenty of beaches to soak up the sun. In a way, the city looks like the world-famous Waikiki area of Honolulu, Oahu, where a surfboard and the ocean keep you on your feet and a long row of eateries and shops, right across the busy road, are ready to replenish all the energy you’ve lost.
In this quick guide to Santa Monica, we’ll see a little bit of everything: some of the best spots where locals like to hang out, shop, and dine. Let’s dive in!
A QUICK LOCAL’S GUIDE TO SANTA MONICA
Things to Do in Santa Monica
1. Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one the most popular places in the city where locals and visitors like to grab a bite, stroll in the evening, and listen to street performers all day long. Here you can get your name engraved on a grain of rice and get a caricature drawing of yourself.
For those who prefer to stick to faster services of budget-friendly eateries, the Santa Monica Pier offers some interesting street food choices that never disappoint. Yet in case you are a picky eater, Japadog (hot dog topped with Japanese ingredients) and churros are always at hand.
The Santa Monica Pier is also home to Pacific Park whose roller coasters, games, and rides on the iconic Ferris wheel will make your visit to this oceanfront city unforgettable. Next to the Pacific Park, you will find Heal the Bay Aquarium. This private-public aquarium offers viewings of over 100 species and hands-on activities, including touch tanks.
2. Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is the epitome of the easy-going, beach culture of the Los Angeles area. The beach unfolds on both sides of the Santa Monica Pier and gathers locals and visitors alike. Spanning over three miles, this sandy stretch of land is a great place to unwind, take a dip in the ocean, surf, sail, and get a healthy dose of vitamin D.
From time to time, you can even spot marine wildlife swimming near the California coast. Occasionally, a large pod of dolphins interrupts casual routine at Santa Monica State Beach, stopping all beach activities and becoming the center of attention.
Note: Due to its popularity, Santa Monica Beach is one of the busiest and dirtiest beaches of all of the Los Angeles neighborhoods.
READ MORE: Top 17 Beaches in Malibu You Ought to Visit
3. Palisades Park
Palisades Park is an extension of Santa Monica’s beach culture and one of the favorite places in the city. Locals frequent this oceanfront park with green grass for all kinds of reasons. Whether they long for a leisurely walk with the ocean views, join an outdoor yoga or meditation class, or spread a blanket and get transformed to far-away places through the pages of a travel book, Palisades Park always has room for everything and everybody.
4. The Third Street Promenade
The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian wall esplanade and a favorite gathering spot where locals and travelers can be seen day and night. Located in downtown Santa Monica, the area offers abundant shopping and dining options and great street entertainment.
5. Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
Who hasn’t heard about the iconic Route 66, one of the original highways and a symbol of the changing America? The famous route that connected Illinois and California allowed millions of people to relocate to the West in search of jobs and better life. Nothing could stop them. Except for the ocean.
And this is exactly what the famous Route 66 End of the Trail Sign, located on the Santa Monica Pier, symbolizes: the end of the greatest American highway, abruptly stopped by the mighty Pacific Ocean.
6. Santa Monica Farmers Markets
A local’s guide to Santa Monica will be incomplete without including four farmers markets. Open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, they offer a wide range of products, from fresh, locally-grown produce and flowers to handmade items, such as skin care products and crystal jewelry.
Where to Eat in Santa Monica
As one of the most popular unofficial neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Santa Monica makes sure to keep its visitors happy and well fed. The city doesn’t have any limitations when it comes to food. From places serving American, Italian, Indian, and Thai cuisines to vegan cafes, Santa Monica is a mecca for every local foodie. Here are a few restaurants you should check out when exploring Santa Monica like a local.
- Go to Barney’s Beanery to have breakfast, which includes American and Mexican dishes all day long.
- Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery offers overstuffed sandwiches in the best Italian traditions.
- Locanda Portofino serves dishes from northern and southern Italian cuisines.
- Chipotle is all you need for a heartier and healthier version of a Mexican burrito or bowl.
- Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café is a kitschy, beach-view bar with affordable drinks and excellent burgers.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is located on the Santa Monica Pier and famous for delicious seafood and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Vegan and Vegetarian Food
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, there is no need to pack your lunch or snack before heading to Santa Monica (unless you want it). This neighborhood of Los Angeles is one of a few places in the city that takes healthy lifestyle and well-being very seriously. The area is loaded with restaurants and cafes that serve vegan and vegetarian dishes. If you want to eat like a local when in Santa Monica, check out the following places.
- The Hive specializes in organic juice blends, kombucha tea, honey shots, and daily panini.
- For a taste of faux meat, head over to Veggie Grill.
- As the name suggests, Thai Vegan is your place for Asian food without a trace of animal products.
- What’s a day like without some indulgence? Frozen Fruit Co has your back. Their plant-based ice cream with natural sweeteners will make you come back over and over again.
Where to Shop in Santa Monica
You can spend the whole day or a couple of days in Santa Monica doing nothing but shopping. Local stores range from small gift and souvenir shops to fancy boutiques and department stores. If you are planning to go on a shopping spree in Santa Monica, start with these places where locals like to spend their money.
1. Third Street Promenade
The famous Third Street Promenade is hands down one of the favorite stops on the locals’ shopping list. Stretching from Wilshire Boulevard to Broadway Street, it’s home to such chain stores as Gap, Adidas, H&M, Forever 21, Sephora, Apple, Barnes and Nobles, and many more.
2. Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica Place is an outdoor shopping center that presents such big names as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Nike, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton. Shopping here is one of the most relaxing experiences ever. Their same-day delivery service allows you to go a full shopping spree without carrying all your “discoveries” from one store to another.
3. Second and Fourth Streets
The Second and Fourth Streets of Santa Monica don’t have any big stores. But these areas are your best spots for unique gifts, many of which are handmade.
