Think of Los Angeles and palm trees, long Californian beaches, roller skaters and sunsets over the Pacific come to mind. Santa Monica brings together much of that coastal atmosphere. West of Los Angeles, this seaside city makes an appealing place to finish a road trip through the American West or along Route 66.
With a relaxed atmosphere and an easily explored beachfront, it deserves more than a brief stop. Here are our ideas for enjoying Santa Monica during your stay in the Los Angeles area.
Santa Monica and the Californian way of life
The beach is more than a backdrop: it is part of everyday life. In the morning, people gather for yoga, running or a quiet moment beside the ocean. Surfers, skaters and beach-volleyball players share the scene, while picnics at sunset bring a slower rhythm.
Walking and cycling are enjoyable ways to explore the seafront and central Santa Monica without spending the day in a car.
Santa Monica Pier and the symbolic end of Route 66
With its retro rides, lights over the Pacific and vintage atmosphere, the Pier is one of California’s familiar sights. Its “End of the Trail” sign marks the symbolic end of Route 66. The historic road terminus is at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard: these are two different locations.
Finishing a road trip here is a memorable moment. To plan the journey, explore our Route 66 motorcycle tour.
Pacific Park adds its amusement-park atmosphere, with a solar-powered Ferris wheel overlooking the coastline. As the sun sets and the Pier lights come on, it is a good place to linger.
Explore the coast by bicycle
Cycling is one of our favourite ways to enjoy Santa Monica. The coastal cycle route lets you ride towards Venice Beach, its street performers and Muscle Beach, taking breaks whenever you wish.
Bike, skate and roller-skate rental businesses operate near the beach. Choose a few hours or a full day according to the distance you want to cover, and check the rental conditions.
Where to eat in Santa Monica
The city offers a broad choice, from casual American food to more elaborate meals overlooking the ocean. Brunches, Mexican cooking and Californian-style cafés provide plenty of variety.
The Lobster is a well-known address near the entrance to the Pier, with views towards the ocean. Check its current menu and opening times before planning a meal. Local farmers markets are another option for fresh produce, takeaway food and a different view of daily life.
Street art, galleries and shopping
Santa Monica has an artistic identity beyond the beach. Murals, galleries and exhibitions can enrich a walk around Ocean Avenue or Third Street Promenade. Shops, independent stores and cafés offer reasons to pause between discoveries.
A cinematic atmosphere
The beachfront and lifeguard towers feel familiar from films and television. That sense of recognition is part of Santa Monica’s appeal. Check local cultural listings for any outdoor screenings or events during your stay, rather than assuming a particular programme runs every summer.
Where to stay
Santa Monica offers hotels with a range of styles, including upscale oceanfront properties. Compare location, room category and access to the beach when choosing. The Sea Blue Hotel is an option to explore for a retro coastal atmosphere; check availability and current services before booking.
Should you keep your rental vehicle?
If your final days focus on the beach and central Santa Monica, walking and cycling may be enough. A vehicle can still be useful for more distant visits in Los Angeles or California. Weigh that need against parking and alternative transport.
Do not return your car or motorcycle early without checking the contract, return location and tour arrangements with the operator. Plan luggage transport, journeys to attractions and the airport transfer too. On a guided tour, follow the agreed end-of-trip arrangements.
Our Planet Ride advice
After days on the roads of California, Arizona or the national parks, Santa Monica offers a chance to slow down. Leave time for the ocean, sunsets and the blend of surfing, cinema and coastal life, rather than filling every hour.
Independent stay or Los Angeles extension?
You can arrange an independent stay to enjoy the beach, Pier and cycling at your own pace. The suggestions in this guide are not automatically included in a Planet Ride booking.
Our 2-day, 2-night Los Angeles extension offers a pre-booked programme including:
- 2 hotel nights in Santa Monica, in a double or twin room at a 3- or 4-star property;
- a 2-hour open-top bus tour to discover Hollywood and Beverly Hills, with a French-language audio guide;
- one general admission ticket to Universal Studios per person.
Airport–hotel transfers, hotel breakfasts and meals and drinks not mentioned are excluded. Universal Express Pass is not included in general admission. The French-language audio guide does not mean a private guide accompanies all your visits; confirm other language options if needed.
Before booking, confirm dates, availability and how the extension fits the end of your tour. Independent sightseeing in Santa Monica remains separate from the booked services.