We all know that Santa Monica is desirable to live and visit year-round. With amazing beaches, prime real estate, central location to all of Los Angeles and Orange County, top-Universities, and more, Santa Monica is an oasis in Southern California. There are simply too many things to list on any “things to do in Santa Monica” list, so we’ve highlighted a few things in Santa Monica and the surrounding areas to check out.
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
The picturesque beach and pier that defines Santa Monica’s coast is the one-of-a-kind pier. A throwback to another time and place, the Santa Monica pier provides excellent viewing, a casual walk, the historical “muscle beach,” the vintage pier, soft-sand beaches, and carousel make Santa Monica’s beaches a premier destination.
Pacific Park
The official name of the Santa Monica Pier attractions is Palisades Park, replete with carousel, classic board-walk games that harken to a throwback time on Coney Island or an Atlantic boardwalk. Take a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, or take a spin on the only ocean-front steel roller coaster on the West Coast.
Third Street Promenade
The popular shopping destination stretches from Broadway to Wilshire, known as the Third Street Promenade. Unique boutiques are paired with premier shops like Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Coach. How about the bookstore to keep you intrigued?
Best Restaurants
If you’re looking for some delicious food while in Santa Monica, check out award-winning restaurants Fritto Misto on Santa Monica Blvd., Manchego on Main Street, or Father’s Office on Montana Avenue. But, of course, there’s more to Santa Monica than just beaches and three restaurants. The area is known for its best-of Santa Monica activities that include bars, restaurants, local boutiques, and other attractions.
Other Attractions Outside Santa Monica
One of the benefits of Santa Monica is its proximity to many other attractions around Southern California. From going to Disneyland to catching a game, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained and busy while here.
Disneyland
A short drive to the “Magic Kingdom” can take a visit to Santa Monica to the next level. Enjoy a morning at the beach and spend the afternoon and evening at Disneyland, California Adventure, or take in the ambiance of Disneyland without paying entry by shopping and eating at Downtown Disney.
Venice Beach
Just south of Santa Monica is the world-famous Venice Beach. Known for its eclectic atmosphere and people, Venice Beach is a perfect destination to spend a day at the beach, eating outstanding foods and people-watching.
Sporting Options
Being a suburb of Los Angeles provides many different entertainment options, from concerts and events to college and professional sporting events. The area boasts two-major league baseball teams, two NFL teams, two NBA teams, two Major League Soccer teams, and two NHL teams.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The storied franchise, the Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the more exciting teams in all of MLB and have won the championship as recently as 2020.
Los Angeles Angels: Reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani can be seen pitching, hitting, and playing the outfield for the Angels, who won their only championship in 2002.
Los Angeles Rams: One of the more exciting franchises in all of the NFL is the Los Angeles Rams, winner of the 2021 Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Chargers: The transplant Chargers, formerly of San Diego, boasts one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in football.
Los Angeles Lakers: The iconic franchise in Los Angeles is the Lakers. They are known for the “Showtime” era of Magic and Kareem, the Kobe and Shaq championships, and the LeBron-led Lakers, who won their most recent title in 2020.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers are becoming local fan favorites since the purchase of the team by Steve Ballmer.
Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are the first NHL franchise inspired by a movie released by Disney in 1992. With two NHL teams in Los Angeles, you can see live action, get a head’s up on NHL betting lines, and enjoy the games.
Los Angeles Kings: The heartbeat of Canadian hockey, Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, bringing the Kings to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993 and elevating hockey in Southern California.
LA Galaxy: The standard for soccer in Los Angeles is headlined by the LA Galaxy, once home to world-soccer legends such as David Beckham.
Los Angeles Football Club: The LAFC is the upstart squad to the LA Galaxy and is fighting for the mantle of the top team in Los Angeles.
