There’s no place quite as beautiful as the sunny California coast, with its breezy palm trees, sparkling water, and warm sunshine. A Santa Monica road trip tops many people’s bucket lists, but it does take proper planning to make sure you get the most out of your vacation. Using tools like a trip planner or a car shipping service gives you peace of mind and takes the guesswork out of your travel. We’ve made this guide to help you plan your road trip so you don’t miss any of the delicious coastal dining or fabulous hotels. Whether you’re traveling for a few days or a few weeks, you can enjoy an unforgettable getaway touring the Santa Monica coastline!
Planning a Santa Monica coastal dining itinerary with Westside hotel stays
Santa Monica is home to some of the world’s best dining and luxury hotels with all of the amenities your heart desires. With so many options, the challenge can be knowing which ones to choose and planning your itinerary effectively. When planning your dining itinerary, here are a few questions to consider beforehand:
- Will you eat breakfast at your hotel?
- What type of foods do you want to try?
- Do you prefer quick service, sit-down dining, or a mixture of both?
- What is your budget?
- What are your non-negotiables, i.e., ocean view, price, dress code, etc.?
- Are reservations required, and if so, how far in advance?
You’ll also want to keep in mind your starting and ending locations. You don’t want to accidentally make a reservation at a restaurant that’s in the opposite direction from where you plan to travel. Here are a few tips for creating a successful dining itinerary on your Santa Monica road trip:
- Maximize golden hour – Santa Monica boasts breathtaking scenery, so you’ll want to book sunset dinners to get the most out of golden hour. Consider choosing restaurants like Calabra, which are known for their rooftop dining and spectacular Pacific views.
- Take a walk – While driving along the winding Santa Monica roads is arguably one of the funnest parts of a California road trip, you’ll want to get out and stretch your legs. Areas like Ocean Avenue, Third Street Promenade, and Palisades Park are highly walkable and ideal for strolling after a tasty meal.
- Try diverse foods – Santa Monica is the perfect mixture of upscale dining and casual fare, so you’ll want to try a bit of both. Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at Palma or get lunch on the go with a savory Hot Dog on a Stick along the pier. For dinner, get dressed up and visit Tar & Roses or Meat On Ocean for the perfect mix of high-end and down-to-earth meals.
- Plan ahead – Because of their popularity, many restaurants in Santa Monica require advanced reservations. When planning your road trip, it’s a good idea to call ahead and save your spot so you have a seamless experience when you arrive.
The Westwood area is home to beautiful hotels with numerous amenities to suit any need. You can book directly from the hotel’s site or through a third-party platform like Booking.com. There’s pros and cons for either option, so the one you use depends on what you’re looking for. For example, booking your stay through the hotel directly often allows you to earn rewards that you can later redeem for free stays, while third-party sites may be less expensive and make booking multiple rooms easier. When choosing your hotel, consider the following:
- What amenities will you use (spa, pool, in-hotel restaurant, etc)
- Price
- Proximity to travel route
- Rating and customer reviews
Why luxury travelers worry about vehicle exposure on coastal drives
While a Santa Monica road trip is undoubtedly beautiful, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Since the drive runs along the Pacific Ocean, the air has a higher salt concentration. Salt particles are abrasive to clear coats and paint, which can scratch paint, damage the rubber seals, and lead to dullness over time. Driving along coastal highways increases the chance of damage to your vehicle, since the salt may cause damage as it hits your vehicle at high speeds. Additionally, when paired with higher humidity, it can speed up rust accumulation on suspensions, bolts, and brakes. Luxury vehicles are also susceptible to moisture penetration that can impact wiring harnesses and electrical connectors, which may cause issues with infotainment systems, cameras, and sensors. But it’s not just the salt and humidity that can damage your vehicle; the sun is also a culprit. UV rays increase the paint’s porosity, making it easier for salt to penetrate and leading to blistering, oxidation, and fading. The areas that are most at risk include:
- The undercarriage
- Crevices like trim, handles, and lighthousing
- Horizontal surfaces like the roof, trunk, and hood
Taking extra precautions, like getting regular car washes and using a protective wax finish, can help reduce damage and keep your vehicle safe. Proper storage is also a must, especially if your trip is during the summer months when the humidity is highest.
How enclosed car shipping service supports discreet Westside arrivals
To reduce the risk of damage to their vehicle, many people choose an enclosed car shipping service. A car shipping service carefully loads and transports your vehicle, delivering it to your desired location quickly. It’s the perfect solution to discreet Westside arrivals since the trained drivers can easily navigate Santa Monica roads. How does car shipping work? To start, enter your vehicle information, along with the pickup and drop-off locations. You’ll receive an instant quote for the service with no hidden fees. You can then schedule your shipment and receive your driver assignment. Drivers are carefully vetted and trained to ensure the safe transport of your vehicle. At pickup, you and your driver will carefully inspect your vehicle, noting any existing damage. They then load it into the enclosed carrier and fasten it securely. On arrival, the driver will carefully and discreetly unload your vehicle, and you’ll perform another inspection to ensure it’s in the same condition as you left it, and that’s it! Using a car shipping service is a reliable and stress-free way to transport your vehicle so you can enjoy a worry-free vacation.
What careful handling and insurance coverage mean for premium vehicles
Premium vehicles require extra care and attention to ensure they stay safe and protected during transport. A car shipping service takes these needs into consideration and utilizes careful handling procedures. High-value, luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles are shipped in an enclosed, protected environment that shields them from dust, road debris, and weather. Enclosed trailers typically house fewer cars compared to open carriers, reducing the risk of damage during loading and unloading. Additionally, they often use low-angle ramps or liftgates to prevent damage and scraping for lower vehicles. Soft tie downs are used on the tires instead of the frame, so you don’t have to worry about tension damage to painted components or the suspension. Finally, an air-ride suspension significantly reduces harsh movements and vibrations, ensuring a smooth ride.
Insurance coverage during transport is another benefit of using a car shipping service. Premium vehicles can get coverage matching their full market value, instead of a standard liability minimum. That means enjoying white-glove service with limits that will cover a total loss. While having full coverage insurance provides peace of mind, car shipping is a safe and reliable form of transport. You can have confidence knowing your vehicle will arrive safely, on time to your chosen destination, so you can enjoy your Santa Monica road trip!
Finishing the trip with smooth departures and a polished travel experience
You want your vacation to end as smoothly as it started, which is why your car shipping service lets you book pickup and delivery beforehand. It takes the guesswork out of the process, so you can focus on enjoying your time along the California coast. Here are a few tips to make sure you have a polished travel experience from start to finish:
- Arrive early to your drop-off and pickup location
- Book a hotel near the car shipping meetup location
- Ask questions beforehand so you know what to expect
- Check to make sure you’ve unloaded all luggage before the vehicle departs
- Pre-schedule transportation from your dropoff location to the airport, train station, etc.
A Santa Monica road trip is a beautiful and exciting coastal getaway. When planning your vacation, be sure to check out all of the delicious dining and luxurious hotels along the way. Taking advantage of tools like a car shipping service simplifies your trip, so you can focus on creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family and friends, this is one trip you don’t want to miss!
