Santa Monica is a great place to visit, with lots of things to do and see. But if you’re visiting for the first time, or just looking for suggestions for your next trip there, you might be wondering how to make sure that your time in Santa Monica is as enjoyable as possible. Santa Monica and nearby towns like Palm Springs have plenty of great things to do that are beneficial for your mental health. Here are some of the best options.
Visit the Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a great place to get some exercise and take in the ocean views. You can rent bikes, rollerblades, or even surfboards from the shops around there. If you’re not feeling quite so adventurous, you can also go for a walk or jog along the pier. The fresh ocean air, being around people, and getting some sunshine can act as a great mood boost when you need it.
Go to the Beach
One of the best ways to enjoy Santa Monica is by going to the beach. The beaches are clean and pristine, and there are plenty of things to do here. You can swim or walk along the shoreline, or just sit and watch the waves roll in. You can even go for a run on the beach if you’re feeling extra ambitious. One great thing about this area is that it has beautiful weather throughout much of the year, so you can visit any time of year without having to worry too much about bad weather ruining your beach experience.
Some of the fun things to do at the beach include swimming, taking the dog for a walk, and even working out. All of these are great for your mental health. In fact, when you go to rehab near Palm Springs or even here in Santa Monica, they often recommend making activity part of your daily routine for recovery. Going to the beach offers a great environment that’s good for your mental health and can be a good part of your recovery process.
Watch the Sunset
Have you ever sat and watched the sun sink below the horizon? Sunset is a great time to relax and reflect on the day. It can help you process your thoughts and the events of the day as well. This is beneficial for your mental health and can improve your ability to cope with difficult things. You can do this with a loved one or by yourself, either way, you’ll get a boost of Vitamin D before the sun goes down and feel refreshed. If you’re an artist, take a picture of the sunset so you can paint or draw it later.
Check out the Different Parks and Gardens in Town
Palisades Park is an amazing place to spend a day or afternoon in. It has a rose garden, picnic areas, and an incredible view. The park itself is huge and beautiful, so you can easily spend hours there without feeling bored or like you’ve seen everything already.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). This area offers hiking trails and lots of natural beauty. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve mental health.
Spend Time in Your Favorite Place to eat or Drink
Enjoying your favorite food or drinks on occasion can give you a mood boost that you can’t get elsewhere. Whether you like a quiet cup of coffee at one of Santa Monica’s many cafes or you prefer specialty appetizers and great wines, there are plenty of great places in the area to enjoy a snack or a meal. There are even locations that offer live music.
Read a New Book
Whether you need a fiction book to stir your imagination, or you’d prefer a self-help style of book, there are numerous options at the Santa Monica Library. If you need a boost to your mental health, spend some time at the Santa Monica Public Library. You can find a book or magazine that interests you, and sit down to read in the quiet space that is the library.
They also have computers and printers that are free to use as well as group study rooms so you can work on projects together with friends. The library has genealogy resources including census records and old newspapers from all over California. It also has historical maps of Santa Monica, as well as local directories for years going back to the 1800s.
