Best Places to Visit in Santa Monica
1. With incredible views of Santa Monica Bay, Palisades Park is located along Ocean Avenue, on top of a coastal sandstone cliff.
2. The famous Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 ends, has been a tourist attraction for decades and has a Ferris wheel and roller coaster sitting on the pier.
3. Upscale shops and restaurants with an eclectic atmosphere. The Third Street Promenade is made up of three car-free blocks filled with everything from designer fashion to fabulous gourmet dining.
4. Explore 6 acres of urban oasis in Tongwa Park. This former car park has been transformed into a beautiful landscape of rolling meadows with playgrounds, waterfalls and spectacular structures.
5. The famous Santa Monica State Beach, 3.5 miles long, has a well-groomed, soft sandy beach. Take a scenic bike ride, try a surf lesson, or explore the original Muscle Beach.
6. Aviation History Museum showcases the history of Southern California aviation companies including Boeing, Hughes Aircraft, Lockheed and more.
7. Rent a bike or skates and enjoy The Strand! The Marvin Braude Beach Trail, also known as the “Strand”, is a 22-mile paved trail that contains scenic attractions.
8. Do you like contemporary art? Visit Bergamot Station. This is a complex of upscale art galleries that showcase amazing pieces of contemporary art, making it a must-see.
9. The California Heritage Museum has exhibits of American arts and crafts that change frequently, so there’s always something new to explore.
10. Awarded Best Farmer’s Market by Travel + Leisure, Santa Monica’s Weekly Farmer’s Market attracts both residents and local chefs with food, flowers, fresh fish and more.