This seaside city is swimming with style. Stroll along Santa Monica pier, the location for many a movie – and ride the romantic 1920s carousel. Watch the rolling waves as you relax on the three-mile long sandy beach, or visit the designer boutiques that have made their home along the promenades. And as the sun dips, dine on freshly caught lobster and cocktails, overlooking the shore.
BEACHES
Bathed in sunshine, Santa Monica’s beaches are difficult to resist. If you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger, wander along the boardwalk to the pier. Its vintage attractions have a charm all of their own. Further on still is the renowned Muscle Beach where locals work out on the sand.
SHOPPING
A paradise for shoppers, Santa Monica’s streets are lined with everything from vintage stores to high-end boutiques. Depending on what ‘strip’ you’re on, you’ll notice a totally different character to the shops. Head to Santa Monica Place for well-known brands and Montana Avenue for designer goods. Or Pico Boulevard for its music shops.
ART
There are over 90 galleries and museums across the city. Visit the Bergamot Station Arts Center – the epicentre of Santa Monica’s arts scene – and spend some time in the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMoA). Here you’ll find a vibrant contemporary collection. But if you can’t bear to leave the California sun, keep an eye open for the fantastic murals and sculptures in the city’s parks, streets and even on the beaches.
Come back to the Santa Monica pier at night. You can watch the Ferris wheel light up and perhaps catch an outdoor movie.
