Things to do
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.