Check into your ocean‑view hotel and start with a leisurely stroll along the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can snap photos of the historic carousel and soak up the lively atmosphere of Pacific Park.
Spend a relaxed afternoon on Santa Monica State Beach, walk the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and browse the stylish boutiques and cafés of Third Street Promenade for lunch.
Watch a breathtaking sunset from the pier, then enjoy a romantic dinner at The Bungalow, a chic beachfront lounge known for its fire‑pit seating and fresh seafood.
Begin with a walk along the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, catching street performers, the iconic Muscle Beach Venice gym, and the colorful Venice Skate Plaza.
Wander the serene Venice Canals, then head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for boutique shopping and a gourmet lunch at Gjelina, famed for its wood‑fire dishes.
Return to the beach for a sunset view, followed by dinner at The Butcher's Daughter, a popular plant‑based spot with a bohemian vibe.
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, stopping at the historic Malibu Pier and the surf‑friendly Surfrider Beach for a quick coffee and ocean breeze.
Enjoy a farm‑to‑table lunch at Malibu Farm Café on the pier, then hike the dramatic cliffs of Solstice Canyon or explore the sea caves at El Matador State Beach.
Catch the sunset from El Matador’s rugged shoreline, then indulge in an upscale dinner at Nobu Malibu, where you can savor Japanese‑Peruvian cuisine with Pacific views.
Stroll down world‑renowned Rodeo Drive, peeking into designer boutiques and stopping for a coffee at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge.
Relax in the fragrant Beverly Gardens Park, then explore the historic Greystone Mansion & Park, a perfect spot for a quiet walk among manicured lawns.
Dine at Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant Spago Beverly Hills, followed by a nightcap at a nearby rooftop lounge for city lights.
Visit The Broad museum to admire contemporary art, then marvel at the sweeping curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall just across the plaza.
Grab lunch at Grand Central Market, explore the eclectic shops of The Last Bookstore, and wander the Arts District’s murals before heading to MOCA for more modern masterpieces.
Wrap up with a farewell dinner at Bestia, a celebrated Italian eatery, and sip a final cocktail at Perch, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica Pier | Free (parking $5‑$10) |
| Pacific Park | $15‑$30 |
| Santa Monica State Beach | Free |
| Muscle Beach (Santa Monica) | Free |
| Third Street Promenade | Free |
| The Bungalow (dinner) | $30‑$60 per person |
| Venice Beach Boardwalk | Free |
| Muscle Beach Venice | Free |
| Venice Canals | Free |
| Abbot Kinney Boulevard | Free (shopping varies) |
| Gjelina (lunch) | $25‑$45 per person |
| The Butcher's Daughter (dinner) | $20‑$40 per person |
| Malibu Pier | Free (parking $7) |
| Surfrider Beach | Free |
| Malibu Farm Café | $15‑$30 per person |
| Solstice Canyon (hike) | Free (parking $5) |
| El Matador State Beach | Free (parking $5‑$7) |
| Nobu Malibu (dinner) | $80‑$150 per person |
| Rodeo Drive | Free (shopping varies) |
| Beverly Hills Hotel – Polo Lounge (coffee) | $10‑$20 per person |
| Beverly Gardens Park | Free |
| Greystone Mansion & Park | Free |
| Spago Beverly Hills (dinner) | $70‑$120 per person |
| The Broad museum | Free (reserve tickets) |
| Walt Disney Concert Hall (exterior tour) | Free |
| Grand Central Market | $10‑$25 per person |
| The Last Bookstore | Free |
| MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) | $15 per adult |
| Bestia (dinner) | $70‑$120 per person |
| Perch rooftop bar | $15‑$25 per person |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $850‑$1,250 (including meals, parking, entry fees, and modest shopping) |
Tour Operator Urban nature & discovery walking tours
Garden Safaris offers immersive, guided walking tours that reveal the hidden natural beauty of Santa Monica. We specialize in urban “safaris” that blend gardens, architecture, secret stairways, canyon paths, and ocean views into unforgettable local adventures. Led by knowledgeable guides, our tours go beyond typical sightseeing, inviting travelers to explore peaceful, lesser-known landscapes and discover the stories, design, and nature woven into the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing garden stroll or an active scenic hike, Garden Safaris turns the city into a living outdoor escape.