Start your day with a peaceful stroll along Palisades Park, where manicured lawns and cliffside views offer sweeping vistas of the Pacific and Catalina Island; pause at a bench for sunrise light on the ocean and watch local joggers and dog-walkers set the pace. Then head down to the lively Santa Monica Farmers Market (if open) to sample fresh pastries, locally roasted coffee, and seasonal fruit-perfect for a picnic on the grass-before wandering into the sculpted green spaces and fountains of Tongva Park to relax, people-watch, and take photos before the Pier crowds arrive.
After a morning in the parks, make your way to the iconic boardwalk: ride the vintage Ferris wheel and sample seaside snacks at Pacific Park, then stroll the wooden planks to watch surfers and kiteboarders below. Continue along the oceanfront toward the lively shops and street performers on Third Street Promenade, where you can pop into independent boutiques, cool down with gelato, and catch live music as the sun leans west.
As the sun dips, wander up to Montana Avenue for a relaxed dinner at a neighborhood bistro and a stroll past boutique shops and wine bars-it's a quieter, local counterpoint to the busy waterfront. After dinner, head back toward the coast for a twilight walk along the strand to the Santa Monica Pier's glow (viewed from the nearby benches and boardwalk rather than repeating the Pier attractions), then finish with craft cocktails or dessert at a nearby rooftop or seaside lounge to listen to waves and watch lights shimmer on the water.
Begin with a relaxed coffee and pastry at Urth Caffé on Main Street before browsing independent shops and boutiques along Main Street and the quieter side streets-look for vintage finds and local designers. Wander into the sunlit lawns and sculpted pathways of Clover Park to picnic on your market purchases, then stroll over to the lively open-air stalls of the Third Street Promenade to catch a street performer and window-shop unique local brands as the neighborhood wakes up.
Head toward the seaside greenway and settle into Clover Park for light people-watching, then rent a bike from a beach vendor and pedal the strand south toward the creative sculptures of Tongva Park, where winding pathways and water features invite a relaxed exploration. Break for a late-afternoon snack at Blue Plate Taco (or another Third Street eatery) on nearby Ocean Avenue, then wander back through the quieter side streets to discover independent galleries and vintage boutiques along Montana Avenue, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs before evening plans.
As twilight falls, wander toward the quieter north end of town for a relaxed dinner at Café Montana (a cozy neighborhood spot) or seasonal small-plates at Elephante Rooftop to enjoy ocean breezes and sunset views. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated pathways of Palisades Park to watch city lights come alive, then finish the night with a craft cocktail at The Lincoln or a scoop of artisanal gelato from Dolce Gelato as you soak in the seaside atmosphere.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Palisades Park | Free |
| Santa Monica Farmers Market | Free |
| Tongva Park | Free |
| Pacific Park (Pier rides - Ferris wheel) | $7 |
| Santa Monica Pier (boardwalk & general access) | Free |
| Third Street Promenade (shopping / street performers) | Free |
| Montana Avenue (dinner at neighborhood bistro - per person estimate) | $35 |
| Sunset walk along The Strand / beachfront benches | Free |
| Rooftop or seaside lounge (craft cocktails / dessert - per person) | $25 |
| Urth Caffé (coffee & pastry) | $10 |
| Main Street shopping (browsing / purchases - estimate) | $20 |
| Clover Park (picnic / park access) | Free |
| Bike rental (beach vendor, 2-4 hours) | $20 |
| Blue Plate Taco (late-afternoon snack / casual meal) | $25 |
| Elephante Rooftop (dinner - per person estimate) | $45 |
| Café Montana (dinner - per person estimate) | $30 |
| The Lincoln (craft cocktail) | $15 |
| Dolce Gelato (artisanal gelato) | $6 |
| Santa Monica Pier Aquarium | $7 |
| Parking / transit (approx. per person per day) | $10 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $333 |