Start your morning with a stroll through Tongva Park, where sculpted gardens, winding paths, and ocean views make for a peaceful sunrise walk. Pop over to the lively Santa Monica Farmers Market to sample fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, and local coffee from vendors, then grab a table at Urth Caffé for a leisurely brunch and people-watching before the Pier crowds arrive.
After brunch, wander down to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier for classic seaside fun-ride the Ferris wheel for sweeping ocean views and try the roller coaster or carnival games for a playful energy boost. Then head inland to the bustling Third Street Promenade to browse boutiques, catch a street performance, and pause for a late-afternoon treat at a local gelato or coffee spot while people-watching on the outdoor mall benches.
As the sun dips, wander along Palisades Park for cliffside sunset viewpoints, then descend toward the water for a beachfront stroll on the sand-look for local vendors selling tacos and roasted nuts to nibble. Afterward, settle into a relaxed dinner at a nearby seafood spot (many have patio seating facing the ocean) and cap the night with craft cocktails at a cozy rooftop bar or speakeasy-style lounge within walking distance of the promenade.
Ease into the day with a cliffside walk through Palisades Park, stopping at the bluff-top viewpoints for morning light over the Pacific and a few photos; then drift down to the sand for a peaceful, less-crowded beach stroll toward the north end. After working up an appetite, head to Montana Avenue for brunch-try a sunny patio at a café like a popular neighborhood spot for avocado toast and locally roasted coffee-followed by window-shopping at boutique stores and a quick stop at a specialty bakery for pastries to enjoy later.
Wander south along the sand toward Santa Monica Pier and duck into Pacific Park for a few lighthearted rides-grab a seat on the Ferris wheel for postcard-ready ocean views and snap photos from the boardwalk. After some seaside fun, stroll inland to the lively Third Street Promenade to browse indie boutiques and street performers, then settle at Urth Caffé for an espresso or iced tea and a sweet treat while you people-watch and plan an easy evening on Montana Avenue.
As twilight settles, head to Montana Avenue's quieter west end for dinner at a neighborhood favorite like Blue Plate Taco or Fritto Misto, where bocce-lit patios and fresh seafood plates make for a relaxed, local vibe. After dinner, enjoy a short walk to Ocean Park's beachfront neighborhoods to sample craft ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery and then finish the night with live music or a laid-back drink at The Bungalow Santa Monica, a cozy, Westside hotspot with eclectic decor and ocean-breeze patio seating.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tongva Park | Free |
| Santa Monica Farmers Market | Free |
| Urth Caffé (brunch) | $20 |
| Pacific Park (Santa Monica Pier) - unlimited ride wristband (typical) | $35 |
| Ferris Wheel (Pacific Wheel) single ride | $10 |
| Roller Coaster / individual rides (Pacific Park) | $8 |
| Santa Monica Pier (general access) | Free |
| Third Street Promenade (shopping / street performances) | Free |
| Palisades Park | Free |
| Beachfront stroll / sand area | Free |
| Casual seafood dinner (mid-range restaurant, per person) | $35 |
| Craft cocktails at rooftop bar (2 drinks) | $30 |
| Montana Avenue brunch (café meal) | $22 |
| Boutique shopping (window-shopping / incidental purchases) | $15 |
| Specialty bakery pastries (takeaway) | $6 |
| Sweet Rose Creamery (ice cream single) | $6 |
| Blue Plate Taco (dinner per person) | $30 |
| Fritto Misto (dinner per person estimate) | $28 |
| The Bungalow Santa Monica (cover/drink estimate) | $25 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $333 |