Begin your coastal escape with a late-morning stroll through the lush Palisades Park, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific from the cliffside paths. Afterward, head down to the shoreline to check out the Original Muscle Beach and the historic Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome as the area comes to life for the day.
Spend your afternoon soaking up the high-energy atmosphere of the Santa Monica Pier, where you can ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park or brave the West Coaster for a bit of adrenaline. Once you've had your fill of the pier, head over to the vibrant Third Street Promenade to explore three blocks of premier shopping and watch talented street performers entertain the crowds.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to a sophisticated seafood dinner at The Lobster, where you can enjoy panoramic ocean views as the pier lights begin to glow. End your first night with handcrafted cocktails at The Bungalow, a trendy, rustic-chic lounge that perfectly captures the relaxed coastal nightlife of Santa Monica.
Start your second day with a peaceful visit to the Annenberg Community Beach House, where you can take in the historic architecture and serene ocean views from the viewing deck. Afterward, head to the sophisticated Montana Avenue for a gourmet breakfast at Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe before spending your morning browsing the upscale boutiques and local art galleries that line this tree-filled residential stretch.
Transitioning from the north end, spend your afternoon wandering through the artistic landscapes and observation decks of Tongva Park, a modern urban oasis near the Civic Center. Afterward, make your way to the eclectic Main Street district to browse unique local boutiques and grab a signature salted caramel latte at Dogtown Coffee, which honors the city's legendary Z-Boys surf history.
For your final evening, savor a vibrant dinner at Cobi's, where the lush, garden-like decor and bold Southeast Asian flavors provide a uniquely local dining experience. Follow this with a visit to Elephante, a stylish rooftop lounge that captures the essence of coastal living with its stunning ocean views and handcrafted cocktails. It's the perfect vantage point to toast your Santa Monica escape as you watch the city lights shimmer over the dark Pacific.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Palisades Park | Free |
| Original Muscle Beach | Free |
| Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome | $3 |
| Santa Monica Pier | Free |
| Pacific Park | $60 |
| West Coaster | Free |
| Third Street Promenade | Free |
| The Lobster | $100 |
| The Bungalow | $50 |
| Annenberg Community Beach House | Free |
| Montana Avenue | Free |
| Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe | $35 |
| Tongva Park | Free |
| Main Street | Free |
| Dogtown Coffee | $20 |
| Cobi's | $75 |
| Elephante | $80 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $423 |