Santa Monica in One Day

  • 9:00 AM: Santa Monica Pier
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

    The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark and popular attraction located in Santa Monica. It’s known for its amusement park, beautiful beach, and various attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy.

  • 11:00 AM: Third Street Promenade
    5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Santa Monica Pier

    The Third Street Promenade is a popular open-air shopping center located in Downtown Santa Monica. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and street performers.

  • 12:30 PM: The Misfit Restaurant and Bar
    1 minute (0.1 miles) from Third Street Promenade

    The Misfit Restaurant and Bar is an American gastropub that offers a seasonal menu with craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

  • 2:00 PM: Pacific Park
    4 minutes (0.2 miles) from The Misfit Restaurant and Bar

    Pacific Park is an amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier. It offers a variety of rides, games, and attractions for all ages.

  • 4:00 PM: Annenberg Community Beach House
    11 minutes (2.5 miles) from Pacific Park

    The Annenberg Community Beach House is a public beach house and pool located on the beach in Santa Monica. It offers amenities such as a pool, beach volleyball courts, and a playground for visitors to enjoy.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Monica Pier (2 hours, Free)
  • Third Street Promenade (1.5 hours, Free)
  • The Misfit Restaurant and Bar (1.5 hours, $30-50 per person)
  • Pacific Park (2 hours, $20-30 per ride)
  • Annenberg Community Beach House (2 hours, $10-20 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $60-120 per person

Transportation

Travelers can easily walk to each location on this itinerary as they are all within close proximity to each other. Public transportation options such as the Big Blue Bus and Metro bus and rail also provide convenient access to Santa Monica. The estimated cost of public transportation is around $2-3 per person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Getty Villa or hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains. For those with less time, consider skipping Pacific Park or the Annenberg Community Beach House to free up more time to explore Downtown Santa Monica or the Third Street Promenade.

Airports

The closest airport to Santa Monica is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is located approximately 8 miles from Santa Monica's city center. Other nearby airport options include Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank and Long Beach Airport (LGB), which are both located within a 45-minute drive from Santa Monica.

Book This Trip
Garden Safaris

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.

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