Santa Monica, California 4-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Take a stroll on the famous Santa Monica Pier and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. Explore the Pacific Park where you can ride the Ferris wheel and roller coaster, and visit the arcade. Have lunch at Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe, a local favorite serving delicious burgers and beers. Spend your afternoon at the Santa Monica State Beach where you can sunbathe, swim, and surf. Catch a beautiful sunset on the beach as you end your day.
• Day 2: Start your day by hiking the Santa Monica Mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the ocean. Visit the Getty Villa, an impressive museum displaying ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture. Have lunch at Fig Restaurant, which serves fresh and locally sourced Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. In the afternoon, wander through the Third Street Promenade, where you can shop, dine, and watch street performers.
• Day 3: Visit the Montana Avenue, an upscale shopping district with various boutiques and cafes. Have brunch at Huckleberry Cafe, known for its organic and locally sourced dishes. Take a tour of the Paramount Pictures lot, the oldest running movie studio in Hollywood. In the evening, catch a live performance at the Santa Monica Playhouse, one of the city's cultural gems.
• Day 4: Spend your day experiencing the local culture. Visit the Bergamot Station, an art gallery complex featuring rotating exhibitions, artists' workshops, and shops. Have lunch at The Independence, a gastropub serving creative American fare and cocktails. Explore the Penmar Golf Course, a public nine-hole golf course with scenic views of the city. End your day with a relaxing beach yoga session at YogaSole.

Time and Cost Estimates:

• Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park (2-3 hours, $30-50)
• Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe (1 hour, $10-20)
• Santa Monica State Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Santa Monica Mountains (2-4 hours, free)
• Getty Villa (2-3 hours, free, parking fee $20)
• Fig Restaurant (1-2 hours, $30-50)
• Third Street Promenade (2-3 hours, free)
• Montana Avenue (1-2 hours, free)
• Huckleberry Cafe (1-2 hours, $20-30)
• Paramount Pictures lot tour (2-3 hours, $60)
• Santa Monica Playhouse (2-3 hours, $30-50)
• Bergamot Station (1-2 hours, free)
• The Independence (1-2 hours, $30-50)
• Penmar Golf Course (2-3 hours, $20-40)
• YogaSole (1-2 hours, $20-30)
Total Estimated Costs: $350-580

Transportation:

Consider taking a car rental for easy access to all destinations. Plan ahead for traffic during peak hours. Parking is available at all tourist sites for a fee, and street parking is limited. Rideshares and public transportation can also be used, with buses and trains connecting the city to the surrounding areas. Expect to spend approximately $60-$80 on transportation costs.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider visiting the Getty Center, the California Heritage Museum, and the Annenberg Community Beach House. If you have less time, prioritize must-see attractions such as the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, and Getty Villa. Make sure to check the opening and closing times of each site to avoid disappointment.