Exploring Santa Monica, California in 5 Days

• Day 1: Start your day with a stroll along Santa Monica State Beach, taking in the ocean sights and sounds. Walk to the Santa Monica Pier, where you can explore the Pacific Park amusement park and check out the scenic views from the ferris wheel. Afterward, head over to the Bergamot Station Arts Center to explore some contemporary art galleries.
• Day 2: Begin your day by driving to the Palisades Park to watch the sunrise. Next, head over to the Santa Monica Mountains to hike the moderate 3.8 miles Westridge Trail. Continue on to The Getty Villa where you can immerse yourself in ancient Grecian and Roman artwork and artifacts.
• Day 3: Spend the day enjoying the sun and waves at Malibu Surfrider Beach. Grab lunch at local hotspot Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Cafe, where you can indulge in fresh seafood while taking in the ocean view. Afterward, take a scenic drive along the winding Pacific Coast Highway.
• Day 4: Start the day by taking a yoga class at the stunning Annenberg Community Beach House. Afterward, visit the iconic Beverly Hills to go shopping and dine at the celebrity-favorite spot The Ivy Restaurant. End your day with a visit to the Electric Fountain, where water jets dance to music and lights.
• Day 5: Spend your final day exploring Santa Monica's local attractions. Start with a visit to the Santa Monica History Museum to learn more about the city's cultural heritage. Next, visit the Third Street Promenade, a popular shopping and dining area. End your day at the California Heritage Museum, where you can learn more about the state's rich history.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Santa Monica State Beach (Flexible, Free)
• Santa Monica Pier (Flexible, Free)
• Pacific Park (Flexible, Rides Vary in Price)
• Bergamot Station Arts Center (2 Hours, Free)
• Palisades Park (Flexible, Free)
• Santa Monica Mountains (4-5 Hours, Free)
• The Getty Villa (2-3 Hours, Free with Reservation)
• Malibu Surfrider Beach (Flexible, Free)
• Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Cafe (1-2 Hours, $15-$30)
• Beverly Hills Shopping (Flexible, Varies in Price)
• The Ivy Restaurant (1-2 Hours, $30-$60)
• Electric Fountain (Flexible, Free)
• Santa Monica History Museum (2 Hours, $5)
• Third Street Promenade (Flexible, Varies in Price)
• California Heritage Museum (2 Hours, $10)
• Total Estimated Costs: $60-$105 per person

Transportation

Travelers can rent a car or use ride-sharing apps to get around Santa Monica, and the estimated daily cost for transportation is $30-$50. However, many of the attractions are within walking distance of one another, so travelers can also enjoy a leisurely stroll on many days.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider spending an additional day exploring the nearby city of Venice, where you can walk the iconic Venice Boardwalk and browse local boutiques. For those with less time, consider combining days 2 and 3 into one adventurous day of hiking and beach time.