Discover Santa Monica: A One-Day Itinerary

  1. 9:00AM: Santa Monica Pier
    Located along the coastline, the Santa Monica Pier is an iconic landmark with a bustling amusement park featuring a Ferris wheel, roller coaster and aquarium. Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the many street performers and vendors.
    Time and distance from starting point: 0 minutes

  2. 11:00 AM: Third Street Promenade
    Walking distance from the pier is the Third Street Promenade, a popular outdoor shopping and dining area. Take in the variety of street performers while indulging in a delicious meal or hunt for souvenirs and clothing.
    Time and distance from last point: 15 minutes (0.5 miles)

  3. 1:00 PM: Santa Monica State Beach
    Located in the heart of Santa Monica, the beach boasts of an extensive stretch of golden sand and a meandering bicycle trail. Take a dip in the blue ocean or relax under an umbrella with a good book.
    Time and distance from last point: 15 minutes (0.7 miles)

  4. 3:00 PM: Getty Villa
    Drive to the Getty Villa in nearby Pacific Palisades. The Getty Villa is a museum modeled after a first century Roman villa. Admire ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art and artifacts exhibited in a beautiful garden setting with an ocean view.
    Time and distance from last point: 25 minutes (7.7 miles)

  5. 5:00 PM: Montana Avenue
    If you have time before dinner, take a stroll on Montana Avenue, a street in Santa Monica lined with unique boutiques and sidewalk cafes. Window shop or stop for a coffee.
    Time and distance from last point: 25 minutes (4.8 miles)

  6. 7:00 PM: Steakhouse41
    This cozy steakhouse on Ocean Avenue boasts a spectacular view of the Pacific. The menu includes top-quality steaks and seafood along with a fine selection of wine and cocktails.
    Time and distance from last point: 10 minutes (2.3 miles)

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Monica Pier (2 hours, free admission)
  • Third Street Promenade (2 hours, varies)
  • Santa Monica State Beach (2 hours, free admission)
  • Getty Villa (2 hours, free admission, $20 parking)
  • Montana Avenue (1 hour, varies)
  • Steakhouse41 (2 hours, varies)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $20 parking + meal prices

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, take a bike or scooter along the beach to Venice Beach Boardwalk, have lunch or dinner at the famous Nobu restaurant by the beach, or visit Bergamot Station, a center for art galleries. If you are short on time, skip Getty Villa and Montana Avenue. You can also rent a bicycle or an electric scooter to speed through your itinerary.

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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