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.
The Third Street Promenade is a bustling pedestrian street filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or to catch a street performance.
Palisades Park is a beautiful oceanfront park offering stunning views of the coastline. It is a perfect spot for relaxation or a picnic. The adjacent beach is also a popular place for beach activities like sunbathing, swimming or surfing.
Getting around Santa Monica is easy using public transport. The Metro Expo Line serves the entire Santa Monica area with stops at popular attractions like Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Pier and Palisades Park. A day pass for the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus will also make it easier and more cost-effective to get around. Uber, Lyft and taxis are also available at an average of $10-15 per ride.
If you have more time and want to explore beyond Santa Monica, you can take a day trip to Malibu or Venice Beach. If you have less time, consider skipping Palisades Park and Beach, and instead opt for a bike ride along the Oceanfront Bike Path, which runs for 8.5 miles from Santa Monica to Venice Beach.
The nearest airport to Santa Monica is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located about 9 miles from the city center. Other nearby airports include Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Bob Hope Airport (BUR) which are both about 30 miles away from Santa Monica.
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.