One Day Itinerary in Santa Monica

• 8:00am - Breakfast at The OP Cafe - Start the day with a delicious breakfast at this cozy cafe. Recommended dishes include their popular breakfast burrito or pancakes.
• 9:30am - Visit Santa Monica Pier - A must-visit attraction in Santa Monica, stroll along the pier and enjoy the beautiful ocean view. Don't miss the famous Ferris wheel or try different carnival games.
• 11:00am - Explore The Getty Villa - Immerse yourself in ancient Greek and Roman art at this beautiful museum. Follow the audio guide or take a tour of the gardens.
• 1:00pm - Lunch at Cassia - Enjoy a delicious and modern Vietnamese French cuisine at Cassia. Their famous dish is the spicy grilled squid, don't miss it!
• 2:30pm - Shop at Main Street - Take a walk on this vibrant street and visit unique boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops.
• 4:00pm - Relax at Santa Monica State Beach - Go to the beach to enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery and unwind for a bit. Play beach volleyball, rent a bike or rollerblades and cruise the beach path.
• 6:00pm - Dinner at Rustic Canyon - End the day with a mouth-watering dinner from Rustic Canyon's farm-to-table experience. Their seasonal menu highlights local ingredients.

Time and Costs Estimates

• The OP Cafe (1 hour, $15)
• Santa Monica Pier (2 hours, $25 for attractions)
• The Getty Villa (2 hours, free admission, $20 parking)
• Cassia (1.5 hours, $50)
• Main Street (1.5 hours, free)
• Santa Monica State Beach (2 hours, free)
• Rustic Canyon (2 hours, $75)
Total Estimated Costs: $185

Transportation

Driving is the most convenient way to get around in Santa Monica, but public transportation is available for a more budget-friendly option. The Metro Expo Line line runs from downtown LA to Santa Monica, and the Big Blue Bus offers local services in the area. Expect to spend around $15-20 on Uber/Lyft for the day.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Santa Monica Mountains for hiking or the Annenberg Community Beach House. If you have less time, consider skipping the Getty Villa or State Beach to focus on other attractions. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes and a sweater, it can get chilly at night.