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Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary in Santa Monica

Viewed by 88 travelers

Day 1: Beach and Pier Day

Santa Monica, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Back on the Beach Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast right on the beach with stunning ocean views. Perfect for families with kids.
Walk or drive to Back on the Beach Cafe located at 445 Pacific Coast Hwy.
$20 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Santa Monica Beach

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the iconic Santa Monica Beach, building sandcastles and playing in the waves.
The beach is just steps away from the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Santa Monica Pier

Head to the Santa Monica Pier for family-friendly fun at Pacific Park, including rides, games, and an aquarium.
A short walk from the beach.
$30 per person for an unlimited ride wristband, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pier Burger

Grab a tasty and casual lunch at Pier Burger, which offers a variety of burgers, hot dogs, and shakes.
Located on the Santa Monica Pier.
$15 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium under the pier to learn about marine life with interactive exhibits suitable for kids.
It's right beneath the Santa Monica Pier.
$5 per person, 1 hour

4:00PM

Muscle Beach

Take a stroll to Muscle Beach and let the kids try out the gymnastics equipment.
A short walk along the beach path.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Albright

End your day with a seafood dinner at The Albright, a family-friendly spot with ocean views on the pier.
Walk back to the pier.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Sunset at the Pier

Catch the beautiful sunset from the Santa Monica Pier, a perfect way to conclude your first day.
Just step outside after dinner.
Free, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Parks and Shopping

Santa Monica, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Daisy Cafe

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Blue Daisy Cafe, known for its pancakes and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located at 609 Broadway, a short drive from your hotel.
$20 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tongva Park

Spend the morning exploring Tongva Park, a modern park with playgrounds, fountains, and walking paths.
A short walk from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Pacific Park

Return to Pacific Park if you missed any rides or attractions from the previous day.
A 10-minute walk from Tongva Park.
$30 per person for an unlimited ride wristband, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at True Food Kitchen

Enjoy a nutritious and delicious lunch at True Food Kitchen, which offers a variety of healthy options.
Located at 395 Santa Monica Place, walkable from the pier.
$25 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Santa Monica Place

Spend the afternoon shopping at Santa Monica Place, a modern shopping mall with plenty of family-friendly stores.
It's right next to True Food Kitchen.
Varies depending on shopping, 2 hours

3:30PM

Third Street Promenade

Stroll along the Third Street Promenade, enjoying street performers, shops, and cafes.
Adjacent to Santa Monica Place.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at North Italia

Head to North Italia for a family-friendly Italian dinner with a variety of pasta and pizza options.
Located at 1442 2nd St, a short walk from the promenade.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Movie at AMC Santa Monica 7

End the day with a family movie night at AMC Santa Monica 7.
Located on the Third Street Promenade.
$15 per person, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploration and Relaxation

Santa Monica, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Huckleberry Cafe

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Huckleberry Cafe, known for its pastries and kid-friendly menu.
Located at 1014 Wilshire Blvd, a short drive from your hotel.
$20 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Annenberg Community Beach House

Spend the morning at the Annenberg Community Beach House, which offers a pool, playground, and splash pad for kids.
Drive or take a short ride-share to 415 Pacific Coast Hwy.
$10 per person, 2 hours

11:00AM

Palisades Park

Take a scenic walk through Palisades Park, enjoying the ocean views and various sculptures.
A short drive or walk from the Annenberg Community Beach House.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Blue Plate Taco

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with a view at Blue Plate Taco, offering a variety of Mexican dishes.
Located at 1515 Ocean Ave, near Palisades Park.
$25 per person, 1 hour

1:00PM

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Explore the Santa Monica Farmers Market, where you can sample fresh produce and local goods.
A short walk from Blue Plate Taco.
Free entry, costs vary by purchase, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cayton Children's Museum

Visit the Cayton Children's Museum for interactive exhibits and play areas perfect for young children.
Located at 395 Santa Monica Place, a short walk from the market.
$14 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ice Cream at Sweet Rose Creamery

Treat the family to some delicious ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery.
Located at 826 Pico Blvd, a short drive from the museum.
$5 per person, 30 minutes

4:30PM

Bike Ride along the Beach

Rent bikes and ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail for a fun and scenic family outing.
Bike rental shops are available along the beach.
$20 per person for bike rental, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

Enjoy your final dinner in Santa Monica at The Misfit, which offers a diverse menu and a lively atmosphere.
Located at 225 Santa Monica Blvd, a short ride from the bike trail.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Walk on the Beach

End your trip with a peaceful evening walk on Santa Monica Beach, reflecting on your family adventures.
Walk to the beach from The Misfit.
Free, 1 hour
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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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