Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Santa Monica, California

Day 1: Explore Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Huckleberry Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Huckleberry Café, known for its fresh pastries and hearty breakfast options.
From your accommodation, walk or take a short rideshare to Huckleberry Café.
$15-25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Santa Monica Pier

Head to the iconic Santa Monica Pier for a stroll, enjoy the amusement park rides, and take in the scenic ocean views.
Walk from Huckleberry Café to Santa Monica Pier (15 minutes).
Free to enter, rides range from $5-10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Santa Monica Beach

Spend some time relaxing on Santa Monica Beach, sunbathing, swimming, or playing beach volleyball.
Right next to the Pier, so just a short walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Blue Plate Taco

Enjoy a coastal lunch at Blue Plate Taco, offering a variety of tacos, seafood, and refreshing beverages.
Walk along Ocean Avenue to Blue Plate Taco (10 minutes).
$20-30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Third Street Promenade

Explore the Third Street Promenade, a vibrant shopping and entertainment district.
Walk from Blue Plate Taco to Third Street Promenade (5 minutes).
Free to explore, shopping varies., 2 hours

5:00PM

Santa Monica Place

Visit Santa Monica Place, an upscale shopping mall with a variety of stores and dining options.
Adjacent to Third Street Promenade.
Free to explore, shopping varies., 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

End your day with a delightful dinner at The Misfit, known for its eclectic menu and vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from Santa Monica Place to The Misfit (5 minutes).
$30-50, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Sunset at Santa Monica Beach

Take a short walk back to Santa Monica Beach to watch the breathtaking sunset.
Walk from The Misfit to the beach (10 minutes).
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Venice Beach and Malibu

Venice Beach and Malibu, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dogtown Coffee

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at Dogtown Coffee, a local favorite known for its coffee and breakfast burritos.
Walk or take a short rideshare from your accommodation to Dogtown Coffee.
$10-20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Explore the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, famous for its street performers, shops, and murals.
Take a rideshare or bike from Santa Monica to Venice Beach (15-20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Venice Canals

Stroll through the picturesque Venice Canals, a hidden gem with beautiful homes and tranquil waterways.
Walk from the Boardwalk to the Canals (10 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Gjelina

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Gjelina, offering a variety of fresh and locally sourced dishes.
Walk or take a short rideshare from the Canals to Gjelina.
$25-40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Malibu

Head north to Malibu for a scenic coastal drive and to explore its famous beaches.
Take a rideshare or drive from Venice to Malibu (30-40 minutes).
Rideshare cost varies, 40 minutes

2:40PM

El Matador Beach

Visit El Matador Beach, known for its stunning rock formations and secluded coves.
Drive or take a rideshare to El Matador Beach.
Free, 2 hours

4:40PM

Malibu Pier

Explore Malibu Pier, a historic and picturesque spot with shops, restaurants, and great views.
Drive or take a rideshare from El Matador Beach to Malibu Pier.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Malibu Farm

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Malibu Farm, located right on the pier, offering fresh and organic dishes.
Walk along the pier to Malibu Farm.
$30-50, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Drive Back to Santa Monica

Return to Santa Monica after a beautiful day exploring the coast.
Take a rideshare or drive back to Santa Monica (30-40 minutes).
Rideshare cost varies, 40 minutes
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