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Santa Monica 5-Day Adventure

Viewed by 66 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Sunset

Santa Monica, USA

4:00PM

Check-in at Oceanfront Hotel

Start your Santa Monica adventure by checking into a beautiful oceanfront hotel and enjoying the stunning view.
Take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to the hotel.
USD 200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Sunset Stroll on Santa Monica Beach

Witness a breathtaking sunset as you stroll along the iconic Santa Monica Beach.
Walk from the hotel to the beach.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at The Lobster

Indulge in delicious seafood with a view at The Lobster restaurant right by the beach.
Short walk from the beach to the restaurant.
USD 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day and Pier Fun

Santa Monica, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Back on the Beach Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast right on the sand at Back on the Beach Café.
Walk from the hotel to the café.
USD 20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Rent Bikes on Santa Monica Beach

Explore the scenic Santa Monica Beach and bike along the famous Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
Rent bikes near the pier.
USD 15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mariasol Cocina Mexicana

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with a view of the Pacific Ocean at Mariasol Cocina Mexicana.
Bike or walk to the restaurant on the pier.
USD 30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Santa Monica Pier

Have fun on the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its amusement park, aquarium, and street performers.
Walk from the restaurant to the pier.
USD 10 (for rides), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Albright

Savor fresh seafood and local dishes at The Albright on the pier while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Short walk from the pier to the restaurant.
USD 40, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Shopping and Dining in Downtown

Santa Monica, USA

10:00AM

Breakfast at Huckleberry Bakery & Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Huckleberry Bakery & Café known for its pastries and coffee.
Walk or bike to downtown Santa Monica.
USD 15, 1 hour

12:00PM

Shop at Third Street Promenade

Explore the trendy boutiques, big-brand stores, and street performances at Third Street Promenade.
Walk from the café to Third Street Promenade.
Variable, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Santa Monica Place

Enjoy a variety of culinary delights at Santa Monica Place, an upscale shopping and dining destination.
Walk from Third Street Promenade to Santa Monica Place.
USD 25, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

Discover marine life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium before exploring more of the pier.
Walk from Santa Monica Place to the pier.
USD 5, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cassia

Experience a blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine at Cassia for a unique dining experience.
Short ride or walk from the pier to the restaurant.
USD 60, 2 hours
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Day 4: Outdoor Adventure

Santa Monica Mountains, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at King's Road Café

Enjoy a cozy breakfast at King's Road Café before heading to the Santa Monica Mountains for outdoor activities.
Drive or take a shuttle to the mountains.
USD 20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hiking in Topanga State Park

Embark on a scenic hike in Topanga State Park, known for its beautiful trails and panoramic views.
Follow the designated trails for hiking.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Will Rogers State Historic Park

Relax and have a picnic lunch at Will Rogers State Historic Park amidst lush greenery and historic landmarks.
Drive or hike to the park for the picnic.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Scenic Drive on Mulholland Highway

Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Highway for stunning views of the mountains and city.
Drive along the scenic route.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Malibu Farm Pier Café

Indulge in farm-to-table dining at Malibu Farm Pier Café while enjoying the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Drive or shuttle back to Santa Monica for dinner.
USD 45, 2 hours
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Day 5: Departure Day

Santa Monica, USA

10:00AM

Brunch at Blue Daisy Café

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Blue Daisy Café before departing from Santa Monica.
Walk or bike to Blue Daisy Café.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Shopping at Montana Avenue

Stroll along Montana Avenue and shop at its upscale boutiques for some last-minute souvenirs.
Walk or bike to Montana Avenue.
Variable, 2 hours

3:00PM

Final Walk on Santa Monica Pier

Take a final stroll on Santa Monica Pier, reminiscing about the wonderful memories made in this beautiful coastal city.
Walk from Montana Avenue to the pier.
Free, 1 hour
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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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