How To Plan The Ultimate Vacation To Santa Monica

I was lucky enough to have been able to visit Santa Monica twice already. The first time I went there I loved the vibe of the city so much that I wanted to move there.

It’s close enough to Los Angeles that you can easily go there for the day. But it’s also nice to stay overnight. We added Santa Monica onto our L.A. trip and stayed there for a day and a half.

There’s not too much to do there, other than relaxing and shopping. But I’ll give you some different activities to do, where to eat, and a hotel recommendation.

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Finding A Place To Stay Near Santa Monica California

Finding a place to stay in Los Angeles can be quite overwhelming – it’s HUGE!

I stayed at the Sofitel and would highly recommend it. It was in a safe area, and across the street from the Beverly Hills mall (which proved to be very convenient). It was also within walking distance to some local restaurants you need to try – like the Kings Road Cafe! See room rates & availability here.

If you want to stay on the beach outside of the city life instead, we stayed at The Georgian in Santa Monica and couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the city. This was a beautiful art deco hotel that is begging you to go there! It’s a minutes walk to the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. See room rates & availability here.

For more accommodation options in Los Angeles, click here. Interested in longer stays in L.A. check out Plum Guide here.

What To Do During Your Stay In Santa Monica California?

If you’re not shopping along Third Street Promenade or surfing, there isn’t much else to do in Santa Monica. Luckily for you, I found some other activities.

Walk Along the Boardwalk & Go To The Santa Monica Pier

Go on some rides or play some games in the arcade. You can even pick up some cute knick-knacks along the way. But be sure to make it all the way to the end of the pier to take in the views where the vast ocean meets skyline.

Bike To Venice Beach

Even if you’re not active biker this is the easiest bike ride. No hills, just great views. There are a lot of people though, either biking or rollerblading. So you’ll still have to watch out for them.

Once you’ve reached the beach get off and walk around. I warn you, Venice beach is very different from Santa Monica. There are a lot of hipsters, artists, and street vendors. Pick up some ice cream while you walk, watch the graffiti artists or skateboarders in the park. Walk through to see the canals. Or if you’re there after 12:00 on Sunday, check out the drum circle, and maybe even join in, if you feel bold enough.

Organized Tours From Santa Monica

For more Santa Monica organized tours from Viator, click here.

Visit The Camera Obscura

Before I say where it is, just keep in mind that it’s fun and a FREE activity to do. So… it’s at the senior citizen’s centre in Santa Monica. But if you’re a real film buff you have to do this.

It doesn’t take long but it’s a bit awkward to go in to see. It’s open Monday to Friday from 9 am-3 pm and Saturday 11 am-4 pm.

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Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

If you’re there over the weekend, or Wednesday, check out the local farmers market on Arizona Av. They have fresh produce from the area. If you’re just visiting, you probably won’t be able to buy the food but they’ll give out tasters that you can try. And we found a freshly squeezed OJ juice stand. It’s there from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Why Stay At The Georgian Hotel?

So there’s no doubt that you’re going to Santa Monica for the beach, so why would you stay anywhere other than on the coast? Get ready to pay a bit more for this, but it’s worth it. This way you also won’t have to move your car at all during your entire stay.

I loved The Georgian so much the first time that I had to come back to stay here the second time I came.

It’s right on the coast, in the heart of DT Santa Monica. It’s this beautiful turquoise art deco hotel. You can’t miss it.

They’re marketed as an art deco hotel so get ready to stay somewhere a bit different. It was definitely more expensive than what we’re used to, but hey, this is Santa Monica so we had to look the part.

We also got our room upgraded, it was HUGE. We had a separate bedroom with a couch/TV area.

There’s also a great outdoor patio in the front where you can order breakfast or a drink at night. So just sit back, relax, and watch the sunset.

The staff is also incredible. They’re so nice. We had a small issue with the shower at 6:00 A.M. right before we had to leave to catch our flight. No worry, they sent someone right up to fix it.

Parking Hack at the Georgian

Just like in L.A., there’s no free parking, you have to go for valet from the hotel. And again, it’s expensive. There were several lots that you can park in during the day, in the area, but they don’t have overnight parking.

We drove all around the area just to end up right next to our hotel. In the back of the hotel, there’s an alleyway with a parking lot. And they have overnight parking! We saved 8$ a day parking there. And you don’t need to take your car out when in Santa Monica. So you can leave it there and forget about it for your stay.

Where To Eat In Santa Monica California?

I think we found the local hotspot for brunch. The Blue Daisy Cafe is a bit off the coast but you can still walk there. Plus this way you can see more of the local scene, and less of the tourists in Santa Monica.

They also have a back outdoor seating area which is so peaceful and cozy. And they have some different breakfast options too – like zucchini hash browns. Be prepared though you might have a bit of a wait – but I promise it’ll be worth it!

They also serve supper which looks really good too (you can get crepes for dinner)! Their Happy Hour also sounds like it’s a good deal.

Another place of interest is the 18th street coffee house. Although I don’t think this place is actually that good. It’s more the hype of going to a place that’s potentially owned by Bob Dylan. It’s also been used in several TV shows and movies (like Modern Family).

Be warned though, you’re also not allowed to use your cellphone while you’re there. And apparently not allowed to take pictures either…

Another downside is that it’s far from the boardwalk. It would take you about 30 minutes to walk there.

In the mood for some fancy Mexican food? Mercado is the place to go! They have a great Happy hour there. It’s a fun vibe and the food is delicious. They have some unique options that it’s worth checking out, like mash potato tacos. Yum!