Santa Monica might be an iconic West Coast beach city, but when most Londoners think about LA, it’s usually Venice Beach or Hollywood that steals the spotlight. If you’re already making the long-haul trip from London, Santa Monica absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Think sunshine, ocean breezes, palm trees, an excellent food scene and bike paths that make you forget the Central line exists. Whether you’re in California for work or a proper holiday, there’s plenty to eat, explore and do. Here’s our Londoners’ guide to Santa Monica.
Things to Do
Santa Monica Pier
Must-see landmark and favourite seaside hangout. Ride the Ferris wheel or just stroll out over the Pacific for that perfect West Coast sunset photo. While you’re here, make sure you get a very gram-worthy snap at the end of the Route 66 trail.
Downtown Farmers Market
Running regularly near the heart of the city (check local schedules), this is the place to browse local produce, artisan foods, flowers and more – perfect for a food-loving morning wander. Locals say it’s one of the best in LA, and a genuinely elite way to spend a morning in Santa Monica. Held in the heart of downtown, you’ll find peak-season fruit, fresh pastries, flowers, small-batch everything and plenty of people watching (including chefs doing their weekly shop). Grab a coffee, wander slowly and pretend you live nearby – it’s the California dream, really.
Bike the Strand
Santa Monica is bike-friendly to the max, with scenic oceanfront routes like the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. You can pedal south toward Venice Beach or north toward beaches and parks. We recommend you head to Venice Beach and check out the basketball courts and skate parks along the way.
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A lot of hotels also include bike hire, or you can head down to the beach, and you’ll see bikes to hire everywhere, similar to Lime Bikes in London, however they are more like dock-based bike rentals with an app. Or alternatively, check out the guys renting out cruiser bikes everywhere for around $10 an hour, and you can haggle (bargain).
Muscle Beach
Just along the Santa Monica beachfront, Muscle Beach is one of those properly iconic LA spots. This is where bodybuilders, gymnasts and fitness fanatics train outdoors – yes, it’s exactly as entertaining as it sounds. It’s also popped up in plenty of pop culture moments, including Pumping Iron, the legendary documentary that helped launch Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career. Even if lifting isn’t your thing, it’s worth stopping by to watch, soak up the energy and remind yourself you’re very much on the California coast (not in a London gym basement).
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Third Street Promenade
Pedestrian shopping and street performance hub – great for a browse, grabbing a coffee, checking out boutiques or doing a little people-watching.
Palisades Park & Beaches
For sunsets and ocean views, take a stroll or pack a picnic. And if you’re a beach bum, Santa Monica State Beach is the classic Cali beach experience.
Get a “Driverless Uber”
Not in London yet, obvs, so you need to try it out. Everyone calls them “driverless Ubers”, but the brand is actually called Waymo. Download the Waymo One app (not Uber) to book one.
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Where to Stay
Shore Hotel
This is our favourite place to stay in Santa Monica – and it’s easy to see why. Perfectly positioned just steps from the Santa Monica Pier and beach, this eco-friendly boutique hotel feels like the ideal launchpad for your trip. The modern rooms often come with private balconies and ocean or city views, and everywhere you look, it’s bright, breezy and very West Coast.
They have a heated outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas, which means you can soak up sunshine between seaside adventures, and there’s also a hot tub if you need a late-afternoon reset.
For food and drinks, the hotel’s Shoreside Restaurant & Bar serves up American favourites from breakfast right through to dinner, and there’s a poolside bar for lazy afternoons with a drink in hand.
It’s not just the location and amenities that score here – travellers consistently rave about the helpful staff, comfortable rooms and unbeatable proximity to shops, eateries and the beachfront.
Sea Blue Hotel
A classic Santa Monica stay that’s all about location. Just steps from the Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Beach, this laid-back, oceanfront hotel is perfect if you want to be right in the heart of the beach action without splurging on the luxury stuff. Guests love how close it is to all the classic sights, from the Ferris wheel to the beachfront bike paths, and the friendly staff and clean rooms get solid marks from travellers. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, there’s a 24-hour front desk, and you’re within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops and all the west-coast vibes you’re in Santa Monica for.
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The Georgian Hotel
An Art Deco icon with serious main-character energy. The Georgian has been part of Santa Monica’s beachfront since the 1930s, and after a recent glow-up, it now nails that Old Hollywood-meets-coastal-cool vibe. It’s right by the pier and the beach, the interiors are effortlessly chic, and many rooms come with ocean views. Bonus points for the Georgian Room downstairs – a moody, speakeasy-style spot that’s perfect for cocktails when you want to feel like you’re in a film, but still in flip-flops.
Where to Eat & Drink
Healthy & Brunch
The Hive – A Santa Monica favourite for feel-good brunch and energising bowls, salads, smoothies and fresh organic coffee. Try something with bee pollen or a superfood smoothie if you’re brunching right after a morning bike ride (their locally roasted coffees and bowls are on the menu).
Women-Owned & Great for Dinner
These are three excellent spots helmed by women or women-led teams worth booking during your trip:
Blue Plate Taco – Stylish Mexican right on Ocean Avenue, with ocean views and margaritas to match the vibes. Perfect for tacos and a relaxed dinner on a warm evening. And because you’re a Londoner, you absolutely need to try Mexican food in California – it’s significantly better than what we get back home, for obvious reasons.
SOCALO – A Santa Monica staple offering fresh, California-Mexican cuisine in a spirited setting; perfect for lunch or dinner after beach walks.
Xuntos – Owned by Chef Sandra Cordero, this tapas bar champions Spanish small plates in a lively downtown space — think jamón ibérico, seasonal pintxos and an excellent natural wine list (perfect for sharing).
Other Local Favourites
Santa Monica has no shortage of good eats – from casual breakfast and brunch to elevated dinners:
- HomeState – Tex-Mex breakfast spot loved for tacos and brunch classics.
- Sweet Maple – Funky brunch with pancakes that might outshine your hangover.
- Holey Grail Donuts – For that late-morning sugar fix.
- Orla by Michael Mina – For a special dinner with a Mediterranean twist.
Enjoy your travel,
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
