Set on the western side of the city, the pier is one of Santa Monica’s main attractions. This 100-year old landmark offers some great family fun, boasting a vast Ferris wheel, entertainment and restaurants. Try your hand at trapeze, hit the video arcade or explore the aquarium. This is a really fun day out and no visit to Santa Monica is complete without seeing the pier.
On the south side of the pier, Muscle Beach can be found. So-called because of the large proportion of people who body-build and practice acrobatics here, the beach has become a real tourist attraction over the years. Many famous bodybuilders and actors used to train here and it’s synonymous with the area.
From designer to budget-buys, there’s a great selection of shops and boutiques to explore. Third Street Promenade is an upmarket shopping and entertainment complex with some amazing shops to explore; it’s popular with tourists and locals alike.
There are over 75 museums and galleries in Santa Monica, so no matter what kind of culture dose you’re looking for, there’s bound to be something to intrigue you. Public art is also well worth keeping a look out for, with amazing sculptures and paintings found dotted throughout the city. In particular, check out the Santa Monica Museum of Art – a collection of extraordinary artists’ work. Bergamot Station houses the majority of the city’s artistic offerings, so if you’re artistically-minded, be sure not to miss this hub of creative activity.
Sign up to our newsletter
Be the first to know about our exclusive offers and holiday inspiration by email.
