Santa Monica Vacation Guide

Here you’ll find information on the beaches, shopping areas, and sights to see on your Santa Monica vacation. Santa Monica California is a hot spot for beach goers of western Los Angeles County, but people also come visit from all over the world. The number one attraction has to be Santa Monica Beach.

Located where the 10 freeway intersects Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy. 1), it is faster to get to from most inland areas than Malibu (to the north), or beaches south of LAX. But its convenient location also means a lot of traffic in the area to contend with.

Hot Deals In Santa Monica

One way to get around on your Santa Monica vacation without hassling driving and parking is by taking the electric Tide Shuttle Bus. It costs 25 cents and can take you along Ocean Ave, Main Street and 4th Street. It runs from noon to 10 pm.

Find out about Santa Monica parking.

Santa Monica lodging is found mostly around the Pier and Third Street Promenade areas. This also makes them within walking distance to the beach. A few others are further inland.

To see a list of hotels with their contact information and basic features, go to our Santa Monica Hotel Directory.

Some of the more popular hotels include:

Travel Lodge Santa Monica
Doubletree Hotel Santa Monica
Shutters Hotel Santa Monica
Casa Del Mar Santa Monica
Hotel California Santa Monica
Hotel Oceana Santa Monica
Miramar Hotel Santa Monica

And just in case you want to stick around a while longer, check out Santa Monica Vacation Rentals.

SHOPPING IN SANTA MONICA

One of the major shopping and dining areas in Santa Monica is the Third Street Promenade. It is chock full of shops, restaurants, bars and art galleries. The nice thing about it is that no cars are allowed on that section of Third Street, so it’s like an open air mall. The Third Street Promenade runs between Wilshire and Broadway.

Another major shopping district is called the Main Street Historic District, featuring unique boutique shops with antiques, gifts, clothes and more. You will also find restaurants, art galleries and bookshops.

Thirdly, there is Santa Monica Place (quite close to Third Street Promenade), featuring larger department stores and located between Broadway and 4th and Colorado and 2nd. It is currently under renovation (March 2008).

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Other possible things to do before or after spending the day at the beach include visiting the Museum of Flying at the Santa Monica airport. The address is 2772 Donald Douglas Loop near Ocean Park and 28th. They have over thirty vintage aircraft to check out, as well as an interactive children’s area. They are open from Wednesday through Sunday and charge $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and 3$ for kids aged 3-17. For more information call 310-392-8822.

Another popular activity for adventurous visitors is to stroll down famous (or infamous) Ocean Front Walk in Venice with all its assortment of characters doing, wearing, displaying and/or selling things that will amaze.

A third option of things to do on your Santa Monica vacation is to check out the many art galleries at Bergamot Station at 2525 Michigan Ave. (well inland). There are 24 art galleries here and a cultural center on 6 acres. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 6. Admission is free. For more info call 310-829-5854.

Back to the Southern California Beaches Vacation Guide home page.