Things to Do in Santa Monica

The Getty Villa is near the oceanfront in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, north along the coast from Santa Monica. It's one of two sites operated by the Getty, a philanthropic foundation dedicated to preserving the world's artistic legacy.

On the south end of the 3rd Street Promenade, more shopping and dining opportunities await at Santa Monica Place, the city's premier outdoor shopping mall. Familiar storefronts like Nike and Nordstrom fill out the directory of Santa Monica Place, as well as nationally recognized restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Johnny Rockets.

In north Santa Monica away from the ocean, this world-renowned creative space was once a railroad station between 1875 and 1953. After transitioning between manufacturing and packaging warehouses, the city of Santa Monica purchased the abandoned property and in 1994, the nearly five-acre Bergamot Station Arts Center opened to the public.

Montana Avenue is a popular thoroughfare for dining and shopping extending into the city's northside. Over 150 restaurants and storefronts line the sidewalks of this inland street, providing an abundance of daytime window shopping and outdoor cafés for a casual lunch.

Comprised of both wooden and concrete steps, the Santa Monica Stairs are tucked within a quiet residential neighborhood less than a mile from the ocean. They were once a hidden gem within the community, but the secret might be out regarding the fun fitness to be had on this long set of stairs. And even with limited parking, it's not uncommon to see crowds of people exercising on the stairs.

Encompassing six acres off Ocean Avenue, south of the Santa Monica Pier, this sprawling city park is infused with gardens, sculptures, and the smell of the ocean. It's inviting for a relaxing moment taking a break from downtown and is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic away from the crowds at the beach.

Santa Monica offers four different farmers markets throughout the week, rain or shine. Two different markets take place on Saturdays, and two others take place on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.

North of the Santa Monica Pier and stemming from the city's Gold Coast era of the 1920s, this sprawling public beach facility was once a private beachside mansion belonging to the actress Marion Davies. The state of California now operates this oceanfront cultural center, including amenities like beach courts, playgrounds, and a splash pad, as well as a seasonal swimming pool. The on-site Marion Davies Guest House features free tours and rotating art exhibits.

Venice Beach is the southern city bordering Santa Monica, connected by the Marvin Braude Bike Path, also known as The Strand Beach Path. Venice offers its own distinct flavor of coastal appeal that's a bit more bohemian in spirit. The oceanfront district is well regarded for the art found on the streets and the style represented by the community.

Part of the Santa Monica experience is enjoying a meal out on the town. The city's food scene is wide and varied and highly lauded. From downtown digs to oceanfront views, it's easy to find something for everyone's taste.

The heart of downtown Santa Monica is the 3rd Street Promenade. This pedestrian-only shopping space features a lot of foot traffic and tons of entertainment. Shops, restaurants, and talented street musicians line every block well into the night when this lighted area really shines. But whether day or night, something is bound to catch the eye on this fashionable retail strip.

Tourists and residents tend to gravitate towards Palisades Park. This 26-acre coastal-bluff park on Ocean Avenue overlooks the Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica State Beach and provides a well-manicured space with non-stop ocean vistas.