In a nutshell
The gentle sea breezes, wide sandy beaches and pedestrian-friendly streets and boulevards, dotted with pavement café make Santa Monica a really lovely place to stay in LA. Hire in-line skates or bikes and whizz along the seafront promenade down to Venice Beach stopping at some of the shops and bars en route! The beach is famous for its numerous appearances in the TV show Baywatch. The pier, built in 1908 is the West Coast's oldest pleasure pier. You'll find all the usual attractions from popcorn and candyfloss to dodgems and a Ferris wheel. Culture vultures can head to The Santa Monica Museum of Art or California Heritage Museum.
Eats & drinks
Santa Monica has plenty of great restaurants. There are several along Main Street heading towards Venice Beach - try Arnold Schwarzenegger's restaurant Schatzi. Around the pier, overlooking the ocean there are a number of seafood restaurants - try The Lobster and Chez Jay's on Ocean Avenue.
Star attractions
- Baywatch Beach
- Palm-Lined Boulevards
- Pleasure Pier
- Third Street Promenade
- Palisades Park
- Bergamot Station
- Excellent Restaurants.