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Santa Monica

Just 20 minutes from downtown LA, Santa Monica is perhaps one of the states most popular spots if you want to wake each morning to the sound of the surf and enjoy days in a seaside atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle. The beach resorts of Greater Los Angeles are regularly under the spotlight in a whole host of US films and television programmes, providing great exposure of their boutique shopping, chic dining and of course superb beaches. If you want to wake each morning to the sound of the surf and enjoy days in a seaside atmosphere, yet still have easy access to Los Angeles’ attractions, one of California’s beaches is an ideal choice.

Santa Monica Pier

The infamous Santa Monica Pier, bustling with fairground rides and candy stores stands out across the glorious golden beaches, where you can hire a bike and cycle the boardwalks down to Venice Beach. Main Street, 3rd Street Promenade and Montana Avenue which collectively provide all the shopping options you’d ever want.

Watch out for celebrities, it’s widely recognised that many prefer the boutiques of Santa Monica to Rodeo Drive!

Pacific Park on the Pier is LA’s only free admission amusement park.
The Loof Hippodrome on the Pier is a local landmark housing a vintage, working carousel.
The End of Route 66 Sign is a popular photo spot.
The Aquarium is great for all the family.

Ten Top Reasons to Visit Santa Monica

A top 10 beach city of the world.
Just 8 miles from LAX Airport – that’s the closest destination to the airport.
Santa Monica Beach was the beach setting for Baywatch!
Home to one of the USA’s oldest pleasure piers and the world’s first Solar-Powered ferris wheel, which was one of the most Instagrammed images of the world in 2012.
It’s at the end of Route 66.
It’s an entirely walkable city – pedestrians and cyclists are king of the road.
It’s one of the best places for happy hour in USA, infact the Shangri-La hotel in Santa Monica was recently voted as the best bar in the USA for happy hour.
Santa Monica is the birth place for many of the world’s most famous fitness movements. Stroll along the beach and you will no doubt see people working-out right on the sand.
There are over 90 art galleries and museums in this cosy city.
It’s rated the best place to dine in LA with a variety of food movements, famous chefs and an organic farm-to-table mantra.

The Beach

Home of Baywatch
35km bicycle path.
Original Muscle Beach by the pier.
Segway along the beach path.
Electric Bike Tours.
Bikes, roller blades, surf and paddle board lessons.

Shopping

Santa Monica Place Shopping Mall houses world-famous designers and department stores.
3rd Street Shopping Promenade offers the best of the highstreet.
Montana Avenue is home to designer boutiques.
Main Street offers eclectic and original boutiques and stores.

Dining & Evening Entertainment

Healthy brunch – Huckleberry Café & Bakery
Watching sports: Barney’s Beanery
Happy Hour: The Misfit
Local chefs: JiRaffe
Farmers markets: Every Wednesday and Saturday
Steak: Boa Steakhouse
Romance: Michel’s Santa Monica
Raw foodies: M.A.K.E.
Michelin star lover: Melisse
Street food (during the day): Food Truck Tuesdays, every Tuesday
Family dining: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Seafood with Pacific views: The Lobster
Celeb spotting in the daylight: Any café on Montana Avenue
Trendy night crowd: Bungalow at The Fairmont hotel
Evening drinks with rooftop views: Suite 700 Bar at The Shangri-La hotel
360 views of LA: The Penthouse at The Huntley hotel
Food on the beach: Back on the Beach Café

Arts & Culture

Santa Monica is home to 90 galleries and museums, street performers and architectural landmarks.
California History Museums
Santa Monica History Museum
Santa Monica Museum of Art/Bergamot Station Centre

See what you're missing

From healthy, active experiences to a laid back beach lifestyle, check out this short video to see what you are missing out on. It might just confirm your desire to add Santa Monica to your next holiday.

Hotels In Santa Monica

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Superior Deluxe	Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas.
Deluxe	This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand.
Moderate Deluxe	This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation.
Superior First Class	More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas.
First Class	A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services.
Moderate First Class	Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.
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Working Ranch

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier

Ten Top Reasons to Visit Santa Monica

The Beach

Shopping

Dining & Evening Entertainment

Arts & Culture

See what you're missing

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Hotels In Santa Monica

Suggested Itineraries

California Destinations

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