Our microguides series is inspired by the slow travel movement, encouraging travellers to relax their pace and take a deep dive into one particular neighbourhood in a well-loved city. Rather than a whirlwind itinerary which aims to hit up every must-see attraction, these compact, close-up guides encourage you to zone in, take your time and truly explore like a local.
In the past, Los Angeles’ neighbour Santa Monica was seen as a sleepy beach town, with a sprinkling of grungy motels and roadside rest stops. It was a place UCLA students, artists and surfers could live cheaply, a spot that people overlooked in favour of cooler Venice and Malibu. Drivers on the Pacific Coast Highway would pause for a bite to eat and a rest before continuing straight onwards.
But today ‒ since the rise of LA’s version of ‘Silicon Valley’ in neighbouring Culver City and the Expo Line Metro extension linking it with Downtown LA ‒ Santa Monica has grown into a slick coastal destination in its own right, with a distinct personality that makes it worth a side-tour from La La Land. Most people also aren’t aware that it’s a city in itself. It attracts sea-salty surfers, road-trippers and well-healed urbanites alike.
Alongside Santa Monica’s beach scene, famous pier, historic dive bars and old-school motels, there are exciting new designer and independent shops, upscale restaurants and design-led hotels, plus cool cocktail bars to discover.
Street art in Santa Monica
(Santa Monica Travel & Tourism)
Things to do
Beach-hop by bike
It’s easy to walk around Santa Monica, but it’s more fun to hop on a bike and skim along its 22-mile, paved beachfront track, which meanders from Pacific Palisades in the north to Torrance in the south. It’s officially called the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, but locals call it The Strand. Stop off along the ride for a picnic, a cooling dip in the Pacific, or a lively game of volleyball.
Join a yoga session
Another way to enjoy the sands like a local is to sign up for a memorable Beach Yoga SoCal class right by the waves. Classes take place on Santa Monica’s beach, by lifeguard tower 26. Standing in mountain pose while the Pacific tickles the shore in front of you, the breeze in your hair, working out has never felt so good.
Take in some art
There’s no need to go into Downtown LA to get your culture fix when you can visit nearby Bergamot Station Arts Centre. Built on former railroad land north of downtown Santa Monica, this is the setting for…
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