Santa Monica Guide

Leading to and sort of attached to the pier is Palisades Park, a gorgeous, 26-acre overlook that stretches 1.6 miles along Ocean Avenue – from the pier to the Santa Monica Canyon. What makes this urban oasis unique is that it sits perched atop an 80-foot-tall bluff (also known as a cliff) overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Malibu coast to the north.

The entire length of Palisades Park has breathtaking views so awe-inspiring, so majestic, they’ll make you ponder your life choices: “Why don’t I live here?!?” Best of all, Palisades Park is just a stone’s throw from The Sovereign Hotel. I know that’s a cliché and everybody says “a stone’s throw” if something is within a half mile. But in this case, you could literally toss a stone from the top of The Sovereign and bean a bicyclist riding through Palisades Park. (Not that I’ve ever done that… twice.)

Here’s how to experience these urban, coastal gems.

• Stroll Palisades Park
  Walk among palm trees, sculptures, and manicured rose gardens atop the bluff. The views of the Pacific are pure magic, especially at golden hour. Great for a morning jog or an evening wander. The park is totally free, just show up. Hot tip: stick to the walking paths as the grass is a popular place for chihuahuas to do their business.
• Visit the Santa Monica Pier
  Built in 1909, this pier is equal parts history and carnival. Take a selfie under the Route 66 End of the Trail sign. Watch street performers do their thing. Shop for overpriced souvenirs. Watch out-of-work actors try to goofy foot their surfboards since they have nothing better to do. Or just breathe in that ocean air. The pier and all the street performances are free, but the Ferris wheel and amusement park are not.
• Ride the Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park
  You’ve seen it in movies, now feel it in real life. The solar-powered Ferris wheel gives you panoramic views from Catalina Island (on a clear day) to the Hollywood sign (on a really, really clear day). Visit the Pacific Park website for pricing and information.
• Grab a Bite on the Pier
  Try a funnel cake, hot dog, or fresh churro. Or settle into MariaSol Sunset Cantina, right at the end of the pier—surprisingly good shrimp tacos, killer margaritas, epic people watching, and a view you’ll never forget.

Check Out the Historic Carousel
Built in 1922 and lovingly preserved. A perfect stop if you’re traveling with kids—or just nostalgic for simpler times, or to replay that scene in The Sting. It’s indoors, so come rain or shine. More info here.

The beach is bordered by a 22-mile coastal bike path that connects Santa Monica to Venice, Marina del Rey, and the South Bay. Public restrooms (well-maintained but definitely wear shoes!), lifeguard stations, and paved walkways make it exceptionally visitor-friendly. The lifeguards are happy to chat and are great at customer service – as they should be since some reports indicate they can make upwards of $500,000 per year! Go get your money’s worth. Whether you’re flirting with a millionaire lifeguard, taking a surf lesson, enjoying a sunset picnic in the sand, or just dipping your toes in the Pacific, Santa Monica Beach is where city energy meets laid-back ocean bliss.

Pro Tip: Locals use the numbered lifeguard towers as landmarks. “I’ll meet you at Tower 26” is the way to get situated. Your GPS will even find the towers.

• How to Get to the Beach
  From The Sovereign, walk down Washington Avenue to Palisades Park where you’ll find several well-kept staircases and ramps leading directly to the beach. If you’re on bikes, ride down the California Incline (Ocean Ave. at California Ave.). Easy, scenic, and direct.
• Bike the Marvin Braude Beach Bike Trail
  Rent a beach cruiser or e-bike from Perry’s close by The Sovereign and hit the 22-mile path that hugs the coastline from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. Stop at Venice Beach for people-watching you won’t forget – but put your wallet in your front pocket. The trail is concrete, flat, smooth, and has some of the best people watching anywhere in the world. The ride north from The Sovereign is shorter, but you get close to the water quickly. The ride south can be an all day adventure. Follow other riders to not get lost as you pass through Marina Del Rey, then it’s a straight shot south.
• Beach Volleyball at Tower 26
  This local hotspot is where serious (and seriously fun) volleyball games go down daily. Join a game or watch from the sidelines with a cold drink. Hot tip: When looking for a game, don’t over-sell your skill level. If you’re a hack, find a less competitive game.
• Surf or Take a Lesson
  Learn to hang ten with local surf schools like Learn to Surf LA or Aqua Surf. Boards and wetsuits provided—and patience for beginners, too. Even if you fail spectacularly, you’ll still be able to Instagram it and convince your friends back home that you rode waves with the locals.
• Eat at Perry’s on the Beach
  With multiple locations along the sand, Perry’s is great for beachside burgers, breakfast burritos, or a cold beer after a bike ride. The food is slightly above meh, but what did you expect? And you can’t beat the location and the views.
• Back on the Beach Café
  Rent a cruiser and ride north to this laid-back, oceanfront café. Sit on the sand with your feet up and try the huevos rancheros. Hot tip: this restaurant is right next to the Annenberg Beach House.
• Annenberg Beach House and public swimming pool and splash pad. If you are traveling with kiddos, this is your place on the beach. Pool admission is $4 for children under 18, $10 for adults. Going for a swim in the pool, and 5 minutes later in the Pacific Ocean is pretty awesome.

From iconic staples to under-the-radar gems, this list highlights some of the best restaurants in Santa Monica to try during your stay—curated by a long-time local who’s tasted just about everything this city has to offer. Let’s dig in.

• Elephante
  Elevated quasi-rooftop dining with coastal Mediterranean vibes. Think wood-fired pizzas, burrata, and some of the best views in town. Reservations highly recommended. Dress in your casual but elegant attire and prepare to see and be seen. As the sun sets, the gliteratti come to Elephante. But if you’re dressed in cargo shorts and tank tops, after dinner at Elephante you may want to catch a movie at the artsy Laemmle Theatre which is downstairs in the same building as Elephante.
• Blue Plate Taco
  Tacos with a view? Yes, please. Situated along the vibrant and busy Ocean Avenue, this casual spot is great for watching tourists walk by, Lamborghinis drive by, and private jets fly by, and especially for sunset guac and margs. According to their website, you can expect “Baja flavors with Santa Monica Flare. A fresh take on Baja-style Mexican food, featuring the freshest farmer’s market ingredients and a famous margarita menu.”
• Father’s Office
  Legendary for their gourmet burger—no substitutions allowed, and trust us, you don’t want to change a thing. Fantastic craft beer selection, too. Hot tip: the place is physically small and tables are sort of shared – you might find a complete stranger asking, “Can I sit with you?” If you’re claustrophobic or don’t like sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers, it might not be for you. But FO always makes the “Best of LA” list, so even if you like your own space, it’s still worth a visit.
• Din Tai Fung
  Din Tai Fung has brought its global dumpling wizardry to Santa Monica, offering an elegant yet welcoming culinary experience at Santa Monica Place. Renowned for its meticulously hand‑folded xiao long bao—each crafted with exactly 18 folds and steamed to order—this Taiwanese-born chain blends tradition and consistency with contemporary flair. The polished service, open kitchen window, and reliably delectable flavors make Din Tai Fung a standout among the best restaurants in Santa Monica. Hot tip: this is a cashless restaurant, plastic only.
• Terrazza 

Expensive. Elegant. Unmatched views of the boardwalk and ocean. Worth it. Don’t miss the raw bar and appetizers: burrata salad, tuna tostada, ceviche.

• Petitgrain Boulangerie

Los Angeles has become a bakery paradise of late, and it’s hard to choose among the famous. But this is a favorite of Santa Monica locals. Petitgrain Boulangerie is a charming French-inspired bakery on Wilshire Boulevard that has attracted global attention. Using California’s best grains, butter, and produce, the bakery turns out impeccably flaky croissants, pain au chocolat, seasonal fruit danishes, cardamom buns, honey sesame cookies, and savory quiches—everything made with organic flour and lovingly hand-crafted. Regulars rave that “croissants are perfection” and highlight kouign-amann, cinnamon rolls, and scones are standout items. Hot tip: if you want warm croissants fresh out of the oven, go at 9 am or 1 pm… and just look for the line outside.

• Best Coffee Shops
  • Demitasse: Creative lattes, homemade syrups, cozy vibe. But no free refills on iced tea. ☹
  • Urth Caffe: Yes, it’s a chain, but the standards have remained high. The only thing better than the coffee is the menu. Don’t trip over the surfboards lined up outside.
  • Dogtown Coffee: Surf-themed, chill, and right near the beach. By the way, the name Dogtown has a unique history worth learning.

Here’s where to find your next great outfit, souvenir, or impulse-buy you didn’t know you needed.

• Montana Avenue
  Nestled just north of downtown, Montana Avenue is Santa Monica’s most charming and refined shopping street—and just a short stroll from The Sovereign. This tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly stretch between 7th and 17th Street is home to more than 150 boutiques, wellness shops, cafes, and independent stores. It’s where Santa Monica locals go for that “just got back from Paris” look without ever leaving the neighborhood. Great for a stylish stroll and celebrity sightings. Don’t miss Brentwood General Store or Splendid. Stop for a matcha or lavender latte at Primo Passo Coffee Co., then continue strolling under the jacaranda trees.
• Third Street Promenade
  Outdoor mall meets street performance festival. This iconic open-air promenade is the beating heart of downtown Santa Monica. Stretching three pedestrian-only blocks, Third Street Promenade offers big-name brands like Apple, Nike, Anthropologie, H&M, Zara, and Lululemon, plus the added entertainment of street performers, live music, and occasional pop-up art shows. It’s touristy, sure—but it’s also vibrant, fun, and incredibly convenient, just a short walk from The Sovereign. Great for families, last-minute errands, or an afternoon of retail therapy with ocean breezes blowing down every cross street. Hot tip: do not ride your bike on the Promenade; the SMPD bicycle police will cite you. How’s that for irony! As of this writing, the Promenade is now allowing open carry of alcohol—not sure how long that will last, so enjoy.
• Santa Monica Place
  Anchoring the southern end of the Promenade is Santa Monica Place, an upscale shopping mall with a rooftop dining deck and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The mall features premium retailers like Coach, Sephora, Tesla, and Nike, along with beauty services, specialty shops, and even the Cayton Children’s Museum. It’s also home to Din Tai Fung, the wildly popular Taiwanese dumpling restaurant (see above), and a rotating selection of food court options on the upper level. If you’re visiting on a hot day or just need a break from the sun, this is a great place to cool off and refresh.
• Main Street
  A local favorite. Just south of downtown, Main Street offers a hip, eclectic alternative to shopping for premium mainstream brands at Santa Monica Place Mall. Think locally owned boutiques, beach-inspired fashion, contemporary art galleries, and laid-back cafés. It’s where Santa Monica’s artistic spirit really shines through. You’ll find cool independent labels, vintage finds, and surfwear. The Sunday Farmers Market on Main Street is also a hit—with live music, food trucks, and handcrafted items from local makers.
• Santa Monica Farmers Market
  Not your typical shopping destination, but an absolute must for anyone interested in food, wellness, or California living. The Santa Monica Farmers Market happens multiple days a week (Wednesday and Saturday downtown, Sunday on Main Street), and it’s where many of LA’s top chefs go to source their ingredients. Shop for organic produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh flowers, handmade soaps, local honey, and more. You’ll often spot executive chefs in white coats handpicking heirloom tomatoes or celebrities shopping incognito behind oversized sunglasses. It’s part market, part cultural event, part Hollywood red carpet—and one of the best ways to experience the city like a local. Not inexpensive goods, but worth it.

Prefer the stage to the bar? Check out The Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, where intimate performances range from cutting-edge plays to global jazz and modern dance. And if you’re visiting in winter, keep an eye out for Cirque du Soleil, which often sets up its iconic big top right on the beach—truly a magical Santa Monica moment. Do not miss Cirque du Soleil if they are in town.

Whether you’re sipping, swaying, swiping, or soaking in culture, Santa Monica’s nightlife scene offers something unexpected around every corner. Okay, here’s the official Santa Monica Best After Dark List

• The Bungalow
  Beach house vibes with a party crowd on the grounds of the world-famous Fairmont Hotel. Expect well-dressed locals, celebrity sightings, and strong margaritas. Go early—it gets packed.
• Harvelle’s Blues Club
  LA’s oldest live music venue, serving up gritty blues, funk, and burlesque in a speakeasy-style setting. Date night approved.
• The Broad Stage
  An ultra-modern theatre offering everything from chamber music to international dance troupes. Small venue, big talent.
• CoCo Club Rooftop Bar at The Eden
  Sunset cocktails with panoramic ocean views. Swanky, intimate, and perfect for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
• Cirque du Soleil (Seasonal)
  In the winter months, the iconic big top lands right on the beach. Worth seeing if you’re in town. Hot tip: take an Uber or Waymo, parking is not easy.

Marina Del Rey

• Start with Marina del Rey, just a 10-minute drive south. This laid-back harbor town is perfect for a change of pace, but it’s a bit of a maze, and a little difficult to navigate. Your best bet is to schedule an activity in advance: Charter a private sailboat, rent a kayak, or book a whale-watching cruise depending on the season. This boater’s paradise is North America’s largest man-made small boat harbor with slips for 5,000 boats and a few yachts. The sunsets over the marina are legendary, best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand and sea lions barking in the background. You will find plenty of guides to the best restaurants in Marina Del Rey…but here’s our insider tip. The best eateries generally don’t have the best views—but if you’re happy with just a cocktail and a sunset and reasonable eats, head for a place with a view. Our favs for that fun are The Warehouse or Tony P’s Dockside Grill.

Two hot tips: Park and stroll at the end of Via Marina, near the Marina Peninsula Beach (better known as Charlie Beach). You can head out along the breakwater, watch the boats, and get in some sand too. Avoid Mother’s Beach…yes, there’s a playground, and yes there’s a Farmer’s Market there on Saturdays, but the interior harbor water is just not clean for your kids.

North for Hiking

For nature lovers and hikers, Topanga Canyon and Temescal Gateway Park are two rugged gems tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains. But check to see what is open following the Jan. 2025 fires. Temescal offers well-maintained trails, ocean panoramas, and shaded canyon paths perfect for a mid-morning hike. Further up the coast, Topanga’s eclectic vibe and winding roads lead to stunning trails, artsy cafes, and scenic picnic spots. Come spring, wildflowers paint the hillsides; in fall, golden grasslands roll beneath crisp blue skies. There are lots more hiking trails…too many to list here.

The Iconic Drive Up PCH

No Southern California trip is complete without a drive up the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Head north toward Malibu, where you’ll find world-renowned surf breaks, hidden coves, and dramatic coastline. Don’t miss El Matador State Beach, a photographer’s dream with its towering sea stacks and tide-carved caves. Another fav of ours is Leo Carillo State Beach with its little coves and clifftop walk. Point Dume and Zuma Beach are even more iconic…and starred in many movies. Cap your drive with lunch at Malibu Farm, perched on the pier with fresh California cuisine and sweeping ocean views. You might want to give a pass to Paradise Cove – expensive parking and expensive food.

Art and history buffs should carve out time for the Getty Villa, just north of Santa Monica in Pacific Palisades—and untouched by the 2025 fires. Modeled after an ancient Roman estate, this museum houses classical antiquities, Mediterranean gardens, and serene fountains—all with sweeping views of the Pacific. Admission is free, though timed-entry reservations and paid parking are required.

For a quintessential LA outdoor experience, venture a bit inland to Will Rogers State Historic Park (currently under renovation due to the Palisades Fire). Once the ranch of the beloved 1930s humorist, the park now offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and weekend polo matches. The loop trail to Inspiration Point provides one of the best panoramic views of the Pacific and downtown LA—an unforgettable reward for an easy trek.

From mountains to museums, boats to beaches, these nearby day trips turn your Santa Monica stay into a launchpad for Southern California’s greatest hits—all within an hour or less of The Sovereign.

Day 2: Local Flavors & Hidden Gems

• Morning: Hike Temescal Canyon for panoramic coastal views. Bring water and sunscreen.
• Midday: Lunch at Blue Plate Taco, then shop along Montana Avenue or browse indie boutiques on Main Street.
• Afternoon: Stop at the Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays) for a local flavor experience.
• Evening: See a show at The Broad Stage, or catch live blues and burlesque at Harvelle’s. Nightcap at Onyx Rooftop Bar.

Day 3: Culture & Coastal Adventures

• Morning: Drive or Uber to the Getty Villa. Wander through Roman-style gardens and galleries.
• Midday: Head to Malibu via Pacific Coast Highway. Stop at El Matador Beach and enjoy lunch at Malibu Farm.

Evening: Return to Santa Monica. Grab to-go poke or Thai from a local spot and enjoy a picnic dinner at Crescent Bay Park, just a 10-minute walk from The Sovereign.

Day 2: Pier, Beach & Bikes

• Ride the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier, then hit the beach.
• Rent bikes from Perry’s and explore the Marvin Braude Trail.
• Dinner at Father’s Office for a legendary burger and craft beer.

Day 3: Art & Gardens

• Visit the Getty Villa and explore its Roman-inspired galleries.
• Afternoon beach read in Palisades Park or under an umbrella at the beach.
• Sushi dinner at Sugarfish or Thai takeout from Thai Dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Malibu

• Scenic drive up Pacific Coast Highway to El Matador Beach.
• Lunch at Malibu Farm on the pier.
• Stop at Point Dume for short hikes and sweeping ocean views.

Day 5: Shopping & Spa Day

• Browse boutiques on Montana Avenue and Third Street Promenade.
• Enjoy a massage or facial at Burke Williams in downtown Santa Monica.
• Happy hour and sunset dinner at world-famous hotel Shutters on the Beach.

Day 6: Hike & Harbor

• Morning hike at Temescal Canyon or Will Rogers State Park (if reopened).
• Afternoon visit to Marina del Rey. Research and book activities in advance—try paddleboarding or take a sunset sail.
• Low-key dinner on the harbor at Tony P’s Dockside Grill.

Day 7: Farmers Market & Farewell

• Start with fresh pastries and produce at the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
• Last-minute shopping or one more beach walk.

Light lunch at Back on the Beach Café, then back to pack and check out.