How To Explore Santa Monica and Venice Like a Local
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As a local, I’ve visited some of the best sights in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Even so, you could live here your whole life and only scratch the surface of all the things to do in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. On the coast of Los Angeles, life is more laid back than the bustle of LA. Still, it’s perfectly located far enough from the chaos of the city but close enough to easily pop in when you need to. If you’ve never been to the area, you probably dream of visiting the famous Santa Monica Pier or strolling the Venice Boardwalk to watch all the street musicians and artists. Those are your first stops, but there’s a lot more to see beyond that.
We’ve got an innovative culinary scene, vibrant art on every corner, and palm trees swaying over an endless summer. In this guide, I’m sharing how to explore Santa Monica and Venice Beach like a local.
You’ll get that California postcard experience, but also a less touristic side of the area and get to savor some hidden gems along the way.
Make sure to also check out my LA Highlights: Explore The Best Sights in this Los Angeles City Guide!
Why You Should Go
If you are visiting the city or Greater Los Angeles, you can’t miss Santa Monica and Venice Beach. After all, some of the most famous pop-culture locations are right here, just 15 miles from Downtown LA and 8 miles from LAX. People visit the LA beaches to soak up the California sunshine, surf, explore the pier and promenade and get a flare for the hip, and weird. That’s the allure of this area: Santa Monica and Venice are two of the most desirable locations in the U.S. to live. Yet the area retains its historic, artistic and bohemian roots, making it a fusion of upscale luxury meets boho vibes. Let’s explore!
What You Should See
Whether you want to shop at one of the coolest neighborhoods in LA (Abbot Kinney), pump iron at Muscle Beach, or pop in for a fresh meal, there’s something for everyone here.
Spend The Day At The Beach
Of course, the main draw is the beach, and you’ve got your choice to sunbathe in Santa Monica, or splash around in Venice Beach (the two are only separated by three miles of coastline). Split your day in half and spend a few hours in Venice, and then head over to Santa Monica. You’ll quickly see that each beach has a totally different vibe.
Ride the Bikepath
There are dozens of bike rental shops lining the beach in both Santa Monica and Venice Beach—and for good reason. Start at Santa Monica Pier, rent a bike, and cruise the boardwalk down to Venice Beach (or vice versa). And don’t stop there, stroll through the boroughs and neighborhoods to get a unique insight into the lifestyle here. Trust me, there’s always something to see!
Wander Around Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Avenue
This is one of the most historic piers in California—at 110 years old, it’s been featured in numerous movies and T.V. shows, and for good reason. Many of the California beaches get complete makeovers and lose their vintage, historic vibe. Not Santa Monica Pier, which is an essential landmark. Here you’ll get the classic California beach experience. There’s an awesome old arcade to play games with wild abandon and release your inner child.
You can take a break from sunbathing and stroll the pier, browse hip boutiques and pop in to one of the many restaurants for a fresh bite. When the sun sets over the glittering Pacific, the lights come on and the pier takes on a new life. There are evening concerts, performances by street musicians, vendors selling arts and crafts and even art shows. If you want classic California nostalgia, you can’t miss Santa Monica Pier.
Wander The Venice Boardwalk Carnival and Canals
You could easily spend an entire day—no, make that a week—no, month! Ok—a lifetime exploring the Venice Boardwalk and still not quite wrap your head around it. It’s a hodgepodge carnival of sorts because on the beachside are street artists, vendors and crafts shops selling local art and goods. And on the other side are tons of boutiques, novelty shops and restaurants. It’s kind of like stimulation overload but in an exciting, crazy awesome way. There’s a reason why this place is famous: it’s a carnival and there’s never a dull moment. When the amusement gets too intense, escape to the Venice Canals between Court A and Court E. These picturesque waterways interlude between homes and are a tiny sized model of Venice, Italy. They offer a much-needed breath of fresh air after the wild journey through the Venice Boardwalk.
Visit the Original Muscle Beach
Don’t forget to visit the origins of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career: Muscle Beach in Santa Monica. There’s also a Muscle Beach in Venice, but the original location is in Santa Monica. What was once the office for wrestlers, gymnasts and bodybuilders is now an attraction for both tourists and athletes. Gymnasts and yogis tumble and stretch against the sun-splashed backdrop of the statuesque carousel on Santa Monica Pier. Don’t worry, you don’t have to work out unless you want to. Otherwise, you can stroll by and take in the sights.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Farmer’s Markets are the best way to get local produce, but for us Californians, they are an institution. In Santa Monica, we have two main markets: The Wednesday market downtown, and the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market. Both events draw local farmers, artists, musicians and craft dealers and it’s so fun to peruse with the dogs, buy fresh goods and soak in the local vibes.
Stroll Abbott Kinney
People come from all over LA to shop at Abbott Kinney in Venice. This amazing street isn’t just lined with interesting shops, it’s a full-fledged shopping experience affixed with hip boutiques, innovative restaurants and local brands. On First Friday every month, the street is lined with food trucks, live music and bustling crowds. You can’t visit Venice without popping over to the “Coolest Block in America,” as described by GQ.
Bergamot Station
You’ll never fall short on a good fix of the arts in Santa Monica, which is exactly what you’ll find at Bergamot Station. Located on Michigan Ave, this arts center hosts a collection of amazing private art galleries. Adding to the heritage of the arts center is the fact that before it housed fine arts, it was a railroad station, then a celery packing warehouse, then an ice plant, and eventually, after years of abandonment, it transformed into a cultural arts center.
House Of Intuition
One thing we love in LA is alternative healing modalities. Maybe it’s the traffic, but we need to wind down and get centered, and to help us with that are places like House of Intuition in Santa Monica. Here you can browse candles, snag some healing crystals, sit in on a transformative healing class, or simply bask in the positive energy of this stunning place. Be prepared to leave full of zen after visiting!
Drive PCH up to Malibu
There are roads and byways, freeways and highways, and then there’s Pacific Coast Highway, the crowned jewel of California coastline that links all of the beaches together. For locals, PCH is a point of pride because there are few roads that greet you with endless views, and wind through nearly an entire state. PCH stretches 655 miles of California coast, but one of the prettiest stretches is right here in LA, from Santa Monica to Malibu. Roll the windows down, put on some of your favorite jams and cruise up PCH in style taking in the sparkling waves.
Where You Should Eat
I have an entire guide dedicated to my favorite gluten-free food spots in LA. Check the guide out and I promise you won’t go hungry.
Nightlife
When the sun dips over the horizon, nightlife in Santa Monica and Venice Beach heats up. Along with a vibrant bar and drinking scene, you’ll find eclectic and interactive nightlife events that capture the heart of the West Coast. Here are some of my favorite highlights:
See A Movie At Aero Theater
One of the oldest and most enchanting theaters in LA is the Aero Theater, which opened in 1940. The glittering marquee illuminates the unique indie films, documentaries and old cinema showing at this single-screen, intimate theater.
The Other Room
After a day of shopping at Abbott Kinney, head to The Other Room. This open-air hangout spot serves up beer and wine in an intimate setting perfect for socializing and catching up.
The Bungalow
Retro meets California surf at this vibrant bar. With a patio, billiards room, couches and open space, The Bungalow feels exactly like the name—a homey place to drink and hang out with your friends.
The Del Monte Speakeasy
Sip on traditional cocktails and savor live music in an intimate lounge setting. The Del Monte Speakeasy is a dim-lit bar where jazz music, whiskey and conversation meld into an atmospheric nightlife experience reminiscent of old-Hollywood.
Stroll 3rd Street Promenade at Night
At night, lights string above 3rd Street Promenade in downtown Santa Monica , street musicians come out and the night takes on a whole new life. You’ll see all the same attractions as you would during the day, but it has a lovely vibe at night perfect for strolling and dining.
Where You Should Stay
Ready to book your trip? Thought so! Here are some of my recommendations for the best places to stay in Santa Monica/Venice Beach. Of course, you can always find hip, local homestays on Airbnb. If hotels are your vibe, here’s some of the best:
Huntley Santa Monica Beach
If you want to stay close to the beach and all the action, but still want luxe accommodations, Huntley is your spot. With luxury rooms, access to local cafes and shops, and a towering, panoramic rooftop restaurant, you’ll savor unrivaled views of the Pacific.
Oceana
This luxurious beach club hotel provides the classic Californian experience all within a modern, beach setting. Lounge poolside, or head out for the day’s activities. At Oceana, you’re in the heart of Santa Monica.
Viceroy
Right on Ocean Ave in the midst of all the best attractions is Viceroy, a luxury hotel in Santa Monica. With access to the beach, local restaurants and markets, pool cabanas and gorgeous interiors, you can soak up the sun and ambiance at Viceroy.
Hotel Erwin Venice
If you prefer to stay in Venice Beach, Hotel Erwin is amazing. Located right on Pacific Ave., this chic hotel is right in the center of all the action of Venice. Plus, there’s an amazing rooftop lounge area where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Opt For An Airbnb And Live Like A Local
Venice and Santa Monica are home to gorgeous beach bungalow and modern masterpieces. You can always opt for an Airbnb and stay near the beach or check out Hotel Tonight for the best deals on local hotels
When You Should Go
Most people think of California as having an endless summer, and only true locals know the variances in seasons. Yes, it’s mostly always sunny here, but we get a heavy dose of May Grey and June Gloom. As such, it’s best to avoid these times when fog blankets the pier, covers the view and misty showers keep people indoors. Then there’s summertime when California really sets into her true glory. Many people recommend you visit California in the summer, but that’s usually when locals tend to stay away from all the tourist spots. Instead of facing massive traffic and crowds, wait until school’s back in session and you can savor all the fruits of Santa Monica and Venice in September and October—sans crowds.
How To Get There
Santa Monica is just a quick 8-mile Uber ride from LAX. If you’re coming from Downtown LA, you can take an Uber to get to the beach. Keep in mind—traffic in California is INSANE. It’s best to head anywhere before 12 p.m., or after 7 p.m. Otherwise, you can expect bumper-to-bumper traffic. You can also try your hand at the LA public transport system—but be warned—it’s not great. The Metro Expo Line will get you from DTLA to Santa Monica in under an hour.
Are you ready to bask in bright rays of sunshine, eat delicious food and explore all of the exciting sights of the West Coast? Then you’ve got to head to Santa Monica and Venice Beach!
About Me:
I am an IIN Certified Health Coach helping people heal from Lyme, Mold and Autoimmune Disease. Learn more about my journey and how we can work together.
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