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Weekend Getaways to Santa Monica

Santa Monica
Everything about Santa Monica sizzles, from hundreds of funky shops and restaurants to more than three miles of white sand beach to the multitude of celebrities zipping into the local airport and out on Montana Avenue. The subject of popular songs, movies and television shows ("Baywatch" was one of many filmed here), the city has a vibe like no other. Hollywood haute couture meets surfer chic meets hippie casual, and somehow it all works. A word of advice: ditch the car and walk everywhere. Santa Monica is small and prides itself on being pedestrian- and environmentally friendly. You won't need wheels at the auto-free Third Street Promenade, a stroller's paradise known for its multitude of movie theaters, restaurants and animated street performers. Or at the famous and historic Santa Monica Pier, home to savory smells from fast food stalls and the solar powered, nine-story high Ferris wheel that has long been a symbol of the city. If your feet start to fail, hop on the electric powered Tide Shuttle, a bus service that runs along the beach offering great views plus a ride to the artsy Bergamot Station and the Santa Monica Museum of Art, or your next spirited Santa Monica destination.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Center of activityCenter of activity
Santa Monica Pier: This bustling wooden wharf is the place to be, with its eateries, shops, high-tech arcade, roller coaster, giant Ferris wheel and other rides, famous 1922 indoor merry-go-round and fantastic views of the bay and the mountains.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation, Santa Monica, California
Phone: 310-458-8900
Free
For art loversFor art lovers
Bergamot Station: A mecca for artists and art lovers, this warehouse complex features numerous art galleries, unusual shops and the Santa Monica Museum of Art.
Address: 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, California
Phone: 310-829-5854
Donation suggested
Nifty neighborhoodsNifty neighborhoods
Third Street Promenade: A moviegoer's haven, this colorful three-block stretch, open to pedestrians only, has some 20 movie theater screens, hundreds of stores, numerous restaurants, animal topiaries and street entertainment running the gamut from dancers to fortune tellers.
Address: Third Street between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway, Santa Monica, California
Phone: 310-393-8355
Free
Montana Avenue: A great place to celebrity watch, this 10-block stretch is an eclectic mix of chic, upscale shops ranging from furniture to fashions and interspersed with cafes, coffee shops and restaurants.
Address: Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, California
Free
People watchingPeople watching
Muscle Beach: Weight lifters still strut their stuff at this outdoor gym where, in the 1930s, '40s and '50s, crowds would gather to watch young men and women honing their bodies. Some notables, like Vic Tanny and Jack LaLanne, went on to fame in the fitness world.
Address: Santa Monica, California
Free
Outdoor funOutdoor fun
Palisades Park: This lush, 25-acre park overlooking the Pacific is a wonderful place for walkers, bikers and people watchers, and connects with the broad Santa Monica beach made famous on "Baywatch."
Address: Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California
Phone: 310-828-4497
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Melisse: This elegant restaurant serves French cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. The tasting menus are a great way to sample many of the dishes during one meal.
Address: 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, California
Phone: (310) 395-0881
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Traveler Lists

Traveler Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Popularity index: #2 in Santa Monica
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Fairmont.com Reserve directly with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts at our official site.
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
View all travel offers for this hotel
Casa Del Mar
Popularity index: #11 in Santa Monica
HotelCasadelMar.com Official Site Book at official site & save
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
View all travel offers for this hotel
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
The Georgian Hotel
Popularity index: #1 in Santa Monica
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Booking.com Low rates, no booking fees ! Book online now, pay at the hotel.
ORBITZ.com Hotel Fee Cuts + Price Assurance = Lower Total Price on Hotels!
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Holiday Inn Santa Monica Beach At The Pier
Popularity index: #17 in Santa Monica
HolidayInn.com Book online or call 877-270-6397
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Hotel Fee Cuts + Price Assurance = Lower Total Price on Hotels!
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Travelodge Santa Monica Pico Boulevard
Popularity index: #12 in Santa Monica
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Travelodge.com Get 15% off the best available rate when you book direct through Travelodge!
ORBITZ.com Hotel Fee Cuts + Price Assurance = Lower Total Price on Hotels!
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Bayside Hotel
Popularity index: #23 in Santa Monica
Booking.com Low rates, no booking fees ! Book online now, pay at the hotel.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hostelworld.com Sleep Easy on your travels Read 1 million+ ratings & reviews
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Recommended Reading
"Trendy Santa Monica tops list for ‘hip’ California vacations"  CaliforniaWeekend.com
Famed and trendy So Cal playground attracts celebs and regular folks to its variety of hip shops, galleries and restaurants.
"Classic Beach, but Much More"  New York Times (free registration required), Feb 22, 2008
Santa Monica is one of California's classic destinations.
"Santa Monica: We Are Not L.A. -- Or Are We?"  Washington Post, Jan 16, 2005
Compact, centrally-located and pedestrian-friendly Santa Monica is the perfect home base for a trip to the sprawling City of Angels.
"Santa Monica"  VIA Online, Jul 1, 1998
A look at what makes Santa Monica tick.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Santa Monica