Experience Coastline and Culture in Santa Monica

There are few places in the world where sun, sea, culture and wellness collide as effortlessly as they do in Santa Monica. With 280 days of sunshine a year and 3.5 miles of pristine coastline, this quintessential Southern California gem invites travellers to breathe deep, move freely, and immerse themselves in a lifestyle that’s both effortlessly relaxed and endlessly energetic.

A mere stone’s throw from Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a city that exists in harmony with nature, where Pacific waves soundtrack your mornings, and open-air art and fitness classes give new meaning to the phrase “holiday spirit”. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, beachcomber, cultural wanderer or culinary enthusiast, Santa Monica has a sun-dappled surprise waiting around every corner.

The Allure of the Open Shore

The heart of Santa Monica beats on its beach. This golden stretch of coastline is more than just a pretty face; it’s a playground for ocean lovers. From surfing and paddleboarding to simply soaking up the sun with a book in hand, the beach welcomes everyone with open arms. While the area near the iconic Santa Monica Pier tends to bustle with families and selfie-seekers, head north past the Annenberg Community Beach House and you'll find quieter sands perfect for uninterrupted lounging or a peaceful stroll.

For those wanting to elevate their beach day, Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals offers private butler-style service, imagine your beach chair, umbrella and refreshments waiting for you, no effort required. Add to that a sunset cycling experience on the Marvin Braude Beach Trail, the world’s longest oceanfront bike path, and it’s clear why this stretch of coast keeps visitors returning, year after year.

Adventure in the Air and Sea

Santa Monica isn’t just about basking in the sun. It's about movement, energy, and embracing the extraordinary. Trapeze School New York offers high-flying thrills with trapeze and aerial arts classes set against the backdrop of the Pacific. Meanwhile, the calm coastal waters invite beginners and seasoned pros alike to kayak or stand-up paddleboard their way into the horizon.

If you're looking to unlock a hidden side of the city, the new interactive app tour at Santa Monica Pier turns a stroll into an immersive treasure hunt. Follow the clues and uncover stories and secrets etched into the city’s soul. It’s a digital-age twist on an old-school boardwalk experience.

Where Green Spaces Bloom

Beyond the beach, Santa Monica is dotted with more than 20 parks, each with its own distinct charm. But for those craving real elevation, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area lies just beyond the city limits, offering over 500 miles of trails that meander through chaparral-covered hills, revealing sweeping views of the coast, Pacific sunsets, and landmarks like the pier from entirely new angles.

This proximity to wild nature lends Santa Monica its unique dual personality: urban and untamed, polished yet organic.

Culture on the Coast

Santa Monica doesn’t just nourish the body—it feeds the mind and spirit too. Just a short drive away, the Getty Villa stands like a slice of classical Europe transplanted onto the Pacific Coast Highway. This meticulously recreated Roman villa is home to four tranquil gardens and a world-class collection of antiquities.

For urban explorers, the city’s vibrant street art scene and architectural tours are equally inspiring. Over 130 murals splash colour across buildings, alleyways and public spaces, many of which can be discovered on self-guided walks. And if history is your thing, the Santa Monica Conservancy offers a curated walking tour that reveals the stories behind the city’s design and evolution.

A Taste of the Good Life

Santa Monica’s culinary scene is as fresh and flavourful as its sea breeze. The city’s farmers' markets, held several times a week in various neighbourhoods, are more than just shopping destinations; they are local institutions. Chefs and food lovers rub elbows as they inspect heirloom tomatoes, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal flowers.

Picnic culture thrives here, too. With Santa Monica Picnic Co, visitors can book curated picnic experiences, complete with chic furniture, gourmet cheese boards, and beachfront views. Or take it a step further with Malibu Discovery Wine Tours, which whisks guests away to nearby vineyards nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu Wine Country, proving that coastal living and fine wine are a perfect pairing.

Wellness Woven into the Landscape

For the fitness faithful, Santa Monica is more than accommodating; it’s invigorating. From beach yoga classes at Beach Yoga SoCal to ballet-inspired cardio sessions at Dorothy Green Park, fitness here feels less like a chore and more like a celebration.

Sound bath meditations at the Pier invite quiet reflection, while rooftop spin classes, outdoor rowing, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions at Palisades Park cater to every kind of workout warrior. Wellness isn't reserved for spas and retreats; it pulses through the city like a second heartbeat.

What truly sets Santa Monica apart is how it makes outdoor living not just accessible, but aspirational. It's a destination where luxury is found not only in five-star comforts but in the simple joy of cycling along the ocean or watching the sun dip behind the pier.