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Santa Monica is a compact, sun-drenched corner of Southern California, best known for its three-mile stretch of iconic coastline. It’s a place where wellness is a lifestyle, cycling is practically a civic duty, and the food scene rivals the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Santa Monica offers everything you expect from a Californian coastal city: wide sandy beaches, artful street life, golden sunsets, and a dynamic culinary scene.
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The enclave is widely regarded as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities, so it’s only natural to start exploring on two wheels. A guided bike tour with guide Erik Hines of Bikes & Hikes took me along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as the Beach Bike Path or The Strand, a 22-mile paved route tracing the Los Angeles County coastline from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach, passing through Santa Monica. With neon-green protected bike paths on almost every street, thoughtful urban planning, and a strong cycling culture, biking is not only practical but a genuinely enjoyable way to see the city.
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No car? No problem. Walking is an excellent way to explore Santa Monica. Begin on Montana Avenue, an upscale, leafy street lined with independent boutiques, bookshops, and galleries. Perfect for slow afternoons spent sipping coffee or browsing curated homeware. Alternatively, 3rd Street Promenade, a pedestrianised, car-restricted zone just east of the pier, is bustling with shops, cafés, and street performers. A fun detour is the Museum of Illusions, an interactive space filled with mind-bending exhibits, warped walls, and playful mirrors designed to challenge perception. The promenade eventually leads to Santa Monica Place, an open-air shopping centre featuring luxury brands and restaurants.
No trip to Santa Monica is complete without a visit to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. With Pacific Park’s solar-powered Ferris wheel spinning overhead and the ocean beyond, it embodies the city’s vibrant spirit. Wander past the historic Route 66 sign, admire the classic carousel, and pay homage to the model of Forrest Gump’s shoes before joining a guided walking tour. You can learn about the pier’s 1909 opening, its evolution into a cultural landmark, and films that cemented its fame, including The Sting and Forrest Gump.
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Food takes centre stage at the Farmers’ Market on Arizona Avenue, transforming the street each Wednesday and Saturday into a showcase of fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Michelin-starred chefs move among the crowds, exploring crates of tomatoes, wild mushrooms, citrus, and market greens. Touring the market with Chef Josiah Citrin, a veteran of LA’s fine dining scene, turns the avenue into a fully sensory experience. Widely regarded as one of the country’s finest, the market dazzles with intoxicating colours, aromas, and textures.
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From there, it’s a short stroll to The Gourmandise School, where visitors can join hands-on cooking classes. Professional chefs guide small groups through knife techniques, artisan bread making, and preparing dishes with seasonal, sustainable ingredients. On the menu for my cooking class was herbed spatchcocked chicken, lemon basil farro, kale salad with avocado, candied almonds, and apple cider vinaigrette, finished with a seasonal fruit crisp.
For a more mindful experience, you can join a beach sound bath led by Camilla Greenberg, a Sovereignty Coach and founder of Soulspace. Settling onto mats with the ocean waves as a backdrop, participants are immersed in melodic gongs and chimes, creating a deeply meditative and restorative experience that combines the calming energy of the sea with mindful sound therapy.
Regent Santa Monica Beach redefines luxury on Santa Monica’s iconic coastline. Situated on Ocean Avenue, just steps from the sand, the hotel combines coastal minimalism with subtle Art Deco touches. Curated artwork and a thoughtful selection of coffee table books create an elegant atmosphere. Opt for the Premier Ocean View Room, a spacious 720 ft² King suite with separate living, dining, and vanity areas. The bathroom is generously appointed with his-and-her sinks, a rain shower, and a deep-soaking tub, offering a luxurious, comfortable stay.
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Orla, the hotel’s signature restaurant from chef Michael Mina, showcases Mediterranean flavours inspired by his travels through Greece and Egypt. The indoor-outdoor space highlights the ocean backdrop, and the menu is fresh, vibrant, and elegantly composed. For a more casual option, Azure Bar offers poolside meals and cocktails with panoramic beach views. Wellness is seamlessly integrated into the stay: the 10,000-square-foot Guerlain Wellness Spa offers treatments created exclusively for the Regent, including massages, facials, and body therapies.
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For those who prefer to stay in the heart of the city, Huntley Santa Monica Beach blends California glamour with easy access to shops, cafés, and cultural hotspots. Its sleek, modern design emphasises light and space, creating a calm retreat amid bustling streets. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a contemporary fitness centre, and a whirlpool spa and lounge.
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A highlight of the stay is the Penthouse Restaurant, offering sweeping panoramic views of both the city and the Pacific Ocean. The menu celebrates coastal-inspired cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully prepared. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch, sunset cocktails, or a special evening meal, the combination of food and scenery creates an elevated yet relaxed dining experience.
For a standout dining experience, Citrin is a must. The Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Michelin-starred Chef Josiah Citrin, serves small, carefully crafted plates that are visually striking and satisfyingly substantial. Seasonal produce and local ingredients take centre stage, and the clarity of flavour and precision in execution underscore why Citrin has earned its reputation. With a large bar and the option of an à la carte or prix fixe menu, the restaurant reflects a passion for delivering exciting, flavourful dishes.
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Inside Oceana Santa Monica, you will find La Monique, which blends French brasserie elegance with the city’s coastal charm. The intimate dining room, styled with rich tones and curated artwork, exudes old-Hollywood sophistication, a nod to the city’s golden-age glamour. With a menu that focuses on seafood and steak using seasonal ingredients, Chef David Fricaud combines French techniques with the best of California’s produce to create a refined dining experience.
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For a laid-back, unpretentious café and neighbourhood gathering spot, Sweet Maple is your go-to. Serving a classic breakfast and brunch menu with subtle Asian influences, the café embodies Santa Monica’s casual charm. Highlights include the “millionaire bacon” in original, cinnamon, rosemary, and citron varieties, and their must-try French toast.
Rustic Canyon is a neighbourhood gem that champions hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the farmers’ market. Chef Jeremy Fox’s slow-food philosophy means the menu changes regularly, highlighting whatever is in season and allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through. It’s a restaurant that quietly impresses, rewarding diners who appreciate ingredient-led cuisine.
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Why not stop by The Georgian Hotel for breakfast or lunch? Sirena, the Italian-inspired restaurant, stays on theme with the hotel’s playful aesthetic while remaining cosy. The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, with standout options like the Evergreen omelette with goat cheese or the Georgian breakfast, a classic English-style offering. Sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating the sleek interior and making it an ideal spot for people-watching.
Santa Monica ticks all the boxes for a sun-soaked California beach break. Walkable? Check. Safe? Check. Strong sense of community and arty vibe? Check. Beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and world-class food? Double check. They say if you come to LA, stay in Santa Monica and visit everywhere else because it’s a destination in its own right, while also serving as the perfect launchpad for exploring the rest of the city.
Virgin Airlines offers flights to Los Angeles, California, from London Heathrow. Return economy fares start from £490.52 pp, subject to change and availability.
