Santa Monica holidays

Santa Monica is packed with things to see and do, like Santa Monica Pier and its iconic Pacific Park amusement centre. And Santa Monica State Beach, which spans more than four kilometres, is perfect for sunbathing and strolling. Stop at the Camera Obscura, dating from 1898, or Tongva Park, where you’ll find modern sculptures and man-made waterfalls. You can also go for a splash at Annenberg Community Beach House, home to a private pool and loungers.

If you like to surf, there are a number of places to catch a wave along the coast, including near Santa Monica Pier. Surfers and artsy folk generally congregate in Main Street’s coffee shops, which are adorned with fascinating street art. If you love art, head to Bergamot Station in Mid-City – it’s the largest contemporary art collection in Santa Monica. Shopaholics should visit Santa Monica Place and Third Street Promenade – these two large shopping areas are also packed with places to eat and drink.

Unlike neighbouring Los Angeles, Santa Monica’s nightlife isn’t about guest lists and dressing to impress. Most of its bars are laidback, particularly if you’re scouting out a watering hole in Downtown. Third Street Promenade and its surrounding streets are home to unique spots like Barkowski, a Sixties-style bar that pays homage to LA-raised author Charles Bukowski and serves more than 50 types of beer. Looking for a classic ‘dive bar’? Chez Jay is a local favourite, where you might spot a few famous faces too. You can catch live music at Harvelle’s Blues Club, the city’s oldest music venue, with artists playing everything from jazz to rock to funk.

If you’re seeking a classier venue, the Wilshire Montana area has plenty of high-end bars and lounges. For a real treat, visit The Penthouse at Huntley Santa Monica Beach. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the ocean and city, as you cosy up in a private cabana.

If you’re looking to explore the wider area around Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray is a great place to start. The man-made harbour community is a 15-minute drive from Santa Monica and is a popular place for locals and tourists to try out paddle-boarding and kayaking. You can also experience the waters without getting your hair wet on a dinner cruise. More than 5,000 boats call the marina home at any one time – including super-yachts from Los Angeles’ rich and famous – so it’s a great place to wander and star-spot.

Alternatively, take a 25-minute drive up the coast to Malibu. The 34-kilometre strip of coast is a surfer’s paradise and its spectacular sunsets are a must-see. Head to Surfrider Beach, close to Malibu Pier, to catch a wave in the world’s first World Surfing Reserve. If you’re there in winter, you might also spot migrating grey whales at northerly Point Dume.

Summer and early autumn are the best times for a Santa Monica holiday, as there’s little chance of rain and most days are hot and sunny. July to September is the most popular time to go, so you can expect the city and the beach to very busy at this time of year. Temperatures are pleasantly warm, in the mid-to-high-twenties, and it’s also peak surfing season.

Spring tends to be chillier. May and June can be overcast and foggy as Santa Monica is blighted by LA’s annual ‘June Gloom’. Autumn is often very warm in the city as strong seasonal winds – known as the Santa Ana – bring hot, dry air streams down from the Nevada Desert.

Winter is when you’re most likely to experience rainy days, although Santa Monica generally gets less than a few inches of rain during even its wettest month, February.