Visiting the US? Here's why Santa Monica should be on your travel itinerary

Santa Monica offers the perfect blend of laidback luxury and vibrant cityscape full of adventure art and style tied together by its walkability making it easy to explore this coastal gem at your own pace With its pristine coastline iconic pier and opportunities for outdoor adventure theres always something to do whether youre catching a sunset or riding the waves Santa Monica is home to upscale accommodations worldclass restaurants swanky nightlife and unmatched shopping all rubbing shoulders with the carefree surf culture that can only be found by the Santa Monica BaySanta Monica pier attractionsPacific ParkSanta Monica Pier is an ideal destination for families and visitors of any age Explore the Pierrsquos Pacific Ocean views souvenir shops arcade with more than 200 games and numerous food and drink options Check out Pacific Park a fullservice amusement park with more than 6 million yearly visitors where the solarpowered overwater Ferris wheel makes it the only one of its kind in the region It features a fivestory West Coaster roller coaster and a ninestory Pacific Plunge tower ridePhotoopsMake memories and grab photos at some of the statersquos most Instagrammable spots including the official end of Route 66 sign and the blue and yellow Santa Monica Pier signRoute 66For those completing Route 66 do not forget to stop at Santa Monica Travel amp Tourismrsquos Visitor Information Kiosk along Palisades Park or the Pier Shop in the carousel building for your official Route 66 certificateLaidback daysBy day marvel at the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel check out the street performers or snag a stick of puffy cotton candy For an evening adventure grab a drink funnel cake or Smashiersquos Burger and admire the unforgettable views of Malibu and the South Bay Stick around past sunset and you might just catch live local music to accompany the sound of nearby wavesOceanfront walkThe adjoining Ocean Front Walk is a wide paved footpath lined with shops and restaurants Kids love South Beach Park that includes a stonewalled sandbox concrete Viking ship and interactive dragonrsquos head A row of volleyball courts are available at Ocean Park North Beach on a firstcome firstserved basisDiningThe Santa Monica Pier has several restaurants ranging from fine seafood to classic American dishes Visitors come for the views over the Pacific Ocean as much for the foodFishingFishing from the Santa Monica Pier is a popular pastime among locals and visitors Santa Monica Pier Bait amp Tackle offers gear and bait for fishing in the ocean and no license is neededVisit the AquariumGrab a bit of shade and play with the underwater locals under the Santa Monica Pier at Heal the Bay Aquarium This allages aquarium features over 100 local marine animals and wildlife species Do not forget to visit the touch tankrsquos hermit crabs sea urchins and sea cucumbers and check out developing and newborn pups at the shark nurseryBeachside gloryThe long wide expanse of Santa Monica Beach is distinguished from other Southern California shorelines by the sheer extent of available activities such as beachcombing swimming and surfing experiences The 35mile Santa Monica Beach offers plenty of room for yearround beachgoers Manned lifeguard stations paved walkways restrooms and restaurants are also availableSurferrsquos paradiseNamed the official state sport in 2018 surfing along Santa Monica Beach is easily accessible and encouraged for all levels of surfers Bay Street just south of Hotel Casa del Mar and the Santa Monica Pier are popular surf spots known for their easy parking clear waters hospitality and consistent conditions Rentals and lessons adjacent to the beach offer beginners an introduction to Southern California surfing and experts a community of fellow enthusiastsFitness communityLocated to the south of the Santa Monica Pier Original Muscle Beach was established in the early 1930s It quickly grew from a few tumbling mats and gymnastic bars to the epicentre of the 20th centuryrsquos fitness movement Today the collection of rings bars and other retro equipment is a popular location for a free outdoor workout with the beach as your backdropSultry sunsetAfter a day out stick around for the finest Santa Monica attraction of all a fiery beachside sunsetRetail therapySanta Monicarsquos fashion scene has everything name brands global couture and independent boutiques Visit the quaint shops that line Montana Avenue or head to Nordstromrsquos glittering storefront at Santa Monica Place before hitting up the famous Third Street PromenadeParks and recreationBeyond the sandy beaches Santa Monicarsquos parks provide a range of options for those looking to stop and smell the roses Take a walk along the palm treelined paths of Palisades Park while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean Dive into the cultural heritage of Tongva Park exploring the gardens and learning the history of the native Tongva people Relax at Crescent Bay Park a hidden treasure with green spaces and picnic areas Finally unwind with a friendly game of lawn bowling or tennis at Douglas ParkArt and cultureSanta Monica boasts over 55 museums galleries and creative venues plus plenty of art spanning far beyond four walls including public art and sculptures street performers and over 170 street art murals One of Santa Monicarsquos mustvisit attractions is Bergamot Station an old train depot containing nearly 20 distinct galleries Be sure to check the events calendar for an everchanging lineup of live shows farmers markets gallery openings outdoor concerts and moreNightlifeStay past sunset and watch the city transform Locals from all over the Los Angeles area head to Santa Monica where the combination of walkability and variety of nightlife makes for a memorable evening no matter the occasion Start with happy hour on a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean like The Coco Club at Sonder The Beacon or Eacutelephante and end the night dancing or saddled up to the counter at one of the cityrsquos longstanding dive bars such as Chez JayAccommodationSanta Monicarsquos shoreline is dotted with luxury stays offering direct ocean access plus walkability to lively restaurants and bars with great views and laidback patios More than half of Santa Monicarsquos hotels are just a few blocks from the ocean Properties like The Pierside Hotel Sandbourne Santa Monica The Georgian Hotel The Beacon and Shore Hotel just to name a few offer clear views of the Southern California coastline just steps from the action off Ocean Avenue