12 Essential Things To Do In Santa Monica
So you’ve already been to the beach, strolled along the Promenade, taken in the sunset and witnessed eccentric street performers hustle for change. What’s next?
Make the most of your trip with these essential things to do in Santa Monica that aren’t just another visit to the beach.
Take A Splash At The Annenberg Community Beach House
Image credit: Annenburg Community Beach House | Website
Originally built in the 1920s as part of a Hollywood starlet’s private home, Annenberg Beach House is more than just a community swimming pool. Along with its striking Santa Monica views, visitors can enjoy the public recreation room, paddle board hire, cafe, sporting facilities, playground and free wifi. It also has a ‘splash pad’, which is like the formal equivalent of running around the garden with the sprinklers on during a hot Aussie Summer. Those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, before strict water conversation rules set in, will fondly reminisce.
Frolic By The Seaside At Pacific Park
Located amongst the bustle of Santa Monica pier, this 12-ride amusement park is small in scale but big on entertainment value. Its iconic, solar powered ferris wheel is perfect for those who want to take it slow and enjoy the views, while the roaring, rattling roller coaster is best suited to thrill seekers. On the ground you’ll find arcade games and a busy strip of restaurants, gift stands and souvenir shops that live along the pier.
Indulge Your Creativity At Bergamot Station
Image credit: Bergamot Station | Website
Promoting access and diversity through all forms of artistic expression, Bergamot Station is a cultural hub that provides free exhibitions and activities to the community all year round. Everyone is welcome here to enjoy the numerous fine art galleries, lively City Garage Theatre and Crow Comedy Club performances, and there’s even a writing school for those wanting to hone their craft. Formerly a bus depot, the sprawling complex was repurposed in 1994 to become the creative wonderland it is today.
Shop Like A Chef At The Iconic Santa Monica Farmers Market
Arrive early in the morning at Santa Monica Farmers Market, and you’ll find yourself knocking elbows with chefs as they source fresh fruit and vegetables for local restaurants. As the day goes on, the market attracts an eclectic mix of people from community residents to tourists and LA natives who are willing to withstand 50 minutes on the freeway to grab some organic kale. It can get crowded on weekends, but the plush, bountiful trays of berries and billowing mounds of fresh greens make it worth the hectic atmosphere.
Check Out What’s Showing At Aero Theatre
Image credit: Aero Theatre | Website
The single-screen Aero Theatre was originally built in 1939, for employees of the Douglas Aircraft Company to enjoy a flick after work. Since then it’s undergone multiple renovations, but the characteristic Art Deco architecture remains. These days, visitors flock here to catch screenings of B-grade horror marathons, indie flicks and documentaries. If you’re playing along at home, be sure to look out for the cameo that Aero Theatre made in Donnie Darko too.
Get Loose At A Local Dive Bar
There’s no exclusive guest list or gatekeepers guarding the door at Chez Jays, the low key dive bar that’s been serving Santa Monica locals since 1959. Nevertheless, it’s had its fair share of celebrity guests over the decades, from Marilyn Monroe to Harry Styles. Located nearby popular hotspots such as Tongva Park and the famous Third Street Promenade, it’s great for either a quick drink or a longer session that drags into the wee hours of morning, before you stumble back to the hotel. If you can’t find much more info about Chez Jays online, it’s probably due to their no photo policy. After all, what happens in Chez Jays stays there…you know the drill.
Wander Main Street For Santa Monica’s Coolest Strip
Image credit: Trove | Yelp
If Third Street Promenade feels a little too polished, head south to Main Street. This is where Santa Monica softens around the edges. Stretching from Pico Boulevard down toward Venice, the palm-lined strip trades big-name retail for independent boutiques, well-curated vintage stores and the kind of coffee spots where laptops outnumber tourists.
You’ll find locals drifting between brunch, Pilates and a quick surf check, plus enough low-key bars and restaurants to settle in for the afternoon. It’s relaxed but still refined—less spectacle, more substance. If you’re chasing that “I could live here” feeling rather than ticking off attractions, this is your pocket of Santa Monica.
Picnic With A View At Tongva Park
Image credit: City of Santa Monica | Website
Yes, it’s technically near the tourist strip—but most people breeze straight past it. Tongva Park’s rolling green mounds, sculptural landscaping and sneaky ocean viewpoints make it prime golden hour territory. Grab takeaway, claim a grassy knoll and watch the sky do its thing without committing to full beach chaos.
Catch A Set At McCabe’s Guitar Shop
From the outside, it looks like a wholesome neighbourhood guitar store. And it is. But head out back and you’ll find one of LA’s most intimate live music venues. Since 1958, McCabe’s has hosted everyone from folk legends to low-key indie darlings in a tiny room where there’s not a bad seat in the house. It’s acoustic, it’s unfussy and it feels like you’ve stumbled into something you weren’t technically invited to—but are very glad you found.
Go Full LA With A Candlelit Sound Bath
Image credit: Unplug | Instagram
If Santa Monica had a spiritual headquarters, this would be it. Unplug offers guided meditations and sound baths that attract everyone from stressed tech workers to low-key celebrities in oversized hoodies. It’s candlelit, calming and just woo-woo enough. Perfect counterbalance to a long day in the sun (or a long night at Chez Jay’s).
Skate The Strand At Dusk
Image credit: Expedia | Website
Technically obvious, but doing it at dusk changes everything. Rent skates or a cruiser bike and hit The Strand when the light softens and the crowds thin. The ocean’s on one side, palm silhouettes on the other, and everyone suddenly looks like they’re in an indie film. It’s simple, but it feels cinematic.
Shoot Pool And Drink Cheap Beer At The Daily Pint
Image credit: Unplug | Instagram
If you’re over curated cocktail menus, this is your spot. The Daily Pint is dark, unfussy and proudly beer-forward, with solid taps and pool tables that actually get used. It’s the kind of place locals drift into midweek and accidentally stay too long. No velvet rope, no influencer lighting—just good beer and mild competitiveness.
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