280 days of sunshine – that is what the sunny city of Santa Monica has to offer. This beachside city of LA boasts an abundance of sunshine along with a variety of activities and laidback luxury for visitors. Santa Monica is known for its beautiful beach and the iconic pier, but that is not all it has to offer. From the adventurous to the cultural, the city also offers plenty of unique experiences making it the perfect winter getaway.
1. Spend a Beautiful Day at the Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is distinguished from other Southern California shorelines by the sheer extent of activities one can enjoy. Both sand and ocean are clean and beautiful where one can beachcomb, swim, and surf. The 3.5 miles long beach and its beauty is the ideal spot to weave memories with friends, family, fun, and laughter. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The South Bay Bicycle Trail or The Strand, is a 22-mile long, paved trail that starts in Santa Monica and finishes at the Torrance County Beach while passing through Venice, Hermosa, and Redondo beach. Bicycle rentals, bike tours, and hotel loaner programs are available for visitors. A picnic at the beach at sunset is also an experience worth trying.
2. Touch the Sky at the Santa Monica Pier
The red and yellow Ferris wheel is a city icon. Among the endless activities that one might enjoy, a flying trapeze class on the Santa Monica Pier with Trapeze School New York: Los Angeles sure stands out. Soar high above the Pacific Ocean and take in the amazing views as you live out a real-life adventure. There are opportunities for everyone, from the thrill-seeker to fear-facer, athlete to couch potato, casual flyer to serious aerialist. The Pier’s Pacific Park is a full-service amusement park, combined with plenty of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, as well as an entertaining arcade with more than 200 games. The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit attraction that really sets Santa Monica apart as an ideal destination for families and visitors of any age.
3. Enjoy Fresh Produce and Food at the Farmer’s Market
Santa Monica is home to a number of amazing outdoor farmers markets, the biggest of which takes place in Downtown Santa Monica every Wednesday. Chefs from Los Angeles’ top restaurants buy produce year-round for their seasonal recipes, even in winter. From pomegranates to persimmons, the market is not only a great place to grab a bite but also a photographer’s paradise. Santa Monica’s farmer’s markets attract the city’s residents and local chefs with its unlimited fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, nuts, fish, and much more.
4. Experience the Cultural Edge at Art Galleries
Santa Monica is home to more than 75 museums and art galleries; clearly, this is a city that embraces arts and culture. The abundance of public art and sculpture, as well as street performers, shows that all of Santa Monica’s art is not locked up within four walls either. Must-visit Santa Monica attractions include L&M Arts, a branch of the New York City gallery by the same name, and Bergamot, an old train depot containing some 35 galleries. The variety of art and culture, along with a host of great restaurants, make the city a perfect date spot for tourists.
5. Admire the Architecture
Santa Monica is known for having some of the most extraordinary architecture in the country. One of its best-kept secrets is the Farnam House. Located at the corner of California Avenue and 26th Street on a residential street, this unassuming bungalow is covered in mosaics. Married couple Louise and Aziz Farnam have been covering their home in eclectic and colorful tiles for years making it a true work of art. The Singing Beach Chairs located just south of the Santa Monica Pier are public art that was installed in 1987 by artist Doug Hollis. Not only can visitors climb up, sit and listen to the sounds created by the breeze, but they can also play music on the aluminum pipes that are simultaneously used as the chair backs.
6. Take a Personalized Walking Tour
Santa Monica is only 8.3mi in the area, so getting around is very easy. While you could drive or cycle or choose another mode of transportation, nothing beats seeing the city on foot. Most of the city can be accessed without a car and walking allows you to soak up the beautiful weather and spectacular views. Also, the wide, paved footpath extending south of the Pier is lined with shops and restaurants making for a fun walk to remember!
