Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Santa Monica?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Santa Monica?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Santa Monica, California? Most people spend one to three days in Santa Monica during their visit. After all, the lively town will let you swim at the beach, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, take advantage of the local nightlife, and go shopping.
Santa Monica is a famous beach town near Los Angeles. The beach is a lively place with bike trails, parks, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. There's also the famous "Muscle Beach" which is an outdoor gym, and the amusement park on the iconic pier.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Santa Monica? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Santa Monica?
Three days is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Santa Monica, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Swim at the beach, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, take advantage of the local nightlife, and go shopping on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Santa Monica as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 3 days in Santa Monica
When visiting Santa Monica, you absolutely can't miss the Santa Monica Pier as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting ($195)
Santa Monica is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.
The beautiful beaches await you in Santa Monica, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Surf Lesson 1.5 Hr Kapowui Santa Monica ($140)
- 5.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour ($89)
- Private Surfing Lesson in Santa Monica ($125)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.
Shopping in Santa Monica is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Santa Monica.
Is 4 days enough time in Santa Monica?
Four days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Santa Monica. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the cuisine, the nightlife, and the many shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Santa Monica, California
How to spend 4 days in Santa Monica
Having 4 days in Santa Monica will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Santa Monica?
Five days is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Santa Monica. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Santa Monica as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
How to spend 5 days in Santa Monica
With 5 days in Santa Monica, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
After you've explored most of Santa Monica, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 5 Hours Los Angeles and Hollywood Day Trip ($119)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Santa Monica.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Santa Monica, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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