There are few places that capture the spirit of Southern California quite like Santa Monica.
With its golden beaches, swaying palms, sophisticated hotels and unmistakable laid-back atmosphere, this coastal city offers a slower, more luxurious way to experience Los Angeles – without feeling removed from everything the city has to offer.
Just eight miles from Los Angeles International Airport, Santa Monica is close enough to explore Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, while still offering the feeling of a proper beach escape.
And with 2026 marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66, this is an especially exciting time to visit Santa Monica – the iconic western end point of the legendary American road trip.
If you’re planning a luxury California holiday, here’s how we’d spend three days in Santa Monica.
Day One: Surf, Sea & Santa Monica Pier
Start the Morning on the Pacific
What better way to begin a Santa Monica holiday than by getting into the Pacific Ocean?
With 3.5 miles of beach, surfing is a natural part of life here and is accessible to all experience levels. Beginners can take a lesson and learn to catch their first wave, while more experienced surfers can simply head out and enjoy the Californian coastline.
For something more relaxing, start your morning with beach yoga instead, taking in the sound of the waves while enjoying a little outdoor wellness.
Lunch with an Ocean View
After your morning in the water, make your way to the beach for lunch.
Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals has been part of Santa Monica’s beach scene for 40 years, serving everything from gourmet burgers to fresh sandwiches and salads.
It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, take in the ocean views and embrace the easy-going Californian pace.
Spend the Afternoon at Santa Monica Pier
From here, it’s a short stroll to one of California’s most recognisable landmarks: Santa Monica Pier.
The Pier is packed with history, restaurants, shops and family-friendly attractions, while Pacific Park brings a little extra excitement with its famous Ferris wheel overlooking the Pacific.
The Pier and Pacific Park remain fully open to visitors. While infrastructure improvements are currently taking place around the Pier entrance, visitors can continue to access and enjoy the Pier and its surrounding businesses.
Explore Downtown Santa Monica
Later, head towards Downtown Santa Monica and the famous Third Street Promenade.
The pedestrian-friendly area is filled with shopping, restaurants, entertainment and street performers, making it an easy place to spend a relaxed afternoon or early evening.
As the sun starts to set, make your way back towards the coast and enjoy dinner with views across the Pacific.
Day Two: Cycle the Coast & Discover Local Santa Monica
Morning: Explore The Strand
One of the best ways to experience Santa Monica is on two wheels.
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, better known as The Strand, is a 22-mile paved coastal trail stretching from Santa Monica to Torrance County Beach.
The route offers spectacular views and an insight into the Southern California beach lifestyle, passing surfers, beachgoers, street performers and some of the destination’s most beautiful scenery.
Many hotels offer complimentary bikes to guests, or you can hire a bike locally.
Afternoon: Montana Avenue
After your coastal adventure, head to Montana Avenue for a different side of Santa Monica.
This tree-lined boulevard is home to more than 150 restaurants and retailers, from independent boutiques and home stores to high-end beauty and fashion.
It’s a great place to experience the destination like a local, particularly around the area between 7th and 17th Streets.
Stop for a coffee before browsing the boutiques and local favourites.
Evening: Dinner & Cocktails
Stay in the area for dinner and enjoy one of Santa Monica’s many neighbourhood restaurants.
For a classic local favourite, Father’s Office is known for its celebrated Office Burger and extensive selection of craft beers.
Then make your way to The Bungalow Santa Monica for an evening cocktail.
With its indoor lounge, two bars and outdoor patio, it’s an atmospheric place to finish the day.
Day Three: Wellness, Shopping & a Pacific Sunset
Start with Beach Yoga
Make wellness the focus of your final morning in Santa Monica.
Beach yoga combines movement and fresh air with the sound of the Pacific, creating a wonderfully relaxing start to the day.
Private lessons and group classes are available, making it easy to tailor the experience to your trip.
Afternoon: Shopping & Food
For a little luxury retail therapy, head to Santa Monica Place.
The three-level shopping centre brings together premium stores and dining, with brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Hugo Boss, Tory Burch and more.
Afterwards, why not try something completely different?
The Gourmandise School offers hands-on cooking classes using ingredients from Santa Monica’s farmers’ markets. It’s a fun way to experience the destination through its food while learning something you can recreate at home.
If you’re visiting during one of the city’s weekly farmers’ markets, be sure to look out for Harry’s Berries’ famous strawberries and other fresh Californian produce.
Evening: Palisades Park at Sunset
Finish your three days in Santa Monica with a walk through Palisades Park.
Stretching along the bluffs, the 26.4-acre park offers uninterrupted views of the coastline and is one of the best places to appreciate a Southern California sunset.
Afterwards, enjoy dinner at Birdie G’s, where a menu inspired by Midwestern comfort food is given a distinctly Southern Californian twist.
It’s a fitting end to a relaxed few days on the California coast.
Where to Stay in Santa Monica
For a luxury escape, Santa Monica offers a superb selection of hotels.
Some of the standout options include:
- Shutters on the Beach – for relaxed beachfront luxury
- Hotel Casa Del Mar – for classic coastal glamour
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows – for an elegant resort-style stay
- Oceana Santa Monica – LXR Hotels & Resorts – for intimate, sophisticated luxury
- Regent Santa Monica Beach – for contemporary beachfront luxury
- Santa Monica Proper – for stylish, design-led accommodation
Our team at The Travel Suite can help you choose the right hotel based on your preferred location, style and holiday experience.
Why Add Santa Monica to Your California Holiday?
One of Santa Monica’s greatest advantages is its location.
You can enjoy the beach in the morning, explore Beverly Hills in the afternoon and still be back on the coast for sunset.
Approximate journey times include:
- Malibu & The Getty Villa – 20 minutes
- Beverly Hills – 30 minutes
- West Hollywood – 40 minutes
- Downtown Los Angeles – 46 minutes via the Metro E Line
- Hollywood – approximately 1 hour 10 minutes via Metro E/B Lines
For a luxury California itinerary, this makes Santa Monica an excellent alternative to staying in central Los Angeles – particularly for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation.
Experience Route 66’s Iconic Final Stop
There is another reason Santa Monica deserves a place on your California travel list this year.
2026 marks 100 years of Route 66, the legendary road that has become synonymous with the American road trip.
Santa Monica represents the iconic western end of the route, making it the perfect place to finish a journey through America’s history, landscapes and culture.
Imagine arriving at the Pacific after travelling across the country, then spending a few nights in a luxury Santa Monica hotel, enjoying oceanfront dining, cycling along the coast and watching the sun disappear over the Pacific.
It’s a fitting finale to one of America’s most famous road trips.
Plan Your Santa Monica Escape with The Travel Suite
Whether Santa Monica is the destination for your next long weekend or the final stop on an unforgettable California road trip, it offers an effortless blend of luxury, adventure and relaxation.
From five-star beachfront hotels and wellness experiences to cycling, surfing, shopping and Route 66 history, there is plenty to discover beyond the famous Pier.
Looking to experience Santa Monica for yourself?
The Travel Suite’s luxury travel specialists can create a tailor-made California holiday around you, including luxury accommodation, flights, experiences and carefully planned itineraries.
Get in touch with The Travel Suite to start planning your Santa Monica escape.
