Location: Santa Monica
Top Things to do in Santa Monica
Top Restaurants in Santa Monica
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Santa Monica, California (CA)
The beaches of Santa Monica attract all sorts of visitors-- don't be surprised to see families playing on the sand next to a boot-camp fitness class with a barking instructor. Visit the Santa Monica Pier, a haven of shops, restaurants, and carnival attractions (including a Ferris wheel) atop a wooden wharf. By night, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, and talented street performers.
Restaurants in Santa Monica
1. Airport Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4 acres; Off-leash dog area (license required) with separate small and large dog areas; Playground; Synthetic turf sports field with lights; 17 picnic tables with 6 BBQ grills (reservable area includes 6 picnic tables and 2 BBQ grills); 0.6-mile walking loop; 118 parking spaces and bike racks.
2. Palisades Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
This lush, 25-acre park overlooking the Pacific is a wonderful place for walkers, bikers and people watchers, and connects with the broad Santa Monica beach made famous in TV's "Baywatch" episodes.
Reviewed By airbrush1212 - Santa Monica, United States
The bluffs are a lovely, charming walk thru palm trees and up above the Pacific Coast Highway with a gorgeous view of the ocean. You can picnic, exercise, read a book, walk a dog......
3. South Bay Bicycle Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By 660rickd - Jupiter, United States
Could have ridden more and further, but mainly rode our rentals from Annenburg House down to Venice Pier and back. Stopped for lunch, stopped to watch the Skaters at the Skate park too. Well maintained, easy to see directional markings so walkers, skateboarders and scooters know all where to be and who gets right of way. Never saw an accident, although gotta watch out for little kids o occasion darting out in front of you in their hurry to get to the swing set or the beach lol. You may also need to occasionally watch out for the serious bikers on the trail, the ones who like to really cruise past you expecting you to move out of their way. Also prepare yourself for some second hand MJ smoke. Ran through a few clouds of it, and while it doesnt bother me at all, ;), it may bother some. Next tiem I plan on heading down to marina Del Rey and up to Malibu.
4. Virginia Avenue Park
5. 26-Mile Bike Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,463 reviews
Starting at the Santa Monica pier, this is a popular path for biking, jogging and in-line skating along the Pacific Ocean.
Reviewed By eddiepix - Beaverton, United States
My girlfriend and I have ridden this path from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach many times...it's beautiful and exciting and along with the great proximity to the ocean, you will see some of the world's most interesting people along the way.
6. Santa Monica State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,705 reviews
Reviewed By morrisjkm - Ann Arbor, United States
Fantastic huge beach on the Pacific Ocean with the famous Santa Monica Pier, endless volleyball nets, bike path, Muscle Beach, eateries, sunshine with epic sunsets. Maintained daily by large tractor which sifts white sandy beach.
7. Santa Monica Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Part of the National Recreation Area.
Reviewed By BeachStone2C - Helsinki, Finland
It is amazing how you quickly one can leave busy and noisy LA behind - and getting into Santa Monica Mountains is one of those ways. Variety of different level of hikes, most of them offering great views to the Pacific Ocean. Parking is usually not a problem at all. Highly recommended.
8. Santa Monica Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,342 reviews
Santa Monica Bay consists of 50 miles of scenic coastline with 22 separate public beaches, providing recreational opportunities to visitors year round.
Reviewed By 404christiner404
A great day out at the beach ,walk along the pier and take a ride on the big wheel if you are up to a long walk you can walk to venice beach and get a spot of lunch .
9. Mary Hotchkiss Park
10. Tongva Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By CleopatraBunny - Flagstaff, United States
This park, a block from the Santa Monica Pier, is beautifully landscaped, with fountains and metal sculptures. It's lit well at night, and felt safe for the short time I walked through it. It's also just a block off Colorado Avenue, so very accessible if you are downtown.
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