Two days isn’t enough time to explore all that Santa Monica has to offer. Extend your trip and enjoy a long weekend, SoCa-style.
Friday
No trip to Santa Monica is complete without a little shopping and exploring on one of Santa Monica’s hippest boulevards—Abbot Kinney. Some of our favorite boutiques are Tortoise General Store, for Japanese homegoods with a modern twist, and Heist, for many of our favorite designer brands, like Rachel Comey, Mother and Raquel Allegra. When you get hungry, choose from a variety of restaurants, like local hot-spot Gjelina for wood-fired pizzas, or Salt Air, for lobster rolls and perfectly flaky salmon.
Saturday
Feeling sporty? Grab a breakfast burrito and a cold brew at Dogtown Coffee to power up, then walk three blocks southeast to the nearest Breeze Bike Share station on the corner of Strand and Main. Pick up a pair of wheels, and cruise north along the beach on Santa Monica’s beautiful bike path until you hit Pacific Palisades. Enjoy the sunshine and the views while hiking around Temescal Canyon. Stop and enjoy a PB&J sandwich, some trail mix, and a little break. Bike home, then clean up and take a Lyft to Rustic Canyon Wine Bar for the best burger and bottle of wine the city has to offer. You’ve earned it.
Sunday
After all that activity on Saturday, it’s time to have a little day of relaxation. Start your morning with delicious baked goods and coffee at Sidecar Doughnuts on Wilshire Boulevard. Stroll ten blocks south to Santa Monica State Beach, and settle into your lounge chair for an afternoon of sunbathing, reading and snoozing. If you need some midday fuel, grab a cold-pressed juice or a meal-replacement smoothie at Nekter Juice Bar. For dinner, consider hitting up Blue Plate Oysterette— one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica’s for its raw bar and ocean views.
Monday
Begin your day with brunch at one of the best Santa Monica brunch restaurants, then hit the beach!
Santa Monica Guide
Looking for more activities in Santa Monica? Check out our destination guide and blog for the most recent recommendations on all there is to experience in sunny Santa Monica!
