Santa Monica is the Westside's most walkable base: beach, pier, park, and shopping all within a short distance of most rentals. This guide is written to be shared with arriving guests so they can start exploring right away.
The Santa Monica Pier
The Pier is Santa Monica's landmark: an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and the official end of Route 66, all over the water. It is lively from morning to late evening, and the entrance is the classic first photo of the trip.
- Ride the Ferris wheel for the coastal view
- Walk the full pier at sunset
- Look for the Route 66 'End of the Trail' sign
Palisades Park and the Beach
Palisades Park runs along the bluff above the beach with palm-lined paths, benches, and postcard views of the coastline. Below it, Santa Monica State Beach connects to the Strand, the coastal path that runs the length of the bay.
- Walk the bluff path in Palisades Park at golden hour
- Rent bikes and ride the Strand toward Venice or Malibu
- Swim or relax on the wide sandy beach below the park
Third Street Promenade and Downtown
A few blocks inland, Third Street Promenade is Santa Monica's open-air shopping street, with stores, restaurants, and street life. It is an easy evening plan that requires no car.
- Shop the Promenade's open-air blocks
- Dinner downtown within walking distance of most rentals
- Weekend street performers along the way
Day Trips Along the Coast
Santa Monica works as a base for the whole Westside: Venice and Marina del Rey are a short ride south, and Topanga and Malibu start just up the coast. Guests with a car can reach all of it in under half an hour in normal traffic.
- Bike south along the beach path to Venice
- Drive north on PCH toward Malibu's beaches
- Take the family to the aquarium at the end of the pier
Santa Monica guests rarely need a car — sharing a local plan helps them enjoy the neighborhood on foot.
