Planning a trip to Santa Monica? This guide covers Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, Santa Monica Beach, Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, Main Street, the Farmers Market, a one-day itinerary, parking and transportation, plus 8 restaurants including Bay Cities, Cobi’s, Rustic Canyon, Tar & Roses, Holy Basil, Orla, Seline, and Élephante, with addresses, prices, and official Instagram accounts.
Santa Monica Travel Guide | Pier, Beach, Parking, Transportation, and 8 Restaurants with Addresses, Prices, and Instagram
Santa Monica is one of the best coastal cities to add to a first-time Los Angeles itinerary.
The area combines the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Pacific Park Ferris wheel, the Route 66 End of the Trail sign, a wide sandy beach, a coastal bike path, Third Street Promenade, and a dining scene that ranges from affordable Italian sandwiches to Michelin-starred tasting menus.
With one day, you can easily combine the pier, beach, shopping district, and sunset. Travelers with more time can ride a bicycle along the coast to Venice Beach and add Main Street or Abbot Kinney Boulevard to the itinerary.
Santa Monica works well for first-time Los Angeles visitors, families, couples, California road trips, and travelers who prefer not to drive.
Santa Monica Quick Guide
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Region | Los Angeles County, California |
| Recommended stay | Half day, one day, or two days and one night |
| Signature attractions | Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, Santa Monica Beach |
| Shopping areas | Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, Main Street |
| Public transportation | Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica |
| Best for | Beach trips, sunsets, shopping, food, families, couples, cycling |
| Parking budget | Downtown garages and beach parking lots charge based on date and length of stay |
| Dining budget | Approximately US$15–50 per person, with fine dining priced higher |
| Best schedule | Farmers market in the morning, beach in the afternoon, sunset in the evening |
Best Things to Do in Santa Monica
1. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is the city’s most recognizable landmark.
The pier features amusement rides, restaurants, souvenir stands, street performers, and the Route 66 End of the Trail sign. It is also one of the best places to enjoy views of Santa Monica Bay and photograph the coastline around sunset.
Santa Monica Pier is generally open from early morning until late evening, but restaurants, attractions, and shops operate on their own schedules. Pacific Park currently lists the pier as open from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., while ride hours vary by date.
Travelers should also be aware that the Santa Monica Pier Bridge, which connects Ocean Avenue with the pier, is undergoing replacement work. Construction may create traffic changes, pedestrian detours, and congestion, with the overall project expected to continue into 2027.
Recommended time: 60–120 minutes
Best for: First-time visitors, families, couples, Route 66 trips, sunsets
2. Pacific Park
Pacific Park is the oceanfront amusement park located directly on Santa Monica Pier.
There is no separate admission fee to enter Pacific Park. Visitors only pay for the rides and games they choose.
Major attractions include the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, West Coaster, and Sea Dragon.
The Pacific Wheel is the park’s most famous attraction and one of Santa Monica’s most recognizable landmarks. The current official single-ride price is US$17 per person, although ride prices and unlimited-ride wristbands may change according to date and special events.
Recommended attractions:
Pacific Wheel
West Coaster
Sea Dragon
Pacific Plunge
Arcade Games
Carnival Games
Recommended time: 45–90 minutes
Best for: Families, couples, first-time visitors, nighttime photography
3. Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most famous urban beaches in Los Angeles.
The wide stretch of sand is suitable for walking, sunbathing, beach volleyball, cycling, and watching the sunset. South of the pier, visitors can also see the outdoor fitness equipment at Original Muscle Beach.
From Santa Monica Pier, the coastal bike path continues south toward Venice Beach. The distance is manageable, but summer heat and sun exposure can be significant, so cycling is usually more comfortable than walking.
Recommended time: 60–180 minutes
Best for: Beach time, cycling, sunsets, families, groups of friends
4. Third Street Promenade
Third Street Promenade is Downtown Santa Monica’s main pedestrian shopping district.
The area features national retailers, restaurants, coffee shops, and street performers. It is within walking distance of Santa Monica Place, Palisades Park, and the pier.
Travelers who do not want to spend the entire day on the beach can visit Third Street Promenade around midday or in the afternoon before walking to the pier for sunset.
Recommended time: 60–120 minutes
Best for: Shopping, dining, coffee, rainy-day plans
5. Palisades Park
Palisades Park runs along the coastal bluff beside Ocean Avenue.
The park offers elevated views over the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Pacific Ocean. Compared with the busy pier area, it is usually a more relaxing place to walk, sit on a bench, or watch the sunset.
Recommended time: 30–60 minutes
Best for: Walking, jogging, sunset views, ocean scenery
6. Tongva Park
Tongva Park is located near Santa Monica Pier and Downtown Santa Monica.
The park includes walking paths, lawns, children’s play areas, and viewing platforms. Families can stop here before heading to the pier or use the park as a quiet place to rest between activities.
Recommended time: 30–45 minutes
Best for: Families, walking, picnics, short breaks
7. Main Street Santa Monica
Main Street has a more local neighborhood atmosphere than Third Street Promenade.
The area includes restaurants, coffee shops, independent boutiques, and yoga studios. Cobi’s and Seline, both included in this guide, are located near Main Street.
On Sunday mornings, visitors can also check the Main Street Farmers Market and combine it with brunch, shopping, or a beach visit.
8. Santa Monica Farmers Market
Santa Monica Farmers Market is one of the best-known farmers markets in Los Angeles.
Downtown markets are generally held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, while the Main Street Farmers Market usually operates on Sunday mornings. Exact hours may change for holidays, weather, or special events.
Visitors can browse seasonal California produce, flowers, baked goods, and prepared foods. Many Los Angeles chefs also shop here for restaurant ingredients.
Suggested plans:
Visit the Downtown Market on Wednesday or Saturday morning
Visit the Main Street Market on Sunday morning
Continue to Santa Monica Pier afterward
Buy fruit or bread for a beach picnic
Santa Monica One-Day Itinerary
Classic First-Time Route
Santa Monica Farmers Market or brunch
→ Third Street Promenade
→ Santa Monica Place
→ Palisades Park
→ Santa Monica Pier
→ Pacific Park
→ Santa Monica Beach
→ Dinner on Main Street
→ Sunset by the ocean
This route is ideal for first-time visitors who want to combine the beach, shopping, food, and the city’s best-known landmarks.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach Route
Santa Monica Pier
→ Rent a bicycle
→ Original Muscle Beach
→ Venice Beach Boardwalk
→ Venice Skatepark
→ Abbot Kinney Boulevard
→ Return to Santa Monica in the late afternoon
During summer, begin cycling in the morning to avoid prolonged midday sun exposure.
How to Get to Santa Monica
Metro E Line
Travelers without a car can take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station.
From the station, it is possible to walk to Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, Tongva Park, Santa Monica Pier, and the beach.
For visitors staying near Downtown Los Angeles, USC, Culver City, or another E Line station, taking the train may be easier than driving and looking for parking.
Driving to Santa Monica
Driving times from Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, or Orange County depend heavily on traffic on Interstate 10, Interstate 405, and surrounding streets.
Weekends, summer days, and the period before sunset are usually the busiest. Arriving in the morning, parking once, and exploring Downtown Santa Monica on foot is often the easiest approach.
Santa Monica Parking Guide
Downtown Santa Monica has several municipal parking structures, mainly around 2nd Street and 4th Street.
After the 2026 rate adjustment, Parking Structures 1 through 9 and the Ken Edwards Center charge US$1 for the first 90 minutes. The first 90 minutes are no longer completely free.
Beach parking lots usually charge a daily rate that varies by season, weekday, weekend, and special event. Common published rates are approximately US$7–18 per day, but current pricing should always be checked at the entrance or through official city information.
Parking suggestions:
For Downtown shopping: Use a municipal garage near 2nd Street or 4th Street
For the beach: Use a designated beach parking lot
For an all-day visit: Check the maximum daily garage rate
For weekends and summer: Arrive in the morning
During pier construction: Avoid driving directly toward the pier when possible
8 Best Restaurants in Santa Monica
All prices below are listed in U.S. dollars and generally exclude sales tax, gratuity, parking, restaurant surcharges, and alcoholic beverages.
Menus, prices, and operating hours may change seasonally. Check the restaurant’s official website and Instagram before visiting.
1. Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery is one of Santa Monica’s most famous Italian delis.
In addition to sandwiches, the shop sells pasta, cheese, cured meats, salads, sauces, and freshly baked bread.
Its signature sandwich is The Godmother, made with prosciutto, ham, capi cola, mortadella, Genoa salami, and provolone cheese.
The current official online menu lists the small Godmother at approximately US$12.50 and the large at US$16. In-store prices may vary slightly by weight.
Address: 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Price range: Approximately US$12–25 per person
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, approximately 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
Payment note: The official ordering page indicates that debit cards and cash are preferred in-store
Official social media: Bay Cities Italian Deli Instagram
Recommended items:
The Godmother
Turkey Sandwich
Meatball Sandwich
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Lasagna
Italian Bread
Pasta Salad
Marinated Vegetables
The Godmother prices:
| Size | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Small | US$12.50 |
| Large | US$16 |
Suggested order:
The Godmother with the Works
Add Mild Peppers or Hot Peppers
Buy an extra loaf of Italian Bread
Add Pasta Salad or Marinated Vegetables
The deli is often crowded at lunchtime. Ordering online for pickup can save time. Current online pickup hours are generally Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2. Cobi’s
Cobi’s is a popular South Asian and Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant on Main Street.
The dining room uses floral decorations, vintage furniture, and warm colors, while the garden patio is especially popular for dates.
The menu combines Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and broader Southeast Asian influences, with dishes designed for sharing.
Cobi’s serves dinner daily and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Current official hours list dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and until 11:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Weekend brunch is generally served from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Address: 2104 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Price range: Approximately US$35–70 per person
Official social media: Cobi’s Instagram
July 2026 dinner menu price guide:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Kingfish | US$18 |
| Ora King Salmon | US$21 |
| Scallops on the Half Shell | US$26 |
| Grilled Prawns | US$21 |
| Pork Dumplings | US$16 |
| Curry Puffs | US$14 |
| Crispy Pork Belly Salad | US$19 |
| Beef Rendang | US$28 |
| Devil Chicken Curry | US$21 |
| Mister Dal | US$19 |
| Butter Chicken | US$22 |
| African Curry | US$18 |
| Oxtail Massaman | US$43 |
| Gai Yang Chicken | US$31 |
| Beef Short Rib | US$48 |
| Dry Aged Branzino | US$36 |
| Nasi Goreng | US$16 |
| Green Papaya Salad | US$15 |
| Thai Tea Pudding | US$12 |
Recommended items:
Curry Puffs
Pork Dumplings
Crispy Pork Belly Salad
Beef Rendang
Butter Chicken
Oxtail Massaman
Nasi Goreng
Thai Tea Pudding
Groups can also choose a Feed Me Menu. Current pricing is approximately US$64 per person for The Classics and US$78 per person for the Chef’s Selection, with a minimum of two guests.
3. Rustic Canyon
Rustic Canyon is one of Santa Monica’s best-known seasonal California restaurants.
The kitchen emphasizes farmers market ingredients, and the menu changes frequently according to produce and season.
Current cooking has strong California and Mexican influences, making the restaurant a good choice for diners who enjoy vegetable-focused dishes, natural wine, and market-driven menus.
Address: 1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Price range: Approximately US$50–100 per person
Official social media: Rustic Canyon Instagram
Recent menu price guide:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chile Lime Almonds | US$8 |
| Bread & Butter | US$13 |
| Garden of Gems | US$19 |
| Crispy Weiser Farms Potatoes | US$21 |
| Chilled Corn Salad | US$18 |
| Petaluma Chicken | US$39 |
| Flannery Beef Ribeye | US$69 |
| Pork Chop | US$59 |
| Choco-Flan | US$18 |
| Churros & Chocolate | US$13 |
Recommended items:
Bread & Butter
Garden of Gems
Crispy Weiser Farms Potatoes
Chilled Corn Salad
Petaluma Chicken
Flannery Beef Ribeye
Churros & Chocolate
Rustic Canyon works especially well for groups of two to four who want to share several vegetable dishes, a main course, and dessert.
4. Tar & Roses
Tar & Roses is a popular wood-fired restaurant in Downtown Santa Monica.
The menu is divided into Snacks, Small Plates, Vegetables, and Large Plates. Many vegetables, meats, and seafood dishes are prepared over wood fire, giving them smoky and charred flavors.
Address: 602 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Price range: Approximately US$45–90 per person
Official social media: Tar & Roses Instagram
July 2026 menu price guide:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken Liver Mousse | US$19 |
| Oxtail Dumplings | US$17 |
| Wood Roasted English Peas | US$18 |
| Roasted Beet & Yogurt Dip | US$18 |
| Mortadella & Fig Bruschetta | US$18 |
| Balsamic Glazed Ribs | US$19 |
| Moroccan Marinated Lamb Kabob | US$20 |
| Singaporean Chili Crab Cake | US$24 |
| Squid Ink Fettuccini | US$27 |
| Corn & Mascarpone Gnocchi | US$23 |
| Yellowtail Crudo | US$23 |
| Wood Roasted Bone Marrow | US$22 |
| Fried Cauliflower | US$17 |
| Maitake Mushrooms | US$18 |
Recommended items:
Oxtail Dumplings
Wood Roasted English Peas
Singaporean Chili Crab Cake
Wood Roasted Bone Marrow
Fried Cauliflower
Wood Roasted Miso Glazed Cabbage
Whole Fried Snapper
For a group, consider ordering two or three snacks, two small plates, two vegetable dishes, and one large plate to share.
5. Holy Basil Santa Monica
Holy Basil Santa Monica is one of the area’s newer and more talked-about Thai restaurants.
The menu is inspired by Bangkok cooking and emphasizes spice, acidity, wok-fired flavors, seafood, and house-made curries.
In addition to popular Holy Basil dishes such as Gra Pow, the Santa Monica location offers seafood and creative specialties suited to the neighborhood.
Address: 2828 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Price range: Approximately US$30–60 per person
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; closed Monday
Official social media: Holy Basil Instagram
Price guide:
| Item | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Papaya Salad | Around US$15 |
| Gra Pow Wagyu | Around US$18.50 |
| World Cup Fried Rice | Around US$20–22 |
| Crab Fried Rice | Around US$22 |
| Seafood Soup | Around US$30 |
| Crying Tiger | Around US$30 |
| Scallop & Shrimp | Around US$24 |
Recommended items:
Gra Pow Wagyu
World Cup Fried Rice
Ginger Crab
Nam Tok
Prawn Aguachile
Lobster Tom Yum Risotto
Papaya Salad
Coconut Panna Cotta
The food is often bold and spicy. Diners with a low spice tolerance should ask about heat levels before ordering.
6. Orla by Michael Mina
Orla is located inside Regent Santa Monica Beach and serves Mediterranean, Greek, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine.
The restaurant is close to Santa Monica Pier and works well for oceanfront brunch, anniversary dinners, or an upscale hotel dining experience.
The setting and service are positioned at a higher level than a typical neighborhood restaurant, and prices reflect that.
Address: 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Price range: Approximately US$60–120 per person
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily; exact times vary by reservation schedule
Official social media: Orla Santa Monica Instagram
Menu price guide:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Whipped Chickpea Hummus | US$15 |
| Sea Bream Crudo & Caviar | US$34 |
| Chilled Oysters | US$27 |
| Lobster Roll | US$27 |
| Kataifi Wrapped Prawns | US$35 |
| Beach Club Brunch Prix Fixe | US$65 per person |
Recommended items:
Whipped Chickpea Hummus
Sea Bream Crudo & Caviar
Lobster Roll
Kataifi Wrapped Prawns
Mediterranean Sea Bass
Baklava French Toast
Wagyu Beef Hawashi
For ocean views or weekend brunch, reserve ahead and mention your seating preference. Outdoor or window tables cannot always be guaranteed.
7. Seline
Seline is a high-end tasting menu restaurant on Main Street led by Chef Dave Beran.
The restaurant focuses on seasonality, storytelling, and an immersive dining format. Seline received one Michelin star in 2026, making it a strong choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or destination dining.
Address: 3110 Main St, Suite 132, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Price: Tasting menu approximately US$295 per person
Beverages, tax, and service charges are additional
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday beginning at 6:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Official social media: Seline Instagram
Recommended experiences:
Seline Seasonal Tasting Menu
Wine Pairing
Non-Alcoholic Pairing
Seasonal Seafood Courses
Vegetable Courses
Dessert Courses
Seline is not designed for a quick walk-in dinner. Reserve ahead and allow enough time for the full experience.
8. Élephante Santa Monica
Élephante is one of Santa Monica’s most popular rooftop restaurants.
Located on the rooftop of a building on 2nd Street, the restaurant serves coastal Italian cuisine, handmade pasta, pizza, cocktails, and ocean views.
Lunch, weekend brunch, and sunset reservations are especially popular.
Address: 1332 2nd St, Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Price range: Approximately US$40–90 per person
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–midnight; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.; Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–midnight
Official social media: Élephante Instagram
Menu price guide:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Banana Bread | US$10 |
| Ricotta Pancakes | US$18 |
| Breakfast Pizza | US$24 |
| Whipped Eggplant | US$16 |
| Big Eye Tuna Tartare | US$20 |
| Burrata & Caviar | US$45 |
| Meatballs | US$18 |
| Arugula Pesto Pasta | US$22 |
| Vodka Sauce Pasta | US$27 |
| Cacio E Pepe | US$26 |
| Tagliatelle Tartufo | US$55 |
| Artichoke Pizza | US$28 |
| Soppressata Pizza | US$27 |
| Burrata Pizza | US$24 |
| Wild Mushroom Pizza | US$24 |
| Branzino | US$40 |
| Diver Scallops | US$43 |
| Bone-In Ribeye | US$120 |
| Express Lunch | US$40 per person |
Recommended items:
Whipped Eggplant
Big Eye Tuna Tartare
Vodka Sauce Pasta
Cacio E Pepe
Soppressata Pizza
Branzino
Ricotta Pancakes
Banana Bread
The Élephante Cocktail
For sunset dining, reserve several weeks ahead and request a window or terrace table. Specific seating is usually not guaranteed.
Best Ways to Plan Santa Monica Dining
Affordable Classic Route
Bay Cities Italian Deli
→ Take The Godmother to the beach for a picnic
→ Santa Monica Pier
→ Pacific Park
→ Sunset on the beach
This route is one of the easiest ways to keep the budget under control.
Main Street Food Route
Main Street Farmers Market
→ Shop along Main Street
→ Dinner at Cobi’s
or
→ Anniversary dinner at Seline
Cobi’s is better for sharing and casual dates, while Seline is designed for special occasions.
Downtown Santa Monica Route
Third Street Promenade
→ Dinner at Tar & Roses
or
→ Sunset meal at Élephante
→ Walk through Palisades Park
Tar & Roses focuses on wood-fired food, while Élephante is more about ocean views and a lively social atmosphere.
Oceanfront Fine Dining Route
Santa Monica Beach
→ Santa Monica Pier
→ Regent Santa Monica Beach
→ Dinner or weekend brunch at Orla
This route is ideal for couples, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Santa Monica Restaurants by Budget
US$15–25 per person
Bay Cities Italian Deli
Best for sandwiches, salads, and drinks to take to the beach.
US$30–60 per person
Holy Basil
Cobi’s
Tar & Roses
Good for casual dates, group dining, and regular dinners.
US$60–120 per person
Rustic Canyon
Orla
Élephante
Actual spending may be higher with alcohol, steak, or seafood.
US$295 and up per person
Seline
Once beverages, tax, and service charges are included, the total for two people can be significantly higher.
Santa Monica Two-Day Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Santa Monica
Buy sandwiches from Bay Cities
Explore Third Street Promenade
Walk through Palisades Park
Visit Santa Monica Pier
Ride attractions at Pacific Park
Watch the sunset on the beach
Dinner at Tar & Roses or Élephante
Day Two
Visit Santa Monica Farmers Market
Explore Main Street
Brunch at Cobi’s
Cycle to Venice Beach
Walk along Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Return to Santa Monica
Dinner at Holy Basil or Rustic Canyon
Santa Monica Travel Tips
-
Downtown municipal garages now charge US$1 for the first 90 minutes.
-
Pier bridge construction may cause detours and traffic.
-
Beach parking prices vary by season and weekend.
-
Pacific Park is free to enter, but rides are individually priced.
-
Sunset is the busiest time around the pier and beach.
-
Bring sunscreen and water when cycling in summer.
-
Bay Cities is closed Monday and Tuesday.
-
Reservations are recommended for Cobi’s, Rustic Canyon, Tar & Roses, and Élephante.
-
Seline requires advance reservations and enough time for a full tasting menu.
-
Restaurant bills usually include additional tax, gratuity, and possible service fees.
-
Menus and prices can change seasonally.
-
Check official Instagram accounts and reservation pages before visiting.
Final Thoughts: Santa Monica Combines the Best of Los Angeles Beach Life, Food, and City Attractions
Santa Monica is more than a place to take one photo at the pier.
From Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, and Santa Monica Beach to Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, and Main Street, the city can easily fill an entire day.
The dining scene is equally varied. Choose Bay Cities for a classic affordable sandwich, Cobi’s for Southeast Asian-inspired sharing dishes, Rustic Canyon for seasonal farmers market cooking, Tar & Roses for wood-fired food, Holy Basil for Thai cuisine, Orla for upscale oceanfront dining, Seline for a special tasting menu, or Élephante for sunset views, Italian food, and cocktails.
A strong first-time itinerary could include:
Lunch from Bay Cities
Shopping at Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
Sunset at Santa Monica Beach
Dinner at Tar & Roses or Élephante
This combination gives visitors a complete experience of Santa Monica’s beach, pier, shopping, food, and Southern California sunset.
Disclaimer:
Attraction details, parking rates, operating hours, restaurant menus, addresses, and prices in this article were compiled from the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, restaurant websites, official Instagram accounts, and public ordering platforms.
Prices, hours, parking fees, menu items, construction routes, and reservation policies may change at any time. Check official websites, social media accounts, reservation pages, and on-site notices before visiting.
Image source: Official brand websites and official social media accounts.
FAQ
Is one day enough for Santa Monica?
Yes. A first-time itinerary can include Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, and Santa Monica Beach, followed by sunset and dinner.
Does Santa Monica Pier charge admission?
No. Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park do not charge general admission. Visitors pay separately for rides and games.
How much is the Santa Monica Ferris wheel?
The current official single-ride price for the Pacific Wheel is US$17 per person. Prices may change for events or promotions.
Is the first 90 minutes of Santa Monica parking still free?
No. After the 2026 adjustment, Parking Structures 1 through 9 and the Ken Edwards Center charge US$1 for the first 90 minutes.
Is Santa Monica easy to visit without a car?
Yes. Take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station and walk to the shopping district, pier, and beach.
What is the best affordable restaurant in Santa Monica?
Bay Cities Italian Deli is one of the best affordable options. The Godmother costs approximately US$12.50 for a small and US$16 for a large.
What are the best Santa Monica restaurants for a date?
Cobi’s, Rustic Canyon, Orla, and Élephante are all good date-night options. For a more formal anniversary dinner, consider Seline.
What are the best ocean-view restaurants in Santa Monica?
Élephante is a popular rooftop restaurant with ocean views. Orla is located inside Regent Santa Monica Beach and offers a more upscale coastal dining experience.
Does Santa Monica have Michelin restaurants?
Yes. Seline received one Michelin star in 2026. Cobi’s has also received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Can Santa Monica and Venice Beach be visited on the same day?
Yes. The easiest option is to rent a bicycle near Santa Monica Pier, follow the coastal bike path to Venice Beach, and continue to Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
