On the Pacific Coast, just a stone’s throw from LAX, Santa Monica is an ideal base for families wanting to explore the greater Los Angeles area.
It combines the laidback lifestyle of a Southern Californian beachside community with the sophistication of buzzing LA, while being an easy day trip from Anaheim or Hollywood. But with a sweeping stretch of sand, oceanfront trails and a vibrant cultural and dining scene, you might never want to leave!
1. Enjoy the amusement park at Santa Monica Pier
Built in 1909, Santa Monica Pier has been a beloved landmark and family attraction for more than a century. The famous Pacific Park amusement park is packed with classic rides and arcade games. There are plenty of dining options to suit all tastes, ranging from hot dogs and cotton candy (fairy floss) to gourmet cuisine. Be sure to ride the Pacific Wheel, the world’s first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel that’s at its shining best when illuminated at night.
2. Visit Heal the Bay Aquarium
Santa Monica Pier is also home to the Heal the Bay Aquarium where you can get up close to Californian marine species.
3. Bike the beachside Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Stretching 35km from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail is the world’s longest oceanfront bike path. Popular with both adults and kids, thanks to its flat and paved terrain, the trail has a safe cycle lane where you can plod along while skaters whizz by. It takes in the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk, as well as winding through Hermosa and Redondo Beaches.
You can easily hire bikes at Perry’s Cafe and Beach Rentals, with cruiser, mountain bikes, low riders and even beach wheelchairs available. Make sure you and the kids remember the ‘road rules’ and stay on the correct side of the path!
4. Dine at Perry’s Cafe on the beach
Perry’s is also a great place to begin a day on the sands of Santa Monica, with a beach butler service offering lounge chairs, an umbrella, a cooler and a wind guard. Parents can kick back and soak up the So-Cal lifestyle while the kids are busy building sandcastles and splashing in the shallows. If you’re riding the bike trail, you can stop here for a dip and enjoy all the action before continuing on your way.
4. Shop up a storm on the Third Street Promenade
Just a couple of blocks from the beachfront is Third Street Promenade, which serves as the main shopping hub in Santa Monica. It’s blissfully vehicle-free (so ideal for young kids) and is always alive with buskers and street performers that make it an entertaining place to wander. There’s a great choice of eateries in the Downtown area as well.
5. Pick up produce at the Main Street Farmers’ Market
Santa Monica definitely knows how to do a great farmers’ market, with four taking place each week at locations throughout this beachside community. They bring together the region’s best chefs and artisan producers of meats, cheeses, flowers and fresh veggies, shining a light on Southern California’s farm-to-table scene. The Sunday morning Main Street Farmers Market is particularly popular with local families, featuring kid-friendly bands and face painting.
6. Have fun on the playground in Tongva Park
Created by the team behind New York’s elevated park High Line, Tongva Park lies in the heart of Santa Monica. It’s named after the Indigenous people who once inhabited the region, with gorgeous plantings, contemplative walking paths and tranquil water features inspired by the ancient arroyo landscape. But for kids, it’s the climbing fort, slippery dips and splash pad that are the biggest hit, while the sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean from the park’s viewing platforms are a ‘must’.
More information: santamonica.com
Opening image: Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier © Joe Lee/Unsplash
