The best things to do in Santa Monica in 2026 are walking the Santa Monica Pier and riding Pacific Park's Ferris wheel, cycling the beach path to Venice, watching sunset from Palisades Park, and shopping the Third Street Promenade and Main Street. The Wednesday farmers market, Heal the Bay's aquarium and the Annenberg Community Beach House round out the list.
Santa Monica is LA's most walkable beach city, and everything here is within a few blocks of the ocean. It is the end of the Metro E Line from downtown.
The historic pier, the end of Route 66.
The pier has fishermen, buskers, an arcade and the sign marking the end of Route 66.
It is free to walk.
Good to know: Visit at sunset.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
An amusement park on the pier with an ocean Ferris wheel.
Pacific Park has a solar-powered Ferris wheel and a roller coaster over the ocean.
Pay per ride or buy a wristband.
Good to know: Ride the Ferris wheel at sunset.
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A flat path along the sand to Venice and beyond.
The beach bike path runs along the sand from Will Rogers State Beach south through Santa Monica and Venice to Torrance.
Bikes and e-bikes can be rented near the pier.
Good to know: Ride south to Venice for lunch.
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Clifftop paths over the Pacific.
Palisades Park runs along the bluffs with palm-lined paths and ocean views.
It is the best sunset spot in Santa Monica.
Good to know: Walk north from the pier for sunset.
Ocean Ave & Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A car-free shopping street with street performers.
The Promenade has shops, restaurants and street performers between Wilshire and Broadway.
Santa Monica Place is at its southern end.
Good to know: Use the city parking structures.
1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A laid-back strip of shops, cafés and bars.
Main Street, running south from the pier toward Venice, has independent shops, cafés and bars.
It has a more local feel than the Promenade.
Good to know: Combine with the beach path.
2700 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
The chefs' market on Arizona Avenue.
The Wednesday market is where many LA chefs buy produce.
It runs on Wednesday mornings.
Good to know: Go early.
Arizona Ave & 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A small hands-on aquarium run by Heal the Bay.
Heal the Bay's aquarium under the pier has touch tanks of local sea life.
It is ideal for young kids.
Good to know: Check open days.
1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A public beach club with a pool on the sand.
The Annenberg Community Beach House is a public beach facility with a seasonal pool, on the site of a 1920s estate built for Marion Davies.
Pool access is by reservation in season.
Good to know: Reserve pool passes ahead in summer.
415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402
The Santa Monica Pier, the end of Route 66, its wide beach and the Third Street Promenade.
Yes. Walking the pier is free; Pacific Park rides cost per ride or with a wristband.
Yes. The Marvin Braude beach bike path runs along the sand from Santa Monica to Venice and beyond. Rent a bike near the pier.
Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue, on the bluffs above the beach.
Take the Metro E Line from downtown LA to Downtown Santa Monica station, a short walk from the pier.