Key Takeaways:
- You can enjoy a wide variety of things to do in Santa Monica like visiting the iconic pier, walking the beach, and exploring the colorful murals near Main Street.
- For a romantic date or a special celebration, a styled sunset picnic at a local park or on the sand is a great way to enjoy the ocean views.
Santa Monica makes it easy to plan a day that is worth remembering. Here, you have the beach and quiet corners that feel made for photos.
This guide covers the best things to do in Santa Monica for visitors, locals, couples, families, and groups planning something special.
For a more planned moment, Picnic Makers can help with a styled Santa Monica picnic setup by the beach, at a park, or in another approved outdoor space.
Quick Links:
- Best Things to Do in Santa Monica ☀️
- To Do in Santa Monica by Occasion ⭐
- Santa Monica Planning Tips 🌊
- Santa Monica Day Worth Remembering ✨
- FAQs
Best Things to Do in Santa Monica ☀️
Santa Monica gives you plenty of easy ways to enjoy the coast, a classic beach stops or quieter photo spots and relaxed local walks. Use these ideas to build a simple day plan, a romantic date, a family outing, or a more styled celebration by the water.
1. Plan a Beach Picnic at Ocean View Park ☀️
Ocean View Park is one of the best places to start if you want a relaxed Santa Monica moment near the water. It sits close to the beach but feels calmer than the busiest parts near the pier.
Bring a blanket, snacks, drinks, and a few simple extras if you want a casual setup. For something more polished, a styled picnic can make the experience feel more special for a birthday, date, proposal, or small group celebration.
Copyright © Photo by Picnic Makers
This is also where a Santa Monica picnic setup makes the most sense. The beach views, soft light, and open setting work well for photos without making the day feel too formal.
Local tip: Late afternoon is usually better for photos because the light feels softer and the beach starts to cool down.
Plan a styled setup with a Santa Monica picnic company.
2. Walk the Santa Monica Pier 🎡
Santa Monica Pier is the classic stop for first-time visitors, and it still belongs on the list. You get ocean views, street performers, food, games, the Pacific Wheel, and that familiar Santa Monica energy.
Go during the day if you want a busier, family-friendly feel. Visit closer to sunset if you want warmer photos and a more scenic view of the coastline.
The pier also works well as a before-or-after stop if you are planning a beach picnic nearby. Start with the pier, take photos, then end the day with food and ocean views.
Local tip: Crowds can build quickly on weekends. Morning or golden hour usually feels better than midday.
Pro Tip:
- Avoid the expensive and crowded parking lots directly on the pier. Instead, use the city parking structures on 2nd or 4th Street. The first 90 minutes are usually free, and it is only a short, pleasant walk to the pier entrance.
3. Catch Sunset from Palisades Park 🌅
Palisades Park gives you one of the best elevated views in Santa Monica. It runs along Ocean Avenue and looks out over the Pacific, the beach, the pier, and the coastline.
This is a strong choice if you want a slower Santa Monica activity. You can walk, take photos under the palms, sit on a bench, or pause before dinner nearby.
It is also one of the better places for couples who want a romantic stop without planning anything complicated.
Local tip: Bring a light layer. The ocean breeze can feel cool after sunset.
Pro Tip:
- For a higher vantage point of the coastline, visit one of the rooftop bars on Ocean Avenue. You can enjoy the same sunset views as the park but with a drink in hand and a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific Wheel lighting up.
4. Take Photos Near Idaho Avenue Bluff 📸
Idaho Avenue Bluff is one of the prettier parts of the Palisades Park area. It feels quieter than the sections closer to the pier, which makes it better for calm photos and simple sunset views.
This stop works well for solo visitors, couples, and anyone who wants Santa Monica photos without fighting heavy crowds.
You can pair this with a walk along Ocean Avenue or a relaxed coffee stop nearby.
Local tip: Arrive before sunset instead of right at sunset. The best photos usually happen when the sky starts to change color.
5. Spend Time at Santa Monica State Beach 🏖️
Santa Monica State Beach is the main reason many people come here. The sand is wide, the views are open, and the beach works for walking, biking, relaxing, and taking photos.
Families can keep things simple with beach time and snacks. Couples can walk near the water. Groups can make it a full afternoon with games, food, and photos.
Copyright © Photo by Picnic Makers
For celebrations, this is also where a beach picnic setup can fit naturally. It gives your group a comfortable place to gather without turning the day into a full event production.
Local tip: Check the weather and wind before planning anything with light décor, candles, or flowers.
Pro Tip:
- If you need a break from the sand, head toward the Annenberg Community Beach House. It is a public facility that offers clean restrooms, a café, and even a splash pad for kids without needing a private membership.
6. Ride the Pacific Wheel 🎠
The Pacific Wheel is one of the most recognizable parts of Santa Monica. It gives you a higher view of the ocean, beach, and pier, and it is especially fun for photos.
This works well for families, couples, and visitors who want something simple but memorable. It also adds a playful stop to a full Santa Monica itinerary.
Local tip: Evening rides can be more scenic because the pier lights start to stand out.
7. Visit Third Street Promenade 🛍️
Third Street Promenade is a walkable area with shops, restaurants, street performers, and easy access to Downtown Santa Monica. It is a good stop when you want a break from the beach.
Use this part of the day for shopping, snacks, people-watching, or casual dinner plans. It also works well if you need a flexible activity before sunset.
For a simple itinerary, start at the Promenade, walk toward the pier, then end near the beach.
Local tip: Keep this stop flexible. It works better as a casual walk than a tightly planned activity.
8. Grab Coffee or Matcha at a Local Café ☕
Santa Monica has plenty of café stops that fit a slow morning or early afternoon. Start with coffee, matcha, tea, or a pastry before walking to the beach or Main Street.
A café stop gives your day a natural starting point. It also helps if you are planning a date or group outing and want everyone to meet somewhere simple first.
Look for outdoor seating, soft morning light, and a location close to your next stop.
Local tip: Weekday mornings usually feel more relaxed than weekend brunch hours.
9. Create a Proposal Moment by the Beach 💍
Santa Monica can be a strong proposal location because it gives you ocean views, sunset light, and plenty of nearby spots for dinner afterward.
The main challenge is planning the setup, timing, photos, and cleanup. This is where a proposal picnic setup can help. It gives the moment a clear focal point without making it feel stiff.
Choose a quieter area, plan around golden hour, and keep the surprise simple.
Local tip: Have a backup plan for wind, crowds, or colder weather.
10. Find Murals Near Main Street and Ocean Park 🎨
Murals add a fun visual break from beach photos. Santa Monica has colorful walls, painted corners, and street art moments around Main Street, Ocean Park, and nearby shopping areas.
This is a strong pick for visitors who want Instagrammable things to do in Santa Monica without spending much. It also works well for birthday groups, friend outings, and casual content shoots.
Local tip: Take photos earlier in the day if you want brighter colors and fewer shadows.
11. Visit Tongva Park 🌿
Tongva Park is close to the pier, but it feels more peaceful than the beach crowd. You get walking paths, landscaped areas, artful design, seating, and green space.
This is a helpful stop if you are with kids, taking a break from the sun, or looking for a quieter place between bigger activities.
It also works well as a calm stop before heading toward Ocean Avenue or the pier.
Local tip: Pair Tongva Park with the pier if you want a mix of quiet and classic Santa Monica energy.
12. Bike the Beach Path 🚲
The beach bike path is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the coast. You can ride near the sand, take in the ocean air, and cover more ground than you would by walking.
This is a good idea for couples, families, and friend groups who want an active but low-stress activity.
You can ride toward Venice for a longer day or keep it simple near Santa Monica Beach.
Local tip: Start earlier in the day if you want fewer people on the path.
Pro Tip:
- Keep a close watch on the pavement markings. The path is strictly divided between walkers and cyclists. Local rangers do issue tickets for riding in the pedestrian lane, so staying in the bike lane keeps your day stress-free.
13. Plan a Romantic Sunset Date 💕
Santa Monica is one of the easiest places to plan a romantic date because the setting does most of the work. Start with coffee or a beach walk, visit the pier, then end with sunset views.
For a more styled moment, a romantic picnic date can make the day feel more personal. This works well for anniversaries, surprise dates, and simple celebrations that still feel thoughtful.
Copyright © Photo by Picnic Makers
Keep the plan light. Santa Monica is best when you leave room to walk, pause, and enjoy the view.
Local tip: Sunset dates feel better when you arrive early and avoid rushing for parking.
14. Walk Along Main Street 🌴
Main Street has a more local feel than the pier area. You will find shops, cafés, restaurants, fitness studios, and murals nearby.
This is one of the best Santa Monica stops if you want something casual but still photo-friendly. It works well before a beach walk or after coffee.
Main Street is also a good option for people who want to see Santa Monica beyond the busiest tourist areas.
Local tip: Look down side streets and building walls for smaller photo spots.
Pro Tip:
- If you visit Main Street on a Sunday morning, you will run right into the local Farmers Market. It is one of the best places to grab fresh flowers or organic snacks for a spontaneous picnic later in the afternoon.
15. Take Photos Near the Pier Sign 📍
The Santa Monica Pier sign is one of the most recognizable photo spots in the city. It is simple, classic, and easy to add to any itinerary.
You do not need to spend much time here. Stop for a quick photo, then keep walking toward the pier, beach, or Promenade.
Local tip: Early morning gives you the cleanest shot with fewer people in the background.
16. Celebrate a Birthday Outdoors 🎂
Santa Monica works well for birthdays because you can keep the day casual or make it more stylish. Groups can start with the pier, take photos near the beach, then gather for food, cake, or a picnic.
A birthday picnic setup is a good fit for small groups that want a pretty space without booking a full venue. It also gives guests a natural place to sit, eat, take photos, and enjoy the beach.
Local tip: Mid-afternoon or golden hour works better than peak midday heat.
17. Visit the Original Muscle Beach Area 🤸
Original Muscle Beach is close to the pier and adds a bit of fitness history to your Santa Monica day. You can watch people train, take photos, or stop by while walking along the beach.
This is a good, quick stop if you want something more active and local than another food or shopping break.
Local tip: Pair this with a beach walk instead of treating it as a full activity.
18. Plan a Mini Photoshoot 📷
Santa Monica has enough variety for a simple mini photoshoot. You can use the beach, pier, palms, murals, cafés, and sunset spots in one short route.
This idea works for birthdays, couples, engagements, travel photos, family photos, and branded content.
For a more styled look, pair your shoot with a luxury picnic setup, fresh flowers, a teepee, candles, or a photo-ready backdrop. Picnic Makers’ booking flow includes several add-ons that can support a more polished setup.
Local tip: Stick to two or three locations. Too many stops can make the day feel rushed.
19. Try a Rooftop or Patio Meal 🍽️
After a beach day, a rooftop or patio meal is a nice way to slow down. Santa Monica has plenty of restaurants near the coast, the downtown area, and Main Street.
This works well after sunset, especially if your day includes the pier, beach, or a styled picnic earlier.
For couples, this can be the final part of a romantic Santa Monica plan. For groups, it gives everyone a clear endpoint after a full day out.
Local tip: Book ahead for dinner if you are going on the weekend.
20. Follow a One-Day Santa Monica Itinerary 🗓️
Here is a simple plan if you want a full Santa Monica day without overthinking it.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Coffee or matcha near Main Street |
| Late morning | Walk Main Street and find murals |
| Lunch | Eat near Third Street Promenade or Ocean Avenue |
| Afternoon | Visit the pier and beach |
| Late afternoon | Walk Palisades Park |
| Sunset | Enjoy a beach picnic or ocean-view stop |
| Evening | Dinner, rooftop drinks, or a relaxed walk |
This plan gives you a mix of food, photos, beach time, and local stops. It also leaves room for a styled picnic if you are planning a date, birthday, proposal, or group moment.
21. End the Day With a Styled Santa Monica Picnic 🧺
A styled picnic is one of the easiest ways to make a Santa Monica day feel more intentional. It gives you a place to sit, eat, talk, take photos, and enjoy the view without carrying every detail yourself.
This works best for couples, small groups, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and visitors who want something memorable but still relaxed.
Picnic Makers can help with the setup, styling, and cleanup, so you can focus on the people you came with. You can also choose add-ons like flowers, candles, charcuterie, fruit, tea party details, umbrellas, games, or photography, depending on your plan.
View the Santa Monica picnic setup options or book online when you have your date and guest count.
To Do in Santa Monica by Occasion ⭐
| Occasion | Best Santa Monica ideas |
|---|---|
| First-time visit | Santa Monica Pier, beach walk, Third Street Promenade |
| Date night | Palisades Park, sunset walk, romantic picnic |
| Birthday | Beach picnic, Main Street, pier photos, dinner |
| Proposal | Sunset beach setup, Palisades Park, private picnic |
| Family day | Pier, Pacific Wheel, Tongva Park, beach path |
| Photo day | Murals, Ocean View Park, pier sign, Idaho Bluff |
| Relaxed local day | Coffee, Main Street, beach walk, park stop |
Santa Monica Planning Tips 🌊
- Go earlier if you want a calmer beach day. Parking, crowds, and restaurant wait times are usually easier before the busiest afternoon hours.
- Bring a light layer for sunset. The beach can feel cooler once the sun drops, even after a warm day.
- Keep your plan simple. Santa Monica is best when you have enough time to walk, stop for photos, and enjoy the view.
- Check the weather before planning a picnic, proposal, or photo session. Wind can affect flowers, candles, balloons, signs, and lighter décor.
- Book ahead if your plan includes a styled setup. This gives the team time to confirm the date, guest count, location, theme, and add-ons.
Santa Monica Day Worth Remembering ✨
Santa Monica gives you more than one way to enjoy the coast. You can keep the day simple with coffee, a beach walk, and the pier, or you can turn it into a more personal celebration with a styled picnic setup.
If you are planning a date, birthday, proposal, anniversary, or photo-worthy beach day, Picnic Makers can help create a Santa Monica picnic that feels beautiful, relaxed, and easy to enjoy. Start with the place, pick the people, and let the setup bring the moment together.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Santa Monica?
The best things to do in Santa Monica include visiting the Santa Monica Pier, walking along the beach, riding the Pacific Wheel, shopping at Third Street Promenade, visiting Palisades Park, biking the beach path, and planning a sunset picnic.
What is the most romantic thing to do in Santa Monica?
A sunset walk followed by a styled beach picnic is one of the most romantic things to do in Santa Monica. It gives you ocean views, a relaxed setting, and a more personal way to enjoy the evening.
Where can I have a picnic in Santa Monica?
Popular picnic-friendly areas include beachside spaces, parks, and outdoor areas with ocean views. For a styled picnic, work with a local picnic company that can help guide the setup based on the date, location, group size, and event type.
Is Santa Monica good for proposals?
Yes. Santa Monica works well for proposals because it has beach views, sunset light, restaurants nearby, and scenic outdoor spots. A proposal picnic setup can make the moment feel more planned without making it too formal.
What time is best for photos in Santa Monica?
Golden hour is usually best for photos in Santa Monica. This is the time shortly before sunset when the light looks softer and warmer.
