A Perfect Day in Santa Monica: The Ultimate Local Itinerary

A well-planned day in Santa Monica can feel complete without rushing. With its compact layout, walkable streets, and access to the ocean, Santa Monica combines beachside relaxation with local flavor and cultural experiences. If you’re planning a day in town and want to follow a well-rounded path, this itinerary outlines how to enjoy the best of Santa Monica without missing the local highlights.

Here’s how to make the most of your time in one of Los Angeles County’s most recognizable neighborhoods.

Begin your morning on Montana Avenue, a low-key but upscale stretch of independent boutiques, salons, and cafes. Caffe Luxxe is a reliable choice for espresso and pastries, where regulars line up for handcrafted drinks and baked goods made fresh each day. The patio offers a calm place to sit and enjoy breakfast before the area becomes busier later in the day.

If you prefer a heartier meal, head to Bardonna, just a few blocks down the avenue. They serve all-day breakfast, but the morning crowd comes for their avocado toast, egg scrambles, and house-made juices. Montana Avenue feels more residential and less tourist-driven, giving you a relaxed start to your day and a taste of local Santa Monica living.

After breakfast, walk west toward Palisades Park, which runs along Ocean Avenue and offers uninterrupted views of the Pacific. The wide path is ideal for walking, jogging, or enjoying the breeze. Dozens of benches line the park, and the bluff overlooks Santa Monica Beach, with a clear view of the pier and the coastline heading toward Malibu.

The park is landscaped with native trees and flowering plants, often featuring local artists sketching or painting nearby. The stretch between Wilshire Boulevard and Colorado Avenue is especially scenic. You can take your time here without a schedule, making it a perfect moment to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of Santa Monica.

Head down the stairs or ramp from Palisades Park to reach the Santa Monica Pier. While it’s a well-known landmark, it still deserves a stop. The pier has a laid-back feel in the morning, especially before the crowds pick up. You can walk to the end, look out over the ocean, or watch fishermen cast lines into the water.

Pacific Park on the pier includes a small amusement park with rides like the Pacific Wheel and West Coaster. It’s compact but colorful and active by midday. There are also smaller vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Though popular with tourists, the pier remains part of everyday Santa Monica, especially for locals who walk or run past it daily.

Located just a few blocks from the pier on Santa Monica Boulevard, The Misfit offers a solid lunch option with sandwiches, salads, and comfort food. It’s known for its seasonal menu, classic cocktails, and casual setting inside a historic art deco building. Seating is usually available around midday, especially if you arrive before peak lunch hour.

The blackened chicken sandwich and kale salad are staples, but the rotating menu includes vegetarian options and house specials. Portions are generous, and the restaurant is central to most of downtown. It balances quality food with a relaxed environment, keeping it on the list of local favorites.

After lunch, walk or ride a scooter to Main Street just south of downtown Santa Monica. This part of town blends small independent shops, cafes, and beachwear boutiques. Unlike the more commercial 3rd Street Promenade, Main Street has a slower pace and a more local feel. It’s where residents go for custom gifts, home goods, and California-inspired fashion.

You’ll find places like Lost & Found offering distinctive items that you won’t find in chain stores. Stop into one of the smaller galleries or bookstores, then grab a drink or coffee at Dogtown Coffee or Love Coffee Bar. This stretch is more than a shopping zone — it shows how Santa Monica blends style and neighborhood life.

Later in the afternoon, head back toward the beach or Palisades Park for sunset. If you're already on Main Street, take Ocean Park Boulevard straight west to reach Santa Monica State Beach near Tower 26. This section of the beach is usually less crowded than the pier area and offers wide open sand with easy ocean access.

If you prefer to stay above the shoreline, return to Palisades Park and find a bench overlooking the water. The late-day sun hits the cliffs and the Pacific in a way that changes the color of the landscape every few minutes. Sunset is one of the moments where Santa Monica’s setting is at its best: simple, natural, and visually expansive.

For dinner, make your reservation at Elephante if you’re looking for a rooftop setting with curated small plates, wood-fired pizzas, and cocktails. The restaurant draws a mix of locals and visitors but maintains a vibe that feels connected to the coastal surroundings. Sitting outdoors is best, but the interior space has the same aesthetic and service level.

Close your day at Bodega Wine Bar on Broadway, a mellow wine bar that serves late-night snacks and has an extensive list of wines by the glass. The space is low-lit and ideal for relaxing without loud music or distraction. Seating is casual with a mix of sofas, high tops, and bar stools.

You can also choose from a list of local beers and small appetizers if you’re still hungry. It’s not a place for crowds or trends — it’s where locals go to wind down. The location puts you back near downtown, making it a practical end point for your whole day of walking, eating, and exploring.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Santa Monica, Mary Lu Tuthill is a trusted expert who brings unmatched experience, skill, and dedication to the process. As Vice President of Global Luxury Brentwood, Mary Lu combines analytical insight, strategic negotiation, and an intuitive understanding of client needs to consistently deliver outstanding results. Mary Lu’s clients rely on her deep knowledge of the Santa Monica market and value her honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.

Reach out today to take the next step with a proven leader in Santa Monica real estate.