Coast · Neighborhood · Late afternoon
Santa Monica
About
Santa Monica is its own beach city on LA's west side. The busy core is the Pier, the Third Street Promenade and clifftop Palisades Park; Main Street to the south feels more local. A lot of it is walkable or bikeable, and the Metro E Line runs straight to Downtown, which is why it's the go-to first-time base.
Jasmine says
First time in LA, no idea where to stay or where to start?
I usually just say: Santa Monica.
There's the ocean, shopping, restaurants, and it feels safe for an evening walk.
It's not the LA with the most personality,
but it's the starting point you're least likely to regret.
My way of doing it: an afternoon loop of Third Street,
then walk to the cliff edge at Palisades Park at dusk,
watch the whole sunset, then go eat.
Pay for the sunset. It’s worth it.
The beach base you're least likely to regret on a first trip.
- Address
- Santa Monica, CA
- Best time
- Late afternoon
Where I wrote about it
- The Los Angeles Guide I Wish I Had
- LA Local Guide 001–010
- The LA Weather Dress Code
- One suitcase, one week of LA outfits
- LA Airbnb Survival Guide
- Every LA Itinerary
- The LA fashion slang translator
- The LA parking sign translator
- Where to Stay in LA
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