MY GUIDE TO SPENDING THE PERFECT DAY
IN SANTA MONICA
I often get asked if you need to spend a few days in Santa Monica area to make the best of it. The truth is, you can just spend the day there and still fit everything in. Here is how I would spend my full day!
Head down to the Santa Monica pier.
I love the fair, the games and the atmosphere of the arcade. I normally spend hours in here but head there in the morning to avoid the crowd. Cut the lines on the rides and catch a scenic view from the pier. Grab a burger at Pier Burger if you like ( a classic from back in the day) or some dipping dots for a sweet treat! Oh, don't forget to grab your fortune from Zoltar!
Ride along the beach to Venice!
A typical touristy thing to do but its super fun and you get to see more of the area. You can choose from roller skates, skate boards, the bird, a bike or an electric chopper! Theres a lot of deals along the boardwalk but I normally go to the one near the pier as its only $7 an hour. Make sure they give you the lock if you are planning on grabbing lunch after your ride & you can even ask for a basket!
Photo op with the Venice sign
No matter what time of day, you will see someone with a camera snapping each other at this famous crossing. Head there for sunset for the perfect photo op but be warned - it gets pretty crowed.
Grab a bite to eat at Great White
This cool neighbourhood cafe serves coastal california dishes & everything is delicious! A perfect spot to go for breakfast as well. Bare in mind that it does get a bit busy but the wait usually isn't that long!
1604 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Drive down to Abbot Kinney
This is favourite area west side. Abbot Kinney is pretty hippy, happy & full of little boutiques and amazing restaurants. Try out the Butchers Daughter, Felix, GTA, Blue Bottle coffee and Neighbour to name a few! If you do have a car with you theres plenty of public valets which is normally about $12 flat fee so you can wonder up and down the boulevard.
Grab some ice cream from Salt & Straw.
Probably the best ice cream in Abbot Kinney. They have such incredible flavours that I wanted to try everything! I ended up going for the honey lavender with was a dream. Topped off with fairy sprinkles!
1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Visit Burro
My favourite store along the Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This has everything from books, homeware, beauty products, clothing to gifts! I spent way too much in there but picked up some candles, spicy margarita mix and a few gifts for my family.
1409 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
To finish off your day head back to the beach & watch the sunset! You can grab some fruit bags or snacks from the pier and enjoy the view & people watching. Or if you fancy some dinner along the beach, head to the Ivy which is just at the top of the Pier!