Santa Monica is the laid-back sister town to the glitzy hub of Los Angeles. This low-key beach town is home to its famous beach, as well as a variety of shopping options. But there's more to Santa Monica than just sunbathing and picking up a hot outfit in Third Street Promenade. It is also home to cultural attractions and a variety of oceanic activities, such as surfing.
Hit the Beach
One of the reasons so many visitors flock to Santa Monica is because of its beloved beach. Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular places to sunbathe in Los Angeles County. It sits right on the outskirts of Los Angeles and also next to the also popular Santa Monica Pier, which houses a mini amusement park.
While many people sunbathe on the beach and hop into the ocean for a dip, beachgoers can also go surfing. If you're a surfing pro, grab your board and hit the waves. But, if you're a beginner and want to learn how to surf, consider taking surfing lessons. Learn to Surf LA is a reputable company that provides surfing lessons in Santa Monica.
Rollerblading, Cycling and Volleyball
Santa Monica Beach isn't just home to sandy shores, it also has great paths for rollerblading and cycling as well. If you're looking for a great place to go bike riding, the scenic views surrounding the paths are stunning, and the light wind coming off the shore provides a great cool down while you're working up a sweat.
Santa Monica natives and visitors also head to the beach to play a game of volleyball. Get a group together, grab your volleyball and enjoy.
Picnic in Palisades Park
Stock up your picnic basket and head to Palisades Park for lunch or an early dinner. According to Yahoo Travel, this is a fantastic destination for Santa Monica beachgoers or city visitors who want to have a relaxing dining experience outdoors.
The park overlooks the ocean and provides breathtaking views, making it a great place to bring a date or kick back with friends under tall palm trees. After lunch, take a stroll through the rose garden. Or, if you're enjoying dinner, head to the park's Beacon Overlook at California Avenue to get an even better look at the ocean below.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
The Santa Monica Farmers Market is open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in Santa Monica. It's a huge outdoor market packed with fresh fruits, veggies and other foods, along with a variety of flowers and plants. The market is so popular that chefs from notable restaurants in the city shop there to whip up the freshest ingredients in their meals.
Along with the fresh foods available, the market also offers seminars on nutritional info, lectures on dietary issues and even classes on how to grow your own fresh food in a garden.
Bergamot Station
The Bergamot Station Arts Center is a cultural mecca that features more than 30 art galleries. It's a hub for artists, tourists and locals who are looking for a unique way to spend the day in Santa Monica.
Along with the art exhibits, the center also features art workshops, cute places to shop that offer up anything from unique jewelry pieces to innovative artwork pieces for the esteemed collector or art-collecting newbie.
While you're visiting the center, don't miss the Bergamot Cafe, which features a variety of healthy and fresh choices, like the chopped garden salad, sassy garden avocado salad and chipotle veggie burger melt.
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