Perfect Trip: SoCal Day 4 Santa Monica

Santa Monica

Three days inside LA is enough for me, but we aren’t going far.  Time to explore the coast! Santa Monica is LA’s window onto the Pacific, so we will start there. The Georgian is the sweetest hotel I have ever seen. I would love to stay there because of its great central location on Ocean Blvd, facing the beautiful Santa Monica Pier and beach. You cannot miss it; the walls are turquoise with a black and gold striped band around the top of the building; regardless of if you are staying here or somewhere else in Santa Monica (my family is a big believer of Priceline.com), you must start your day with lunch on The Georgian’s patio. The view is fantastic and the food is lovely. The sandwiches are large, fresh, and a must for all my friends who come to visit me.  

There is three-hour free parking on the streets directly behind Ocean Blvd. After lunch, simply work your way three streets behind you and walk down the famous 3^rd Street Promenade (my Master's thesis topic). The attraction is not the shops but the diverse menagerie of street performers you will see break dancing in groups of five or so, musicians of all kinds, belly dancers, mimes, acrobats, and so much more. This is a great experience and a memory you will talk about often. Especially if you get pulled into an act ending with a young man flying over you while you stand paralyzed until you hear his feet hit the ground and exhale as everyone starts to applaud loudly. 

Now, you are walking back toward the beach with less full bellies. Once you cross Ocean Blvd., walk along the ledge overlooking the ocean and take a few incredible pictures (there will be plenty of other onlookers you can ask to snag one of you and your travel buddies). Head to the iconic Pier, the historical end of Route 66, and let yourself have some fun. Play at least one of the games to participate in a tradition long experienced by Santa Monica visitors. Top the Pier experience off with a Ferris wheel ride for a unique and incredible view of the city and the beach. 

Now, ask one of the pier employees for the best place to rent a bike! This beach is luckily complimented with a wide bike path, which is one of my favorites. You will have an incredible time seeing all the other locals and visitors riding along, enjoying the sun and the views. If you are daring, you can choose from all types of “peddling” transpiration other than the traditional two-wheel bike, so go for it and get something flashy!  If you are a beachgoer, wear a bathing suit underneath your clothes to take a detour and play in the sand for a break. Or return your bike and then walk out to the beach for the rest of the day. 

If biking or sunbathing doesn't suit your fancy today, drive south down Ocean Ave. until you run into a unique shopping area. You will know when you are there as the streets will be lined with boutiques and stores of all kinds. This is also a great walking area for the explorer. 

There are several famous restaurants along Ocean Blvd. Once you have rinsed off the sand or just the sunblock, shimmy into something nice and have your choice of top-notch restaurants run by world-famous chefs.

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