Santa Monica : book your hotel

Sun-splashed Santa Monica is one of California’s chicest beach cities. With its bohemian vibes, legendary pier stretching out into the Pacific, and mountains hemming it in on the other side, Santa Monica marks the end of the infamous Route 66 and the start of seafront fun.

Palm trees, the rolling Pacific Ocean, and three miles of golden sand greet you in gorgeous Santa Monica. Known for being LA's tiny sidekick, Santa Monica boasts the best of city life without the urban sprawl. An eclectic edge is ever present here in Santa Monica - you get the beach bums, the tourists, and tons of vibrant personality all adding to the cool communities that come laced with pure California moods. While there's an easy breezy feel to Santa Monica with its old-school skate and surf culture, it's also a sleek spot filled with sophisticated eateries, beautiful boutiques, and trendy neighbourhoods. From kicking back on the beach to strolling Palisades Park and riding the vintage carousel on the pier - Santa Monica serves up the best summer feels.

The city itself is only 16 square kilometres making it easy to explore. With its warm ocean breeze rolling off the sea and the picture of pretty mountains rising in the background, strolling along Santa Monica's 22-mile coastline or pedaling through the sunny streets is a dream. In atypical California fashion, Santa Monica offers bike share opportunities in an effort to keep the city green. For those who prefer to hop on and off, the Big Blue Bus Route is a summer-only scheme that runs to the pier and beach. Santa Monica also has a metro expo line that will take you downtown meaning you can leave your car in the hotel parking.

The Santa Monica Beach scene is that sassy mix of style, sun, sea and sand. The main beach has a festive feel and the famed pier is always bustling with tourists and families. The beach stretches on for the whole length of the city so it's no surprise that life centres around here. Santa Monica is closely connected with California's 1original surf and skate culture and is even home to the original Zephyr skate shop which is now a great spot to sip a Dogtown coffee in cool surroundings. Capturing the spirit of South California, the original Zephyr shop was home to the Z-boys - a local crew who were famed for putting this neighborhood on the map thanks to their truly original skateboard skills. These boys were also made globally famous after the release of the documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. While bare feet and sea breezes are a daily staple in Santa Monica, the city also boasts a boho feel with its trendy coffee shops, art galleries, upscale boutiques, and gorgeous gardens. In fact, Santa Monica is a major artistic hub and is only second to New York City when it comes to the number of galleries per square foot. Travellers wanting so much more than a tan will find that Santa Monica's cultural scene certainly fits the bill.

Santa Monica is all healthy living and happening vibes. This corner of California blends the best of beachside proximity while being close enough to get out and explore the city of LA. Santa Monica is famed for its beaches, pier, and farmers market. Whether you are seeking the heady sound of carnival magic or want a boutique beach feel with great little places to eat and dazzling 2that you can find on famed streets like Abbot Kinney, Montana Ave and 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica is always fun in the sun. Here are some of the must-see attractions that keep tourists flocking to this spot.

The historic and happening pier is the poster child of Santa Monica. Featuring hte world's first solar-powered ferris wheel standing 130 ft. high offering views out across the ocean and its flying trapeze school, there's a lot to love about the bright lights that mark the end of Route 66. Play carnival games, ride the whoosh of the rollercoaster and the vintage carousel, and snack to your heart's content at the numerous food stands.

Not to be confused with the famed Venice Muscle Beach, the Santa Monica one is actually considered to be the original beefcake showground as it opened in 1934. This outdoor gym with ropes, swings, and weights is more tourist attraction than a workout space with fascinated revellers stopping by to snap pictures of muscle masses posing against the backdrop of the bustling beach and pier.

Immerse yourself in California history at the Heritage Museum. Set inside a restored 1894 house, this place offers rotating exhibitions that draw on inspiration from the region. From surfboard designs to fruit labels from the state of California, the rotating exhibitions are Cali-centric in all the best ways along with celebrating the fabled history of the Golden State's storied past.

Nestled inside the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is a neighborhoods favorite, FIG Santa Monica which offers a farm-to-table experience and sources majority of its ingredients right from the local markets. The Santa Monica Farmers Market is an institution. Attracting visitors in their thousands, there are several weekly markets laden with stalls groaning under the weight of fresh produce. Being ensnared between the mountains and the sea makes this place an open-air larder. From bright fruits to seasonal flowers in bloom, glistening seafood, fragrant baked goods, and artisan delights - it's the perfect spot for stocking up on picnic basket essentials.