By MupDay - the planner that does the research for you.
Updated: 2026-08-29
Santa Monica is a vibrant California beach city, renowned for its iconic pier, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of beach fun, shopping, fine dining, and entertainment.
Plan a trip to Santa MonicaThe must-see places in Santa Monica include Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica State Beach, The Getty Villa, Ocean Avenue and more. Here is the full list, with a short note on each:
An iconic city symbol featuring an amusement park, restaurants, and stunning Pacific Ocean views.
A lively pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers.
A wide and beautiful beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
An impressive ancient art museum with beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean. (Reservations required)
A scenic avenue with ocean views, upscale hotels, and restaurants.
A beautiful park with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and walking paths.
Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica State Beach, The Getty Villa, Ocean Avenue, Palisades Park
Any season works - MupDay plans around opening hours and the weather, and rebuilds your days as you add or remove places.
Most travellers spend between two and five days in Santa Monica. MupDay builds a full itinerary for whatever length you pick - two days, three, four or a week - splitting the places across the days by proximity and opening hours, so each day stands on its own.
Pick places in MupDay and it auto-builds a day-by-day route with no zig-zag, weather-aware.
Maps © OpenStreetMap.