Where palm trees shimmy in front of pink skies, and the shore kisses the horizon
Santa Monica is Southern California at its sunny best. This beachfront city is surrounded on three sides by LA, so when you’re not dashing between Hollywood landmarks, unwind right here beside the sea.
Even if you’ve never been on a Santa Monica holiday before, you might feel like you have; its photogenic pier, palm-fringed streets and golden beaches have earnt the city dozens of cameos on the big and small screens. Thanks to its slight 22-square-kilometre frame, it’s also easy as pie to get around. While here, browse the bustling farmers’ markets, sample the hip food scene and amuse yourself at Pacific Park with a ride on the iconic, solar-powered Ferris wheel.
People in Santa Monica are outgoing both in personality and in lifestyle. During your visit, live like a local with an active itinerary: jog down Ocean Avenue, partake in paddleboard yoga, surf the breaks or hit the 35-kilometre South Bay Bike Trail – the world’s longest oceanfront bicycle path. The Santa Monica Mountains are a short drive from the shore, and a tempting challenge. Beginning at a neighbourhood in the foothills, embark on a guided hike to the highest point of the mountains – 948 metres up. From the top, you’re rewarded with views of the surrounding peaks, downtown LA and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Let A&K show you why Santa Monica’s motto sums up the spirit of the place: ‘Populus felix in urbe felice’ – ‘happy people in a happy city’.