Your weekend getaway guide to sunny Santa Monica

What to eat, see and do in the iconic beachfront city

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

Birthdays are always a great excuse for a vacation, and when celebrating my husband’s this year we decided to head to the west coast to enjoy sunny California for a few days. 

If you’re looking for a laid-back alternative to bustling Los Angeles, keep reading for my recommendations on what to see and do, and where to stay in Santa Monica. All prices listed in USD.

Things to do in Santa Monica 

santa monica
Pacific Park is a popular attraction in Santa Monica. PHOTO BY DENISSE LEON/UNSPLASH

Santa Monica Pier

Cirque du Soleil: Kooza

Santa Monica Picnic Co
You can enjoy a picnic on the beach with Santa Monica Picnic Co. PHOTO BY KATE MENDONCA/POSTMEDIA

Santa Monica Picnic Co.

Where to stay in Santa Monica 

Viceroy
A look inside one of the oceanview rooms at Viceroy Santa Monica. PHOTO COURTESY OF VICEROY SANTA MONICA

Viceroy Santa Monica

santa monica
Shutters on the Beach is right by the Santa Monica Pier and offers a five-star stay. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH

Shutters on the Beach

Hilton
My room at the Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites had its own separate living room. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HILTON SANTA MONICA HOTEL & SUITES

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

Where to eat in Santa Monica

Surfing Fox 2
Diners can enjoy bohemian-inspired decor at The Surfing Fox restaurant. PHOTO BY KATE MENDONCA/POSTMEDIA

The Surfing Fox

Burgette

Dogtown Coffee
Inside Dogtown Coffee in Santa Monica. PHOTO BY KATE MENDONCA/POSTMEDIA

Dogtown Coffee

Urth Caffe

Sweet Maple
The Gardena soufflegg skillet was the highlight of my meal at Sweet Maple. PHOTO BY KATE MENDONCA/POSTMEDIA

Sweet Maple

Prices were confirmed at the time of publishing but may be subject to change. 

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