A Refined Three-Day Coastal Escape
Set along 3.5 miles of Pacific shoreline, Santa Monica balances relaxed beach culture with polished coastal living. It is compact yet layered — ideal for a long weekend where mornings begin in the ocean and evenings end over thoughtful meals and measured sunsets.
Here is a streamlined, experience-led guide to spending three days in one of Southern California’s most enduring seaside addresses.
Day One: Ocean Air and Iconic Landmarks
Begin with the essentials: the water. A morning swim in the Pacific sets the tone, or take it further with a private lesson from Aqua Surf School. The waves here are approachable, and even first-timers can stand up before the session ends.
Lunch is best taken directly on the sand at Perry’s Beach Café — unfussy, dependable, and perfectly placed. Think fresh salads, well-made sandwiches, and uninterrupted ocean views.
From there, walk to the historic Santa Monica Pier. More than a postcard image, it remains a living part of the city. Pacific Park’s solar-powered Ferris wheel rises above the waterline, while the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium offers a closer look at local marine life.
As the afternoon softens, explore Downtown and the open-air Third Street Promenade. The energy is lively but not overwhelming — street musicians, independent boutiques, and the rhythm of a walkable coastal city.
For sunset, settle into Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar. Order something crisp, watch the horizon shift from gold to indigo, and let the day close without hurry. Dinner can follow at Chez Jay, a long-standing local institution with character intact.
Day Two: Bicycles, Boutiques and Local Tables
Santa Monica is best explored on two wheels. Rent from the Santa Monica Bike Center and ride along The Strand — the coastal path stretching 22 miles from Torrance to Pacific Palisades. The Santa Monica segment runs parallel to the beach, connecting easily to Venice. It is flat, scenic, and distinctly Californian.
Later, shift inland to Montana Avenue. Tree-lined and understated, it is home to independent retailers and neighbourhood cafés. Stop at Primo Passo Coffee Co. for an espresso before browsing long-time favourites like Andrew’s Cheese Shop.
Dinner belongs at Father’s Office, where the celebrated Office Burger and a serious craft beer list draw a loyal local crowd. It is relaxed, confident, and reliably good.
Day Three: Wellness and a Considered Farewell
Begin your final morning with beachfront yoga through Beach Yoga SoCal. The sessions are intimate, and practising beside the ocean offers a reset that feels both grounding and expansive.
For shopping, Santa Monica Place delivers a curated mix of international luxury and contemporary brands, all within walking distance of the beach.
If time allows, visit one of the city’s weekly farmers’ markets before a hands-on class at The Gourmandise School. Cooking with seasonal California produce offers a deeper understanding of the region’s ingredient-driven culture.
End at Palisades Park. The bluff-top path runs above the Pacific, offering wide-open views that feel cinematic without trying to be. For a final toast, stop at JuneShine — airy, informal, and focused on sustainably produced hard kombucha.
Why Santa Monica Works for a Long Weekend
Santa Monica succeeds because it is self-contained. You can surf at sunrise, shop by midday, cycle the coast in the afternoon, and dine well by evening — all without ever needing a car.
For travellers seeking a luxury coastal getaway in California that feels authentic rather than overproduced, Santa Monica remains one of the West Coast’s most consistent three-day escapes.
