Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an exuberant destination simply brimming with enticing attractions, spread over miles of broad, sandy shoreline. Here, Route 66 culminates in a jubilant collection of beach bars, restaurants, galleries and shops, topped off by the famous Santa Monica Pier. With a flavour for fitness, this coastal Californian city is also a hotspot for those visitors looking to keep up their health and wellbeing whilst on holiday. So whether you’re seeking vitality and adventure, or a blissful beach break, you’ll find endless opportunities in Santa Monica.

Luxury Holidays in Santa Monica

Though already fully spoiling its guests with an irresistible blend of beach scenery, fairground whimsy, and sporting opportunities, at Kenwood Travel we always believe there’s room for an extra touch of luxury. Don’t miss out on the chance to upgrade your holiday experience with a stay at a first class resort. Choose from a list of handpicked hotels with competitive rates and peerless recommendations based on our travel experts’ own experience.

Great Reasons to Visit Santa Monica

Small Town – At a petite 8.4 square miles, Santa Monica is very walkable. However, with 8 distinct neighbourhoods offering diverse personas and attractions, a stroll or cycle through the city will by no means leave you feeling short-changed. Enjoy street art and a range of multicultural restaurants in Pico Boulevard, go celebrity spotting over brunch at Montana Avenue, Hit the theatre in Mid-City, and feel like a kid again at the Santa Monica Pier.

Farm to Fork – Santa Monica has always been at the forefront of the farm to fork food movement. Peruse the vast variety of eateries in the city opting to use sustainable and organic ingredients to create fresh and delicious cuisine, for example Sweetgreen and FIG at Fairmont Miramar. Alternatively bump shoulders with locals and culinary creatives at one of four bustling weekly farmers markets.

Stretch & Spin – Santa Monica: home to bronzed bodies, zen yogis and bike fanatics. There’s no better place to limber up and work out whilst on holiday than this, the birthplace of indoor spinning and the world-famous Naked Juices brand. The Exhale Spa at Fairmont Miramar comes highly recommended with its barre, cardio and yoga classes. Or why not embrace the Soul Cycle movement at one of their original spin studios? Follow up with a healing massage and a smoothie.

Family Fun – This city is packed with family-friendly facilities, unique attractions for kids, and activities to inspire and stimulate young people. One of our favourites is South Beach Playground with its Viking ship and interactive dragon’s head. Other attractions hosting fantastic play areas and discovery-based exhibits include Annenberg Community Beach House and Cayton Children’s Museum.

Things to do in Santa Monica

Sun Salutations – Take to the beach as the sun rises to soak up the quiet moments as the light filters over the water and sand. Beach Yoga So Cal gives weekly morning classes in the great outdoors to help you start your day feeling refreshed, aligned and very Santa Monican. If you’re seeking something more than a morning stretch, you may also want to cycle down to Muscle Beach to try out the equipment ahead of the crowds.

Sweet Secrets – Whilst Santa Monica is super health conscious, there are plenty of places to indulge yourself on ‘cheat day’. Book yourself in at The Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories for adept tuition on making incredible pastry, cakes, and chocolates. Alternatively, leave it with the experts and make a cheeky trip to Sidecar Doughnuts or French bakery, The Place to Be. Perhaps even burn a few calories at the same time with a Sweet Spots Bike Tour of the city.

Retail Therapy – From souvenirs and gifts, to designer boutiques and thrift store bargains, Santa Monica has the antidote to your retail needs. Montana Avenue boasts a range of haute couture shops, drawing in window-shoppers and celebrity clientele alike. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Place is a sophisticated open air shopping mall spread over three levels with something for every taste and budget.

Pier Review – Head to the Santa Monica Pier for Pacific Park and the Pacific Ferris wheel – the first solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world. Delight in arcade games that spark the imagination of both young and old, or take the plunge with a nine-storey rollercoaster overlooking the water. A great range of family-friendly restaurants and cafes along the pier also make this a destination within itself. Mariasol serves up a taste of Mexico with coastal views, whilst Seaside on the Pier offers casual rooftop dining.

Two Wheels Good – Any cycling enthusiast would have an incomplete experience in Santa Monica without exploring the world’s longest oceanfront bike path – the South Bay Bicycle Trail. At 22 miles long, this path will take you from Santa Monica to Torrance and past all the scenic stopping points in between. A family-friendly route, the wide and well-maintained trail makes for a smooth ride regardless of age.

Weather in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a marvellous year-round holiday destination, enjoying an incredible average of 300 days of sunshine over a year. With mild and balmy climate as well as gentle sea breezes regardless of season, Santa Monica is the ideal place to escape wintry weather. Temperatures have been known to reach highs of 18°C, even in December and January.

Facts about Santa Monica

• Population – 89,736
• Area – 8.42 square miles
• Primary Airport – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Santa Monica Holidays 2026/2027

Beat the rush and book your holiday to one of this year’s most-trending California holiday destinations. Your Santa Monica adventure is just a few clicks away with Kenwood Travel. Explore our guaranteed package offers for 2026 and 2027 and rest assured that you are getting the best industry knowledge at an unbeatable price. Secure your holiday with ABTOT and ATOL protection today with Kenwood and you’ll be on the beach in no time.