Bucket list experience:
This old-school amusement park features a rollercoaster, an old-fashioned 1922 carousel, carnival games, an aquarium, a trapeze school and that famous 85ft ferris wheel. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but this Santa Monica icon is a must-do if you’ve got kids in tow.
The bustling, charismatic Santa Monica Beach has diversions for all ages, from surf shacks to beach volleyball courts, along a two-mile stretch of golden sand backed by shops, restaurants and bars. With mild surf, it’s a great place to swim – and to try some surfing.
Hire a bike at Blazing Saddles on the pier and cycle along the footpath at the back of the beach.
Or why not try surfing? Learn to Surf LA offers year-round lessons (usually 1 hour 45 minutes) for all ages and abilities, at three LA beaches – including Santa Monica Beach.
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Destination Guide >The pier is open daily, 24/7. The amusement park is open daily; times vary by season but generally from 12pm-7pm (until around 12am Fridays and Saturday). Friday or Saturday night is best to ensure all the attractions are open.
If you can, time it for a Wednesday or Saturday morning/early afternoon, so that you can pop into the Arizona Avenue farmers’ market for gourmet eats and first-rate fresh produce. Bring them back to eat on the beach.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[0.7 miles]
Staying at Shutters is like staying at an incredibly chic friend’s beach house, from the cosy living room-style lobby to the beautifully appointed bedrooms with stellar ocean views.
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Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[0.8 miles]
High style and Hollywood gloss wrapped up in a fun little package by the Pacific. Hip and laid-back at the same time, with a great pool deck.
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Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[1.5 miles]
An elegant 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival Mansion with a country estate vibe that combines history with a hard-to-beat location, complete with quirky interiors and beautifully manicured courtyards.
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Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]
Elegant beachside resort in the heart of Santa Monica with the feel of a classic 1950s California beach hotel, just made for soaking up the sun and surf.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
The bright lights of Tinseltown are home to surfer-filled beaches, glorious mountain hikes, glitz and glamour in spades and year-round sunshine.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[4.7 miles]
LA’s most vibrant neighbourhood, beachside Venice is a unique blend of boho and kitsch. Surf lessons too.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[8.1 miles]
A marble-clad modernist complex, opened in 1997, houses the late billionaire oil tycoon J. Paul Getty’s art collection. Highlights include works by Titian and Van Gogh, illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages, Louis XIV-era furniture and decorative arts.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[14.2 miles]
The world’s largest museum dedicated solely to the art of film, home to a collection of movie treasures, a rotating roster of exhibitions featuring industry creators and an experience where you can hold a coveted Oscars statuette.
Best for ages: 8+ | £22
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[14.3 miles]
A 20-acre compound of galleries and pavilions housing more than 100,000 works, from ancient Mayan bowls inscribed with bat heads and Japanese sculptures dating from 3000 BC to paintings by Rubens, Cezanne and Degas.
Best for ages: 13+ | £17
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[7.4 miles]
John Paul Getty’s homage to ancient Rome and Greece is a Malibu gem, filled with ancient art, beautifully landscaped gardens offering up sparkling ocean views and a 500-seat amphitheatre that hosts some of the city’s finest outdoor classical productions.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[11.5 miles]
For a fascinating insider look at a period mansion and estate in Beverley Hills, call ahead to reserve a tour of the Virginia Robinson Gardens. The Beaux Arts mansion from 1911 is surrounded by stunning botanical gardens in a range of styles.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[12.7 miles]
A 22-mile bike path called the Strand runs from Southern LA’s Manhattan Beach up to Pacific Palisades, just north of Santa Monica. It’s a fun ride if you’re feeling fit. Hire bikes from Hermosa Cyclery – there’s a detailed map of the Strand on their website.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[13 miles]
If this Tudor Revival mansion in Beverly Hills looks more than a little familiar it’s due to its stellar Hollywood lineage, having appeared in films including The Big Lebowski and X-Men. Come to explore its formal English gardens and elegant grounds.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
