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Situated just across the road from charming Palisades Park and Santa Monica Beach, with the sparkling Pacific Ocean beyond, Oceana has the feel of a classic 1950s California beach hotel, just made for soaking up the sun and surf.
Centred around a kidney-shaped swimming pool lined with loungers usually occupied by well-heeled couples, it’s a tranquil escape with mid-century modern rooms that come with plenty of extra touches – fragrant sprigs of dried lavender, say, or a playful porch swing outside.
The hotel is located right on Ocean Avenue, which can be a busy thoroughfare, but as soon as you enter the peaceful courtyard the gridlocked traffic outside seems a million miles away. Around the property is a quiet residential area of pretty avenues lined with palm trees and smart apartment blocks.
The beach is across the road, or it’s a pleasant ocean-front walk, around 20 minutes, along the promenade to Santa Monica’s main attractions, including its delightfully gaudy pier, Muscle Beach and Third Street shopping promenade.
The beachside neighbourhood of Santa Monica showcases the best of sunny So-Cal life, with its miles of sandy coastline and beach promenades.
Come to watch the surfers zip through the waves before taking a walk along the delightfully gaudy pier, where you can ride on the world’s only solar-powered ferris wheel.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]
An iconic, old-school amusement park and a two-mile stretch of golden beach offer the perfect day at the beach. Great surfing & cycling too.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[6.2 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)[6.9 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
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[6.1 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)[10.9 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)[12.5 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
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)[14.3 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
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
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.
![Santa Monica Pier & Beach [surfing & cycling]](https://familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Los-Angeles-Santa-Monica-Beach1-SH.jpg)
