Top 15 Things To Do in Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a compact seaside playground where surf breaks, bike lanes, and boat departures share a skyline of palms and ocean. This guide pulls together the city's top experiences—water activities and surf at world-famous breaks, harbor-side boat tours and boat rental options, sunlit bike and e-bike routes along the strand, plus city and walking tours that stitch history, photography stops, and wildlife-watching into easy dayplans. Use it to swap between urban sightseeing and coastal adventure without losing momentum.
Top 15 Things To Do in Santa Monica
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Santa Monica Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
Santa Monica is where Pacific salt air meets city craft—the sort of place that invites an early surf lesson, a midmorning bike along a bustling strand, and an evening boat tour to watch the last light slide off Catalina. It’s compact, so you can stack experiences: a sunrise paddle or surf session, a coffee run on Main Street, a guided city tour that reveals Route 66 lore and pier history, and a golden-hour photography tour that crescendos at Palisades Park. The marina hums with options for boat rental and organized boat tours; the pier keeps long-standing amusements and a vantage point for pelicans, dolphins, and offshore wildlife.
More than seaside scenery, Santa Monica is an equipment-forward town. Rentals and outfitters make water activities, bike tour loops, and e-bike hops low-friction—ideal whether you’re hunting mellow family outings or focused sessions: surf lessons, SUP on calm mornings, or a wildlife-spotting cruise. Walking tours and city tours spotlight architectural moments and local foodways, while photography tours and bus tours transport you to viewpoints that reward composition as much as curiosity. For route options farther afield, the Santa Monica Mountains provide quick hikes and ridge runs that contrast the flat coastal paths, and many travelers stitch together mountain and sea in a single day.
Practical rhythm matters here. Summer brings crowds, so early starts yield the best water conditions and easiest parking; shoulder seasons deliver soft light for photographers and steadier winds for sailors. Book surf lessons and boat tours in advance on weekends, and consider an e-bike or bike rental to skip metered parking stress while crisscrossing the beachfront, marina, and promenade. The city’s mix of urban amenities and outdoor access makes it a versatile basecamp: you can spend a full day focused on water activities—surf, SUP, kayak, a wildlife boat tour—or alternate active bursts with leisurely sightseeing and seaside dining.
Access is unusually straightforward: the beachfront is continuous, transit links tie into LA, and rental shops cluster around the pier and marina. That density lets you pivot from a surf lesson to a photography tour to a sunset cruise in a few hours.
Pair the outdoors with urban comforts—cafes and markets are steps from trailheads and launches. Bring a plan for peak summer days and a lighter schedule for off-peak seasons when rates dip and popular spots quiet down.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Santa Monica enjoys mild, Mediterranean-influenced weather. Summers are warm and breezy with occasional marine layer mornings; late spring and early fall offer the most stable water and light for outdoor activities. Winter is mild but windier and can bring bigger surf—great for experienced surfers.
Peak Season
Summer (June–August) — beach crowds, higher rental rates, and busy surf breaks.
Off-Season Opportunities
Late fall through winter brings quieter beaches, lower rates, and excellent birding and coastal photography; surf can be more consistent for experienced riders.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Low-barrier activities that require minimal gear and experience: beach strolls, mellow biking on the Strand, introductory SUP or surf lessons, and easy walking tours downtown.
- Casual bike rental along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail
- Introductory surf lesson off Santa Monica Beach
- Family-friendly walking tour of the pier and Third Street Promenade
Intermediate
Activities that require basic skills and comfort on the water or bike: unguided SUP in light chop, longer e-bike circuits, guided photography tours, and half-day boat tours that require seasickness preparedness.
- E-bike tour linking Venice, Santa Monica Pier, and Palisades Park
- Morning SUP or kayak outing from the marina
- Guided photography tour for sunrise and golden-hour cityscapes
Advanced
Higher-skill outings: surfing at larger breaks, offshore sailing or powerboating, coastal runs that combine mountain trails and beach segments, and advanced wildlife or fishing charters.
- Surf sessions at more challenging local breaks on bigger days
- Private powerboat or sailing trip for offshore wildlife and Catalina runs
- Full-day combo: Santa Monica Mountains ridge run plus evening coastal photography
What to Bring
Essential
- Light layers and windbreaker for ocean breezes
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for beach and boat activities
- Reusable water bottle and light snacks
- Comfortable shoes for walking the pier, promenade, and short trails
Recommended
- Swimwear and quick-dry towel for surf or SUP
- Lock for a bike or e-bike rental
- Compact tripod or stabilizer for photography tours
- Small daypack with a zipper for city tours and hikes
Optional
- Wetsuit top for cooler water months or early-morning surf
- Binoculars for offshore wildlife and harbor observation
- GoPro or action camera with float leash for surf and boat rides
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check current conditions, tide charts, and outfitter policies before heading out. Book lessons and boat tours early for summer weekends.
Start early to beat the beach crowds and capture clean morning light—surf conditions and calmer water often arrive at dawn. Rent bikes or e-bikes to move quickly between the pier, marina, and nearby neighborhoods; a short ride opens up new access points for boat tours and photo stops. For wildlife viewing, morning boat tours offer the best chance to see dolphins and pelicans; bring binoculars and a jacket for open-deck wind. Parking near the pier fills fast; consider transit, rideshare, or secure bike parking. When booking water activities, verify refund and rescheduling policies—ocean conditions can change and reputable operators will prioritize safety. If you’re photographing the city, aim for Palisades Park and the pier at golden hour; for quieter wildlife and coastal vantage points, head north toward the marina and the small coves that line the bluffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes. Many visitors rent bikes, e-bikes, or board gear and self-guide along the strand. Guided options are recommended for surf lessons, first-time SUP, technical boat tours, and organized wildlife-watching cruises.
Are there safe places to learn to surf in Santa Monica?
Yes—several surf schools operate around the pier and the few beaches with gentler breaks. Book a lesson with a reputable outfitter and check conditions; instructors provide gear, local knowledge, and safety briefings.
How do I get out on the water—boat tours vs. boat rental?
Boat tours are ideal for wildlife viewing, narrated sightseeing, and anyone who prefers a crewed experience. Boat rental puts you in control for fishing, sailing, or self-guided cruising—expect additional licensing or a brief orientation for some vessels.