Santa Monica, USA
Santa Monica is the ultimate Californian beachside city with plenty to do and see. Hollywood is located nearby; hence it will always be the backdrop for iconic movies and TV shows.
The Beach
Santa Monica State Beach runs the length of Santa Monica so there’s plenty of room for you to soak up the sun, or get involved in one of the many activities on offer. There’s fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, or of course pumping iron amongst the bicep junkies at the original Muscle Beach (this is a no-go if you’re easily put off by tourists with cameras!)
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier, located at the end of the 2,448 mile long Route 66, is where the film character ‘Forrest Gump’ stops in his tracks after an epic run, only to turn around and continue running in the opposite direction. The Pier features an arcade, an aquarium, an amusement park featuring a Ferris Wheel & Roller Coaster, and of course, a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant.
Into the City
Explore the 13.5 mi2 area of Santa Monica and you’ll find a plethora of things to do and celebrities to spot. The Third Street Promenade provides 200 shopping, dining and entertainment outlets, and if that’s not enough shopping for you there are plenty of boutique shops scattered amongst the rest of the city. More than half the population of Santa Monica are employed by the arts so you’ll find plenty of galleries, museums and performances to keep you entertained into the early hours.
Santa Monica really has something for everyone, with a hell of a varied food scene to boot (check out Michael’s for some delicious locally-sourced Californian cuisine). And if like us you’re from the UK then the refreshingly outgoing locals are bound to show you a great time!
