Savor Santa Monica, California in 4 Delicious, Diverse Days

Beautiful Santa Monica sits on Santa Monica Bay and is home to a pier that was once the largest ballroom in the USA. Today, the Pier is home to shops, restaurants and even an amusement park. Grab an outdoor table at The Albright for fresh fish and views of the Pier’s Ferris Wheel. Savor breathtaking Pacific Ocean views while enjoying briny oysters at Water Grill. Stop at Santa Monica Seafood, a market known for its 18 meters of refrigerated seafood cases, full of the freshest fillets and even sushi and ceviche.

Santa Monica is hip and trendy. But travelers who crave simplicity will find much to enjoy here. Slide into a booth at Rae’s Restaurant, a classic neighborhood diner, for a plate of comforting corned beef hash. Or duck into Santa Monica’s oldest restaurant and bar, The Galley, which has been serving classic dishes such as filet mignon, lobster tail and shrimp cocktail since 1934. Craving an ice cream cone, milk shake or egg cream? Head to Soda Jerks on Santa Monica Pier for sweet, simple pleasures.

Santa Monica is a health-conscious city where numerous restaurants offer selections that are at once decadent and health-minded. Enjoy the sustainable fish of the day or the irresistible spaghetti squash casserole at True Food Kitchen. Vegan? Head to Real Food Daily for a supreme burrito or a savory veggie burger. Need to refuel? Grab a super-food burrito at Kye’s or a local, seasonal vegan juice, smoothie or nut milk at Rejuice.

With so much to savor in Santa Monica, maximize your time by enlisting a guide. Hop on a bike for the 18-kilometer Sweet Spots Bike Tour of Santa Monica’s best bakeries. (Indulge in cream puffs, truffles, lemon bars and ice cream while reveling in the scenery.) If wheels aren’t your speed, take a cupcake-baking or gnocchi-making class at the Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories. Or go on a guided farmers market tour to find the freshest of the local bounty.