Whether you’re heading straight to the beach or want to explore more of Southern California, car rental is the perfect way to get around in Santa Monica.
A pier with a view
No visit to Santa Monica would be complete without heading to State Beach. Sweeping along the shore for more than 5km, this sandy stretch boasts plenty of picnic areas and cycle routes, as well as activities such as volleyball and surfing. For gym bunnies, there’s the famous Muscle Beach workout section, while basketball fans can drive down to the famous Venice Beach outdoor courts.
Stroll along the beach and you’ll come to the most famous sight in Santa Monica: the pier. This nostalgic structure once lay at the western end of the iconic Route 66 and remains a hugely popular attraction today.
Highlights include the red and yellow Ferris wheel, as well as a vintage carousel and an arcade with hundreds of games. You can also visit the aquarium to get a close-up look at California’s underwater locals.
Restaurants dotted along the pier serve up local seafood to the soundtrack of the lapping waves. Head to the pier around sunset for incredible views of the Pacific, before relaxing in one of the restaurants or beach bars along the waterfront. The pier hosts free concerts and outdoor movies in the summer and live music in the evenings all year round.
Shopping highlights
Away from the beach’s souvenir stores, you’ll find there’s plenty more on offer in this city. Head downtown to discover the shopping havens of Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place.
Closer to the beach, Main Street is home to hip clothing stores and art galleries. For a high-end shopping experience, head north to Montana Avenue. When you’ve browsed the boutiques, take a seat at one of the chic cafes and see if you can spot any of the celebrity clientele.
City of Angels
With a rental car in Santa Monica, you’ll have the freedom to get on the road and explore world-famous sights in the surrounding areas of southern California. Of course, Los Angeles effortlessly tops this list. In a huge sprawling city designed for motorists, the best way to explore is by car.
Head downtown to experience some of the best cultural and architectural sights. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a curvaceous stainless-steel building glinting in the California sunshine. This venue hosts the LA Philharmonic Orchestra and a glittering symphony of musicians from around the world. A few blocks away, you’ll find the Grand Central Market, packed full of trendy eateries and neon signs. This flavour house is the perfect place to stop during a long day of sightseeing.
For art fans, a visit to The Broad is a real must. This contemporary art museum displays works by ground-breaking artists including Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol – as well as the unmissable Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama.
Continue your adventures out into the Golden State, cruising along scenic routes like Mulholland Drive and the Pacific Coast highway. Golden beaches, snowy mountains and welcoming communities await.
Arrange car rental in Santa Monica to start your California dreaming.
