From Biking Along the Coast to Lounging by the Poolside at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, the West Coast Reigns Supreme
Written By: Judith Goldstein
Photography Provided By: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel Santa Monica Activities
With a history dating back to 1875, Santa Monica is one of the most breathtaking and historically significant areas in California. This charming seaside town covers just over eight miles of Los Angeles and offers three and a half miles of a glistening beach stretch housing Santa Monica and Will Roger State Beaches. If you’re hosting visitors to Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a must-stop destination that will surely prove that the West Coast is where it’s at. Here are our top picks for the “Pearl of the Pacific”:
1 | Cool for Pool Santa Monica Activities
When you’re ready to escape the LA grind, the poolside pampering experience in Loews Hotel Santa Monica Beach Hotel is the perfect respite. While you take in the breathtaking views of both the Pacific and the Santa Monica Pier, you can stay cool with a constant flow of Evian mist and a thirst quenching tropical smoothie made in their adjacent bar. Their picturesque poolside lounge sets the perfect scene for the California luxury and beachy lifestyle.
2 | Pier Review Santa Monica Activities
Built in 1909, the Santa Monica Pier is a sight for sore eyes; it’s also been a cultural and social hub of LA since the development of Pleasure Pier in 1916. Taking a stroll down the pier and a spin on the carousel is worth the stop alone, yet with a series of summer events including a food festival, Smorgasburg Market, and musical festival, Twilight on the Pier, there is no better place to savor the summer.
Native Knowledge: The Pier houses one of the most notable historic landmarks in LA, the Looff Hippodrome, built in 1916 by legendary woodcarver Charles I.D. Looff and his son Arthur. Make sure you to stop there and get a photo when you head to the pier.
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Ste A
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.8900
3 | That Sum(mer)s It up
Summer in Southern California is iconic: the weather is just right, the sun is shining, the days are long and the energy is pulsing. By offering a series of exceptional summer activities, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel simply elevates the summer experience. Daily kids activities start at 12 p.m., including arts and crafts that will keep your little ones entertained while you lounge by the pool. Unforgettable nights can start with roasting s’mores at the fire pit at 7 p.m., and to get your groove on, you can indulge in some live music every Friday and Saturday night from 5-8 p.m.
4 | Fresh Meets Rustic
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to cooking local and seasonal food memorably, perhaps no one does it better than James Beard-nominated Chef Jeremy Fox. Ubuntu, which earned him a Michelin star, was considered one of the best restaurants in America, revolutionizing plant-based restaurants and bringing the concept to the forefront. At Rustic Canyon, Fox brings his mastery with fresh, quality ingredients to California, using local produce to create dishes that celebrate the state like no other. If you are truly trying to impress visitors, Rustic Canyon is surely the most important culinary destination.
Rustic Canyon Restaurant
1119 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.393.7050
5 | Coastin’ Santa Monica Activities
With three glorious miles stretching along the Pacific Ocean, one of the best activities in Santa Monica is biking or skating along the coast. This day-long activity is such a great way to soak up the SoCal sun, enjoy the ocean views and feel the robust energy of the city. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel’s on-site rental shop located on the beachfront promenade can arrange rentals of the most popular sports equipment, including bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, scooters and boogie boards year-round, making it fast and easy to get just what you need to have your coastline adventure.
Native Knowledge: After riding along the coast, stop at the Venice Ale House. Here, you can munch on organic farm-to-table fare and get a taste of a variety of local craft beer when you order their Skateboard Beer Flight.
6 | Trippin’ Over It
Loews Family Road Trip Package
Taking a road trip through Cali? As you pass through LA for a few days, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel makes it easy to be the perfect stop. The Loews Family Road Trip Package includes parking credit, room discounts and food and beverage credits, so all your needs are taken care of and you can just lay back and enjoy your time in La La Land.
7 | The Perfect Fit(ness) Santa Monica Activities
The Original Santa Monica Muscle Beach
The most famous outdoor gym in the world, the Original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, still attracts some of the most well-known bodybuilders and gymnasts in the world. Built in the 1930s, Muscle Beach houses fitness equipment, bars and rings, making a fun stop to release your inner gymnast and see great athletes in action.
Native Knowledge: When the city refurbished Muscle Beach in 1989, they added a kids fitness section, so if you’re visiting with kids, they can be included, too.
The Original Santa Monica Muscle Beach
Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
800.544.5319
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.6700
