Your Guide to a Sun-Soaked Day in Santa Monica

From the Farmer’s Market to Golden Hour, You’ll Never Want to Leave Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a worldwide sensation–a destination that’s appreciated and admired by locals and visitors alike. It’s an internationally recognized hub for its arts and culture, historical landmarks, restaurants, shops and abundance of things to do. Here’s how to spend 24 sun-drenched hours in Santa Monica, from exploring the bohemian boutiques of Montana Ave to enjoying golden hour cocktails.Santa Monica Itinerary

8 a.m.

Start off the day with a morning walk at Palisades Park, which encompasses almost 25 acres of green open space along with vast, expansive views of Santa Monica Bay and the pier across Pacific Coast Hwy. Take in that salty ocean breeze as you get your steps in bright and early!

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9:30 a.m.

radish — Credit: Santa Monica Travel & Tourism

Next, head over to the iconic Santa Monica Farmers Market. Open-air gatherings are a quintessential element of the Southern California lifestyle. On Wednesdays, the Downtown Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Arizona Ave between Fourth and Ocean, featuring over 75 vendors across four blocks. On Saturdays and Sundays, the market takes over Arizona Ave between Fourth and Second during the same hours, offering the city’s highest percentage of certified-organic growers. Grab your reusable tote and pick up a few fresh goodies!

Santa Monica Itinerary

10:30 a.m.

What’s a morning in Santa Monica without a proper stop for coffee? La La Land Cafe on Montana Ave serves up a collection of drinks that are as Instagrammable as they are flavorful. Order the vibrant Lavender Bloom Matcha Latte—served hot or iced—for a colorful signature sip you won’t forget. Either way, it’s a delightful combination of lavender, vanilla, milk and matcha.

10:45 a.m.

Credit: Laure Joilet

Credit: BreadBlok

The perfect pairing for a La La Land Cafe latte is a gluten-free pastry from Breadblok across the street. Every single thing this bakery makes is gluten-free; plus, the all of the ingredients used to make these delightful creations are 100% organic and free of gums, soy and refined sugars. Try a classic croissant, a chocolate eclair or a raspberry beignet—there are no wrong choices.

Santa Monica Itinerary

11:30 a.m.

Credit: Montana Ave. Merchants Association

Pillow — Credit: Montana Ave. Merchants Association

It’s no secret (or maybe it is?) that Montana Ave is a mecca for shopping. Here, locals and visitors can escape the crowds and explore a charming, under-the-radar 10-block stretch of shops hidden away from the more touristy areas of the city. Encounter a plethora of boutiques to explore, such as Burro, Casper, Last Resort LA and The Detox Market. It’s a retail paradise of local and boutique businesses, and you’re bound to find one you love.

1:30 p.m.

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For lunch, don’t miss out on visiting Blueys Market and Cafe. This Aussie-inspired restaurant offers a range of healthy and light yet satisfying fare like acai bowls, organic sandwiches, burgers and juices. Opt for the sweet halloumi tartine and a refreshing beet juice at this surf-shack-inspired cafe.

Santa Monica Itinerary

3 p.m.

Credit: JuneShine

After fueling up, head over to the JuneShine Santa Monica tasting room for an unforgettable hard-kombucha tasting experience and a laid-back, breezy atmosphere. Even better—it’s in a fabulous location right on the beach. Choose among a selection of 14 rotating flavors (including some tasting room exclusives that aren’t offered in retail stores). This bohemian-inspired spot offers a welcoming, community-driven haven to spend the afternoon while enjoying a light drink!

5 p.m.

Finish off a busy day of exploring with a relaxing sunset cocktail during golden hour at Loews Santa Monica’s Blue Streak restaurant (where on-site executive chef Chris O’Connell sources his produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market). This oceanside dining outpost offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Pier from an elevated deck adjacent to the ocean. This luxurious, family-friendly and pet-friendly hotel’s signature golden hour is from 5-6 p.m. daily, when locals and guests alike can “toast to the coast” by enjoying half-off select bottles, glasses of wine and shared plates on the Ocean Terrace.