Luxury holidays in Santa Monica

Santa Monica’s like LA’s fun little sister: related but more playful. It’s where Angelenos come to hang thanks to its broad beach and nostalgic pier, lined with carousels and carefree arcades. But there’s substance, too: a food scene to rival LA’s, including a celebrated SoCal farmers’ market, and dive bars where Marilyn and JFK hid. Venice is a bike ride along the boardwalk and LAX is close by, so you can cut straight from hub to hotel in no time.
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When to go

With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, Santa Monica’s pretty reliable – even in January, highs are 18°C. However, watch out for ‘May grey’ and ‘June gloom’ when fog can cloud the scene, and summer weekends, which can get busy.

Getting there

  • Planes

    It couldn’t be easier: Los Angeles international airport, better-known as LAX, is a 15-minute drive away. From the airport, catch the free shuttle bus from the LAX terminals to ‘Parking Lot C’; then switch to the Big Blue Bus (route 3) for rides into Santa Monica.

  • Automobiles

    No self-respecting Angeleno would ride without wheels and, accordingly, they’re widely available to hire. But hey, you’re in Santa Monica, so why not do without?