Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Santa Monica
- Where to Stay in Santa Monica
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Santa Monica
- Safety in Santa Monica
- Things to Do in Santa Monica
- The Santa Monica Pier
- Explore Downtown Santa Monica
- Walk Around Palisades Park
- Santa Monica State Beach
- Walk Down the 3rd Street Promenade
- Ride a Bike Along the Strand
- Visit the Getty Center
- Walk the Culver City Stairs
- Walk in the Kenneth Kahn State Recreation Area
- The Sony Pictures Studio Tour
- Visit Malibu
- Visit the Venice Boardwalk and Venice Beach
- What and Where to Eat in Santa Monica
- General Tips About Visiting Santa Monica
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
Santa Monica is one of the most recognizable parts of L.A. It has been featured in countless movies and is home to the infamous Santa Monica Pier. Aside from the pier, there are relaxing parks, lively beaches, and great shopping. The city offers so much for someone to do that you could fill hours with activities. This blog post will cover the history of Santa Monica, accommodation, transportation, safety, things to do, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting Santa Monica.
History of Santa Monica
The history of Santa Monica begins with the indigenous Tongva people who inhabited the Los Angeles Basin before European explorers colonized the area. The Tongva traded with the Chumash when they inhabited modern-day Malibu and sailed canoes to Catalina Island for Abalone. The Tongva were forced to assimilate to the Spanish and convert to Christianity.
The town of Santa Monica began in the early 1800s with two individuals, Senator John P. Jones of Nevada and Colonel Robert S. Baker. Senator John P. Jones owned silver mines and Colonel Robert S. Baker was successful in mining equipment. Together, they purchased land with the hopes of developing a popular port. Their plan failed, and it wasn’t until the 1870s that the first commercial buildings were built in Santa Monica. In 1886, Santa Monica was incorporated into Los Angeles boosting its development and eventual transformation into the city we know today.
Where to Stay in Santa Monica
Since Santa Monica is such a recognizable city in Los Angeles, it offers a large number of accommodation options. The prices can range from ultra-luxury to basic depending on what your budget is. In Santa Monica, you will find resorts, hotels, motels, room and apartment rentals, and hostels. All of which will be discussed in detail with specific recommendations below. In no particular order, here are your accommodation options in Santa Monica.
Resorts
Santa Monica is one of the few cities in L.A. to offer resorts. One of the main differences between resorts and hotels is what both places offer. Resorts act as destinations themselves, offering different amenities such as spas, golf courses, elaborate pool areas, and other activities. Of course, not all resorts have these options, but these are just some examples of how they differ from hotels.
Generally speaking, most resorts have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00 but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra and is usually not worth it.
Many resorts also tend to be located in more remote areas, but that doesn’t apply to Los Angeles, since this concrete jungle has buildings almost everywhere except state parks and the mountainous areas. Resorts can be a great option for those with a higher budget who are looking to do some R&R (Rest and Relaxation) on their trip to this popular city.
Almost all resorts have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. Prices can vary depending on your length of stay and during what time you are visiting, but average prices range from $200.00 to $400.00+ / €183.54 to €369.48+ per night.
Hotels
There are dozens of hotels in Santa Monica. Almost all hotels have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels do charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle (some recommendations are listed below).
Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in some cases, it will cost extra. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $180.00 to $250.00+ / €165.22 to €229.48+ per night.
Motels
Motels are very common in Canada and the United States. For my readers outside the U.S. and Canada, motels may seem like a weird concept, but let me explain. Motels are very similar to hotels but offer fewer amenities. They are very basic, they have a room with a bed, a desk, and a private bathroom, and sometimes the campus will have a pool that can be closed seasonally.
Sometimes they will have air conditioning and will always have a parking spot but sometimes with limited spaces. There are a few motels in Santa Monica, so make sure they are in safe areas as the city can be a little sketchy at night.
Motels tend to be cheaper than hotels but do not offer flexible check-in and check-out and tend to have virtually no security. Just like hotels, most motels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. Average prices for motels are $40.00 to $80.00+ / €36.94 to €73.88+ per night. Of course, the prices can depend on the time you are going and for how long, but they are very affordable. Many motels do not have a website, so in this scenario, it is best to utilize sites like Booking.com. Keep in mind that Motels can also be a little run-down and dirty, but not all of them.
Room and House Rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies that offer guests the opportunity to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I recommend using Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options. Both Vrbo and Airbnb may have some options for large groups and families. All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. I’ve also noticed that since COVID-19, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee on top of a high fee. Prices are usually a little cheaper than a hotel room at around $200.00 / €185.54.
Costs can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $100.00 to $200.00+ / €92.77 to €185.54+. I see that most options on both sites have parking options but always double check. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does come in most units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, make sure the accommodation has it. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.
Hostels
Hostels are relatively new to the United States. They have been very popular around Europe, Asia, and Latin America for years, but are starting to become more popular in the U.S. Hostels have dorms and sometimes private options. Dorms are a shared space where they can have four to eight beds in one room. The price of this lack of privacy is the cheapest accommodation in Los Angeles. I’ve seen beds as low as $28.00 up to $39.00+ / €25.86 to €36.02+ per night. It’s possible that a hostel can have a parking spot, but do not count on it.
Hostels normally have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00. Private rooms in hostels cost about double that of a bed and also have a flexible check-in time. I would compare private rooms at hostels and rooms at hotels to see which prices are better.
Hostels also offer unique tours and activities aimed at increasing guest morale and collaboration. All hostels offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. Hostels are made for cheap, shared living situations and are aimed towards solo travelers and pairs. Hostelworld is a very popular website that can look up hostels in your target area, and you can compare prices. To go to their website, click here. Many hostels do not have websites, so be sure to utilize sites like Hostelworld to find these accommodations.
Recommendations:
If you want more information about accommodation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Santa Monica
- Arrival
Arriving to Santa Monica can be done by three means. You can drive/take a ride-share app, take the L.A. Metro, or take city buses. In general, the best way to get to Santa Monica is driving, but taking the metro could work as well. Just keep in mind the metro station is about 10–15 minutes away from the beach and the Santa Monica Pier. This walk may not be the safest at night, so plan accordingly.
Driving is very straightforward, as you put your desired destination on your map or ride-share application and drive over. If you drive expect more traffic especially around Downtown Los Angeles since it is so busy. Parking will be discussed in the next section. If you plan on taking the L.A. Metro, there is a light rail that takes you to Santa Monica. The light rail is an above-ground tram that takes you from Point A to Point B.
The E Line (yellow line) is the one you will be utilizing. The E Line goes from East Los Angeles to Downtown Santa Monica. There are two light rail stations in Santa Monica. The stations in Santa Monica are the 17th St. / SMC Station and the Downtown Santa Monica Station. These stations will take you to Santa Monica but the 17th St. / SMC Station won’t be used by too many tourists. So Santa Monica only has one practical metro station.
If you want to use the L.A. Metro, the first thing you will need to get is a TAP Card. The TAP Card is required to ride the L.A. Metro. You can either download the TAP L.A. application here or purchase one at any of the metro stations. Once you have a physical or digital card, just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price is $1.75 / €1.61 for a two-hour ride. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online.
Once you are on the metro, find your way to the E Line, as that one gets you to Santa Monica. Once you arrive, you will tap once more. The main hours of operation of the L.A. Metro are from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. / 05:00–00:00 but can differ.
The last option is the city buses, and they should just be voided unless you are with a local. Although affordable, the buses are raw and unpredictable. Drive or use the L.A. Metro. To learn how to use the Los Angeles metro, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
- Parking
There is no free parking in Santa Monica at all. Even more notorious areas of L.A. like Malibu, have opportunities for free parking (albeit, rather slim), Santa Monica does not. It’s not difficult to park in Santa Monica, but it can be expensive. As you drive around Santa Monica you will see signs for parking, and you can follow those signs for parking.
It is possible that you can reduce the parking rates or even get them waived if they offer parking validation. What is parking validation? Parking validation is the process of getting your parking receipt stamped or marked, indicating you did something within that facility that made your parking valid. This can be shopping, watching a movie, or eating at an establishment. If you need to double-check, just ask a worker if they validate parking. They will either say yes they will validate it once the requirement has been met. If they say no, they can direct you to the nearest location that validates.
- Transportation Within Santa Monica
The distance between the attractions in Santa Monica is thankfully pretty close. For that reason walking can be a good way to get around. If you have to get further away to eat or anything, then driving is going to be your best bet. Avoid driving during rush hour (6:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30) which is the busiest time for driving usually resulting in traffic.
You could always take a ride-share app if needed which can be a bit cheaper but keep in mind that a driver can always choose to not take you if they don’t want to wait in traffic. You can also use the L.A. Metro, but only one of the stations are located semi-near a major tourist attraction. Again, there are public city buses, but I don’t recommend you take them. Drive or take a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft and if not that, then use the L.A. Metro.
Safety in Santa Monica
You would think that an area as popular as Santa Monica would be a safe area to visit. Unfortunately throughout the years that record has gone down. The encroachment of drug addicts and homeless people has given Santa Monica a record for being unpredictable and not as safe as it should be. Truthfully, the whole of Los Angeles should be a lot safer, but more so for such a high-traffic area like Santa Monica. Although your trip should go on without any issues, there are some things to keep in mind.
If you see an individual who is using drugs or seems mentally unstable, it’s best to steer clear of them and keep a distance. You will definitely see homeless tents and people while walking near the beach and the Santa Monica Pier. However, the city has relocated a lot of them so the last time I went to Santa Monica, it was relatively clean and seemed to have improved. Just be aware of some of the scams (discussed later) that can occur while in Santa Monica
Although not as common, pickpockets and crimes of opportunity can occur here. What is a crime of opportunity? Crimes of opportunity are not pre-planned crimes, but rather when the perpetrator sees someone mess up and allows them to commit the crime. Even though smaller crimes like pickpocketing and car break-ins are still low, do not give anyone the chance to do so and keep aware of your surroundings. Santa Monica has its own fire and police departments so you will be perfectly fine visiting. If you want more information about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.
Things to Do in Santa Monica
Did I mention just how popular Santa Monica is? With a city as infamous as this, it should be no surprise that there are things to do. From the relaxing next to the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Monica Pier, there are things here to keep you occupied for hours. In no particular order, these are the top things I recommend you do in and around Santa Monica.
The Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognizable piers on Earth. It is home to a small amusement park called Pacific Park, great eateries and carnival food, souvenir shops, and the unofficial start (or end) of Route 66. Even though many people will say that the Santa Monica Pier is a tourist trap, it is free to enter and a great place to people-watch and take some pictures. It is well worth a visit to cross off your bucket list.
Explore Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica is the main part of town right next to Palisades Park and the Santa Monica Pier. There are a lot of restaurants and shops to explore. It is the best location to catch dinner after a day of walking or at the beach. The stores here are also the best area to use the restroom. I found Santa Monica annoying to find clean restrooms.
Walk Around Palisades Park
Palisades Park sits right next to the Santa Monica Pier. It takes up 26 acres / 10.5 hectares and can be a nice green space with scenic views and great photo opportunities. Unfortunately, the homeless population has taken over the park and most of the area seems to be a massive encampment. Many people and family members who visit Los Angeles say this was the most surprising and depressing part of their visit. The homeless are usually not there to cause trouble but do negatively impact the area.
With that being said, the city has been making improvements to clean up the city and I have seen some improvements. The park (last time I went in June of 2024) was completely clean and there were no tents. I do think this is only due to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics, but hopefully, the changes stay.
Santa Monica State Beach
The Santa Monica State Beach is probably one of the most recognizable beaches in the United States. Located right next to the Santa Monica Pier, this beach is probably one of the most visited in Los Angeles due to its location. This beach is normally a very busy and happening area. It is split into three zones; the Northern, Southern, and Central (also called the Beach Zone) Zones. The two-mile / 3.2-kilometer beach is a great place for you to end your day after exploring Downtown Santa Monica or the Santa Monica Pier. Also, be aware that dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Parking can range from $7.00 / €6.43 to $18.00 / €16.55 depending on the day and season. The three zones have their own designated parking areas. The Southern Zone (Lot 4 South and Lot 5 South), the Central Zone or the Beach Zone (Lot 3 North, Lot 1 South, Lot 2 South, and Lot 3 South), and the Northern Zone (Lot 4 North through Lot 9 North).
Besides parking on the beach’s parking lots, you can also park at the Santa Monica Pier or in Downtown Santa Monica. For more information on parking in Downtown Santa Monica or on the pier, click here. I would highly recommend using the Los Angeles Metro as there are a few stations around Santa Monica that make it easy to traverse the city and avoid parking fees.
Walk Down the 3rd Street Promenade
The 3rd Street Promenade is three blocks long and consists of stores and places to eat. It is a very nice place to grab lunch, a cup of coffee, and just enjoy the area. Alongside the shops and restaurants, there are cool dinosaur hedge sculptures and fountains that make the space very tranquil. Walking the 3rd Street Promenade is a must every time I go to Santa Monica, and it’s a short 10-15 minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier.
Ride a Bike Along the Strand
What is the Strand? The Strand or Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a 22-mile / 35.4-kilometer path that goes from Santa Monica to Torrance Beach in South Bay. It hits major beaches like Santa Monica State Beach, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, just to name a few. This is the perfect way to get some exercise and see some of L.A.’s most iconic beaches. If you don’t have access to a bike, you can always use one of the metro bikes. Click here to learn how to rent and use them.
Visit the Getty Center
Opened in 1997, the Getty Center is an art museum that features 44,000 art pieces from the Middle Ages to the present day. Aside from its impressive collection, the Getty Center has the second-best view of Los Angeles (on a clear day) coming behind the Griffith Observatory. Even if you are not the biggest fan of art, the amazing views and stunning gardens are worth a visit.
There is a tram that takes you from the lower lot to the museum property. It’s perfect during a sunny day as a good portion of the campus is outdoors and perfect for a romantic evening or a date. There is also a good amount of docent-guided tours offered throughout the day. The tours include gardens, architecture, and certain collections.
The Getty Center is not the only Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The Getty Villa is located roughly 40 minutes away in Maibu. The Getty Center is free to enter and requires a reservation. However, parking is not free (that’s where they get you).
Parking is $25.00 / €23.22 for the day and $15.00 / €13.93 after 3 p.m. / 15:00. On Saturdays, parking is $10.00 / €9.29 after 6 p.m. / 18:00. Depending on where you are at or staying in Los Angeles, it may be cheaper to take a ride-share as opposed to parking.
There is a parking deal that allows you to pay for one location (Getty Center or Getty Villa) and park at the other for free. Make sure to make a reservation for both locations and then take your parking ticket (whichever museum you visited first) and ask for the same-day parking coupon. Note that this discount is not offered on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Walk the Culver City Stairs
The Culver City Stairs is a 1 mile / 1.6-kilometer series of 282 stairs that lead you to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. The overlook gives you amazing views of the surrounding area and Santa Monica. There is free parking on Jefferson Street and this can be a great spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific which is the perfect reward after the exercise.
Walk in the Kenneth Kahn State Recreation Area
The Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area is a nice little natural space about 15 minutes away from Santa Monica. It has facilities, sports courts, 7 miles /11.2 kilometers of hiking trails, and playgrounds for the kids. This can be a great spot for a picnic and a break from the chaotic Santa Monica.
The Sony Pictures Studio Tour
The Sony Pictures Studio Tour is one of the many studio tours you can do in Los Angeles. As the name implies you will get a tour of popular Sony-produced movies and TV shows. This includes Spider-Man, Breaking Bad, and Jeopardy. The tours start at $55.00 / €52.39 which includes parking (not all studio tours have that luxury). I have not gone on this tour but heard excellent things.
Visit Malibu
Malibu is located about 15 to 20 minutes northwest of Santa Monica and is one of the most well-known parts of L.A. It stretches 21 miles / 33.7 kilometers sandwiched between the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and the Pacific Ocean. Malibu has so much to offer, from the best hiking in L.A. to the best beaches in L.A. to the best museum in L.A. There is so much to do here and my favorite part of Los Angeles.
Visit the Venice Boardwalk and Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, almost to a fault. Don’t get me wrong, Venice Beach has unmatched energy and offers so much to tourists, but it can be a bit of a tourist trap. The area is filled with overpriced food and an abundance of tourist shops. Alongside the shops and eateries, there are street performers and homeless walking around the boardwalk.
I feel that I am making the area a horrible place, and it’s not, but the realities of the area need to be addressed. Many people who visit Venice Beach say it’s underwhelming in what is offered and overwhelming with the homeless population. The beach does offer great energy, lively walking, and fun activities like photo ops, beach activities, and the iconic muscle beach. I usually walk the boardwalk when I am in the area, and so should you.
What and Where to Eat in Santa Monica
Santa Monica does not run out of places to eat. In terms of eating out, there is nothing that outright stands out. Santa Monica has a good amount of sit-down restaurants and street vendors in the area. This section will not contain popular fast food restaurants like In-N-Out or the Habit Burger. In no particular order, here are a few recommendations that I have eaten at or some of my friends have given great reviews.
The Whaler (Seafood)
The Whaler is a lively bar with good seafood. When I went, I ordered the fish and chips which were really good. The prices were also fair for the area with the fish and chips costing about $20.00 / €19.22.
Water grill (Seafood)
The Water Grill comes highly recommended. It has decadent seafood fresh from the sea. The prices are pretty expensive but seating out in Santa Monica is not known for being budget-friendly.
LouLou Santa Monica (French)
LouLou is a gourmet restaurant that specializes in French food. As the previous restaurant, it is pretty pricey but alongside the excellent food and ambiance, you get great views of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
General Tips About Visiting Santa Monica
Santa Monica famous part of L.A. that does come with its own set of tips. The area is home to notable sights, vibrant energy and so much to do. However, some things need to be addressed. In no particular order, here are some tips about Santa Monica.
Visiting the Beach
The beaches are part of the reason why many people come to Los Angeles. It is a fun place to go walk around, lay on the sand while taking in the sun, eat some good food, and just people watch. Notice how I didn’t say swim? That is because the water off the coast of Los Angeles (all of California, really) is cold. The temperature in the water is around 53? / 12? but can go up to ~ 60? / 15? from summer to early fall. It is worth mentioning that the water is safe to swim in, and many people do, but it is cold. I would make sure you don’t swim near the drain as the water tends to be less clean in those areas.
If you go to the beach from May to August, I would highly advise you to get there early. The beach is a very popular location for both tourists and locals to escape the sun and cool off with the cool ocean breeze. Spots can fill up quickly, and it can get a bit competitive to find a place to lay out your beach towel. Although there are not too many thieves on the beaches, you should have someone from your party stay with your belongings to ensure they are not taken.
Watch Out For the Gulls
Gulls colloquially called seagulls are seabirds native to southern California. They can be a menace as they tend to scavenge off of our food. I have personally seen seagulls snatch people’s food right out of their hands while they are eating. They are not aggressive but can be very ambitious with how they obtain their next meal. If there is a colony of gulls above your head don’t look up. You never know when they may need to void their bowls.
The Homeless
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is going through a homeless crisis at the current moment. I’m not going to discuss why, but I mention it because you will definitely see it on your trip to Santa Monica. You may see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters can be found in downtown or around the beaches. They also panhandle a lot, and it is not uncommon for many homeless people to have dogs. I always advise if you want to give them something, give them something that is not straight money. Food, water, or even dog food are good options since you don’t know what that money will be used for.
Some people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble and discomfort. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky, or move erratically, so just ignore their shouts and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street or turn around. Not all homeless are bad people. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the area. However, I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.
Drinking
With the number of bars that Santa Monica has, drinking is something you may encounter and may partake in. So why is this on the list? Well, the drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. NO exceptions will be made. I do understand that much of the world has a drinking age of 19 years old or younger (if drinking is legal), but the United States has stood strong at keeping it at 21. If you’re under this age and look under the age of ~45 years old, you will be asked to show your ID. It is U.S. law and heavily enforced in California. You also cannot walk around in public with alcohol, which can result in a ticket or worse. Keep your drinks at the bar and in the establishment.
DO NOT drive under the influence of anything (alcohol, marijuana, etc.). This is called a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and it is a big deal in the United States. You can get a fine of up to $1,000.00 / €927.07, suspension of your license, and possibly jail time. If you are drinking, use a ride-share app or have a designated driver (dd) ready to take you home. Lastly, you cannot walk around the city or drive with open bottles of alcohol. If you are drinking, keep it in the building or at the bar.
Tourist Scams/Rip-Offs
Santa Monica has become more popular for scams and rip-offs. The high volume of tourists makes it a prime destination for scammers although not as popular as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Venice Beach. Organized from most to least common, here are the most popular scams and rip-offs in Santa Monica.
– CD Guys
The CD Guys are not people looking for their big break, usually. They are individuals looking to again, scam you. The idea is that as you are walking, groups usually comprised of men, will approach you with a CD so you can listen to their good music. They will ask “Do you like rap or rock music?” or “Do you support local artists?” and give you a CD making you assume it’s free. Well, it’s not. They then start shouting and demanding you pay for their CD.
They will try to raise the price of the CD, but if you find yourself in this scenario you can leave the CD either with the person harassing you or on the floor and walk away. DO NOT take the CD. You will be wasting your money as in some scenarios the CDs are blank or contain badly recorded songs on them.
– Discount Tickets
Groups of men will approach you saying they have “discounted tickets” for everything. Disneyland, The L.A. Zoo, Aquarium of the Pacific, and sporting games, you name it, they claim to have it. Please do not buy these tickets as they will be fake, and you will not be granted entry to your desired destination. Only get tickets on the official website or at the box office.
– Monks
There will be individuals dressed up as monks handing out what appears to be hand-woven bracelets. They will kindly wrap a bracelet around your wrist, saying it resembles love, fertility, luck, etc. As you walk away, they will ask for some money as a donation for a fake temple. They can be a bit pushy, but I think they rely on their monk robes for sympathy. If a “monk” (not a monk) starts putting anything on you, kindly say no and walk away.
As intimidating as these scams may be, they are all avoidable if you pay attention and use your judgment. Do not assume anything is free. Hopefully, these tips decrease your chances of getting ripped off or scammed while in Santa Monica. Be aware and if anything seems a little off, just say no and walk away.
Ocean Dangers
So many people come to Santa Monica for the beach and surfing culture the city offers. As marvelous and mesmerizing as the ocean is, it comes with its fair share of dangers. The three biggest dangers for tourists on the beach are rip currents, sharks, and jellyfish.
– Rip Currents
What is a rip current? A rip current is a strong channel of water that leads from the shore out to the ocean. They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and can be there without any observable warnings. If you get caught in a rip current, DO NOT swim against the current as you will drown due to fatigue. Instead, swim perpendicular to the coast and then toward the coast at an angle. For more information on what to do in a rip current, click here to go to the National Weather Service Website for more information.
– Sharks
The second danger is sharks. Sharks strike fear in many people due to many popular movies made right in Los Angeles. Although it can seem intimidating, shark attacks are very rare. Only nine shark attacks have been recorded in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area since 1950. Considering all the swimmers, divers, and surfers that enjoy the Pacific Ocean daily, it’s incredibly unlikely you will encounter a shark. To learn about what to do if bitten by a shark, click here to go to Australia’s website, giving great advice on shark attacks.
– Jellyfish
Jellyfish are fascinating animals, but they are better observed at the Aquarium of the Pacific and not attached to your legs. The jellyfish in Los Angeles are not as abundant or lethal, but they can ruin your vacation. If you get stung, remove all tentacles that are attached to your body. DO NOT rinse with fresh water. Instead, look for a lifeguard as they can have vinegar and saline to neutralize the nematocysts (stinging cells). If you experience any allergic reactions, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on jellyfish and their stings in Southern California, click here to go to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s official website.
For more general tips about visiting Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling to Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding Santa Monica including where to stay, how to get around, what and where to eat, safety, general tips, and what to do. Have you visited Santa Monica? If so, did you find it overrated? Would you recommend the Santa Monica Pier to tourists? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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