The USA Collection...Santa Monica

Santa Monica

Santa Monica: the coastal city with an iconic pier and picturesque beach nestled amongst swaying palm trees. With convenient access to Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood, Santa Monica is perfectly located for a holiday packed with as much beachside stillness or fast-paced city action as you like. Every hotel in Santa Monica is within four miles of the beach, meaning you’ll always have easy access to one of California’s most pristine, idyllic beaches.

Santa Monica is home to an array of attractions, including its world-renowned Santa Monica Pier, with activities everyone will adore. From its famous solar-powered Ferris wheel, to Pacific Park’s endless hours of fun with a range of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and even an arcade which boasts over 200 arcade games. Head for a chilled walk along the pier with the sound of the waves letting your worries drift away or check out the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel. Below the pier, an immersive wildlife experience at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium awaits, including presentations and interactive exhibits teaching visitors about the bay’s wildlife and how to protect it.

Other must-see attractions in Santa Monica include its well-maintained 3.5 mile beach, with everything from world-class surfing, swimming and beachcombing to outdoor activities at Annenberg Community Beach House and beach volleyball. Hire some bikes and pedal along The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, with 22 miles of paved cycle paths ending at Torrance County Beach. For the ultimate way to experience ocean views, this cycle trail is ideal. Head back to the beach after an action-packed day and catch one of Santa Monica’s vibrant sunsets or experience a workout like no other at the Original Muscle Beach, home to open-air fitness equipment since the early 1930s.

Once the sun has set, Santa Monica comes alive: LA locals flood into the city to make the most of its oceanfront location and unique bars, including rooftop bars with Pacific Ocean views such as Sonoma Wine Garden, as well as places like Bar Copa and Circle Bar for dancing the night away. No matter the occasion, Santa Monica has a bar to suit your needs, from a quiet place to reflect on your trip memories so far or an upscale lounge to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday.

Fans of art and culture will love Santa Monica’s art scene, with over 75 museums and art galleries each offering something different. From L & M Arts, a branch of the New York City gallery, to Bergamot, a disused train depot which has been refreshed to become the new home of 35 art galleries, Santa Monica is a hub of inspiration. Artistic events are featured throughout the year on Santa Monica’s events calendar, including comedy festivals, live performances and even weekly picnics on the promenade throughout the summer season. If shopping is how you become inspired, the city also boasts several distinct shopping districts, each offering their own array of shops. Browse farmers markets and an exclusively pedestrian outdoors shopping area at Third Street Promenade, just two blocks from the beach and shop for global brands at Bloomingdale’s, Burberry and Michael Kors at Santa Monica Place, which even boasts its own rooftop with unparalleled Pacific Ocean views.