Santa Monica

Santa Monica, located 16 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, is home to the irresistible namesake beach and pier. Santa Monica Pier is often the first port of call for many visitors, with its iconic giant Ferris wheel, rattling steel rollercoaster, and delightfully nostalgic amusement arcades.

The city is also home to one of the region’s best-loved beaches, a perpetually sun-kissed expanse of golden sand, with plenty of gently crashing waves, ideal for budding surfers. As the sun goes down, grab an outdoor table at a hip seafront bar, and enjoy the cooling ocean breeze with a colourful cocktail in hand.