The two most popular destinations in Los Angeles are Santa Monica and Venice Beach – and for good reason! Both are lively oceanside areas with their own unique charm and personality, which makes them well worth a visit.
As the two towns are located right next to each other, you can easily explore the main attractions in both in one day, with just a bit of planning.
With its relaxed pace, this itinerary for a Venice Beach and Santa Monica day trip highlights the best way to enjoy these neighboring beach cities.

Start your trip on Montana Avenue, which is one of Santa Monica’s most charming and lively streets. It features boutiques, cafes, and a peaceful morning atmosphere, which is perfect for breakfast or coffee before exploring the city. Here are a few great options:

It is a popular spot with a beautiful outdoor patio that serves classic breakfast dishes. It is recommended to reserve in advance, especially on weekends.

It is a popular and loved bakery and café located in a restored former mortuary, just a few blocks from Montana Avenue. They offer fresh-baked goods and a small menu of hearty breakfast dishes.

It is a cozy coffee shop that offers high-quality coffee and tea, along with bagels, pastries, and vegan or gluten-free options.

After breakfast, head to Third Street Promenade, which is a lively outdoor shopping area popular for its street performers, great stores, and energetic atmosphere. Whether you want to shop or just take a walk, this is one of Santa Monica’s must-see attractions.
When you’re done exploring, walk over to Palisades Park, running parallel to Ocean Avenue. The park is surrounded by palm trees and offers breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Ocean, and the Pacific Coast Highway below, all of which are perfect for a relaxing stroll and some great photos.

Continue your walk south through Palisades Park to reach the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier. This is an iconic landmark that features Pacific Park, an oceanfront amusement park, along with restaurants and classic seaside views. Though the pier can get crowded, it’s worth a visit for the coastal scenery and atmosphere.
You can find Muscle Beach just south of the pier, which is a historic outdoor gym that dates back to the 1930s. Depending on the time of day, you may even catch gymnasts and athletes performing on the swings, bars, and ropes—it’s an authentic Southern California experience.

After exploring Santa Monica, get ready to head down to Venice Beach. You can either drive or take a scenic bike ride along the Strand, which is a paved oceanfront bike path.
If you want to ride, rent a bike from Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals. The location at 1200 Pacific Coast Highway is suitable for this route. The ride to Windward Plaza in Venice Beach is about 2.5 miles and usually takes 15–20 minutes.
You can also rent a bike for just an hour and return it one way at Perry’s Venice locations. There’s a small fee for one-way drop-offs. Alternatively, keep the bike for the afternoon and ride it back to Santa Monica later. If you choose this option, be sure to get a lock from Perry’s. There are bike racks around Windward Plaza and Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Start exploring Venice Beach around the Venice Canals, which is located south of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This is a quiet, lively area that offers easy parking and a peaceful place to stroll.
These canals were originally created in the early 1900s by developer Abbot Kinney, who dreamed of building a “Venice of America.” Though most of the original canals were eventually filled in to make roads, only a few remain today, restored in the 1990s into one of Venice’s most picturesque areas. The result is a beautiful mix of Italian inspiration and California charm.

After exploring the canals, make your way to the Venice Boardwalk, which is one of the most famous spots in Los Angeles. It’s advised to visit earlier in the day for fewer crowds and cooler air. The boardwalk is full of energy and features vendors, street performers, the Venice Skate Park, and the second Muscle Beach gym.
You can easily spend a few hours here by relaxing on the beach, enjoying the lively atmosphere, or simply people-watching.

Just a short walk inland from the beach, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s chic shopping and dining street. It is often called one of the coolest streets in America and is lined with stylish boutiques, unique restaurants, and bohemian shops.
Even if you don’t want to shop, the area’s public art and colorful murals make it worth a visit. Spend some time snapping photos, exploring the street, or stopping by one of the many cafés.

Treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing. Stop by Salt & Straw for inventive ice cream flavors that mix local ingredients and creativity, or grab a pick-me-up at Blue Bottle Coffee, which is one of Los Angeles’ best specialty coffee roasters.

Wrap up your Los Angeles beach day with dinner at The Waterfront Venice, which is a lively beachfront restaurant that offers breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful coastal vibe. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, tacos, and California-inspired dishes. You can eat outdoors under string lights while watching the sunset over the Pacific, which is an ideal way to wrap up your Venice Beach adventure.

Before ending your day, take a walk around Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Ocean Front Walk, or Pacific Avenue to discover Venice’s famous murals. These colorful works of art bring the area’s creative spirit to life and make for great photo spots.
Even if you’re not into photography, the murals are impressive and worth seeing up close.

If you have some time left remaining, here are some more fun things to do in and around Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and nearby areas:

Just south of downtown, Ocean Park is a lively neighborhood in Santa Monica. It features a friendly local vibe and lots of small shops to explore along Main Street. While you’re there, stop by JuneShine for refreshing drinks in a peaceful setting.

Experience true Southern California culture by learning to surf in Santa Monica. For a fun introduction, join a small group surf lesson or book a private session if you’d prefer more one-on-one guidance. It’s an amazing way to connect with the ocean and try something new.

Take your day to the next level with a wonderful boat trip from Marina Del Rey. You can join a shared cruise that includes wine or book a private sailing experience for a more personal experience. As you sail past Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu, enjoy the coastal breeze, snacks, and breathtaking ocean views.

For food lovers, there are plenty of local tours that show the area’s best eats. Join a Venice Beach food tour to taste a variety of local flavors, or a Santa Monica taco tour if you’re craving something spicy. Sweet-tooths can enjoy the Santa Monica donut food tour, which is perfect for tasting the city’s best treats.

Visit the Santa Monica Farmers Market for a taste of local life. It is hosted on Wednesdays and Saturdays and offers baked goods, fresh produce, and artisan products from local vendors. It’s a great stop for fresh snacks or souvenirs.

Located in nearby Pacific Palisades, the Getty Villa is a beautiful museum designed to look like an ancient Roman country home. It’s dedicated to Greek and Roman art and artifacts. Admission is free, but parking requires a fee, and reservations must be made online in advance.

If you have extra time during your trip, take a short drive north to Malibu. Spend a day exploring its scenic beaches, oceanfront restaurants, and cliffside views. It’s the perfect way to continue your coastal adventure and experience another side of Southern California’s beauty.

A day trip to Santa Monica and Venice Beach perfectly captures the essence of coastal Los Angeles. From morning coffee on Montana Avenue to sunset along the Venice Boardwalk, every stop blends relaxation, comfort, and classic California charm. Whether you’re biking the scenic path between the two, admiring street art, or enjoying ocean views from Palisades Park, this Santa Monica and Venice Beach itinerary offers a little of everything that makes LA’s beach culture memorable.

After a full day of ocean views, canals, murals, and sunset on the sand, keep it simple: base yourself near the action. Reserve your stay at Encore Motel Venice for a laid-back, beach-close LA break.