{"id":941,"date":"2025-06-13T08:18:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T08:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/?p=941"},"modified":"2025-06-20T02:58:07","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T02:58:07","slug":"santa-monica-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/santa-monica-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"Los Angeles Travel Guide: Santa Monica Beach\u2014A Must-Visit Destination"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n        .hl-yellow { background: #ffeb3b; padding: 0 4px; }  \/* Key point \/ positive *\/\n        .hl-blue { background: #99f9ff; padding: 0 4px; }   \/* Caution \/ issue   *\/\n        .hl-pink { background: #ff99b8; padding: 0 4px; }   \/* Heads-up \/ tip    *\/\n        .center { text-align: center; }\n        .styled_h2 {\n            color: #333;\n            border-bottom: 2px solid #007acc;\n            padding-bottom: 10px;\n        }\n        .styled_h3 {\n            color: #007acc;\n            margin-top: 30px;\n        }\n        .content img {\n            max-width: 100%;\n            height: auto;\n            display: block;\n            margin: 20px auto;\n        }\n        blockquote {\n            margin: 20px auto;\n            max-width: 540px;\n        }\n    <\/style>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2 class=\"styled_h2\">A Must-Visit: Santa Monica Beach<\/h2>\n<p>When you think of beaches in the United States\u2014especially in California\u2014what&#8217;s the first place that comes to mind?<\/p>\n<p>Even just around L.A. you&#8217;ve got a lineup of famous, well-loved spots: Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, and many more.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">1. History of Santa Monica<\/h3>\n<p>The history of Santa Monica stretches back to the 18th century.<\/p>\n<p>In 1769, the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portol\u00e1 and his party visited the area, naming it after the religious calendar&#8217;s &#8220;St. Monica&#8217;s Day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Ever since, <strong><mark class=\"hl-yellow\">this seaside paradise of stunning sunsets has drawn visitors from around the globe, becoming one of the world&#8217;s most popular beach destinations.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ecodriveondemand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u30a2\u30a4\u30ad\u30e3\u30c3\u30c1\uff14-2.png\" alt=\"Santa Monica Beach sunset view\" width=\"700\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">2. About Santa Monica Pier<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Built in 1909, Santa Monica Pier<\/strong> is one of the most iconic spots for soaking up L.A.&#8217;s breezy, vibrant vibe.<\/p>\n<p>Illustrators and street performers line the boardwalk, keeping visitors entertained.<\/p>\n<p>Take in 3.5 miles of wide sandy beach and crystal-blue water!<\/p>\n<p>For more, check out the link below!<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C0DS330v2Ss\/\" style=\"max-width:540px; min-width:326px; width:99.375%; width:calc(100% - 2px); border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px;\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C0DS330v2Ss\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding:19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/frontier_ecodrive\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\">Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">3. About the Amusement Park<\/h3>\n<p>The park features a small roller coaster and an arcade, making it fun for everyone from little kids to adults!<\/p>\n<p><strong><mark class=\"hl-pink\">The Ferris wheel with its sweeping Pacific Ocean views is a beloved icon of Santa Monica!<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>High winds can shut the Ferris wheel down, so <mark class=\"hl-yellow\">if riding it on a clear day is a must, consider leaving yourself a few backup days.<\/mark><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ecodriveondemand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u30a2\u30a4\u30ad\u30e3\u30c3\u30c1\uff13-1.png\" alt=\"Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel\" width=\"700\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">4. Route 66 Sign<\/h3>\n<p>Route 66 was a former U.S. highway stretching 3,755 km (2,347 miles) between Chicago, Illinois, and Santa Monica, California.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Route 66 marker on the pier is so popular that people often line up for photos!<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cy18yv6PAki\/\" style=\"max-width:540px; min-width:326px; width:99.375%; width:calc(100% - 2px); border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px;\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cy18yv6PAki\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding:19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/frontier_ecodrive\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\">Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Fun fact: the true western terminus of Route 66 is not on the pier but about 1.2 miles northeast, where Olympic Blvd meets Lincoln Blvd.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s no big pier-style sign there\u2014just a small plaque reading &#8220;Historic Route 66 Begin.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; max-width: 600px; height: 450px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d976.4169965836071!2d-118.48739208305197!3d34.01548726663484!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x80c2bb2d2cf20ac3%3A0xc31c31c4cba025a1!2s809%20Olympic%20Blvd%2C%20Santa%20Monica%2C%20CA%2090404%2C%20USA!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1711948140945!5m2!1sen!2sus\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">5. While You&#8217;re Here, Check Out a Popular Local Caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Trendy Santa Monica is packed with stylish caf\u00e9s and shops.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One standout is the Urth Caff\u00e9 Santa Monica location!<\/p>\n<p>The chain is also in Japan and is famous for its organic coffee.<\/p>\n<p><mark class=\"hl-yellow\">Be sure to try the avocado pizza and other food items\u2014the menu is quite different from what you&#8217;ll find at the Japanese branches!<\/mark><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C4tjo_KP26G\/\" style=\"max-width:540px; min-width:326px; width:99.375%; width:calc(100% - 2px); border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px;\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C4tjo_KP26G\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding:19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/frontier_ecodrive\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\">Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">6. Practical Tips for Visiting<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Weekdays are best<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If your schedule is flexible, aim for a weekday instead of a weekend.<\/p>\n<p><mark class=\"hl-yellow\">On Saturdays and Sundays the crowds can be so thick that you&#8217;ll struggle to get anywhere near the Ferris wheel!<\/mark><\/p>\n<p>The lot right next to the pier is usually much less full on weekdays, too.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Restrooms<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As with many famous beaches, <mark class=\"hl-blue\">restroom cleanliness can leave a lot to be desired.<\/mark><\/p>\n<p>Best to take care of business beforehand!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sketchy street vendors<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Friendly chatter can sometimes mask a scammy sales pitch\u2014stay alert.<\/p>\n<p>There are plenty of legit shops along the street, so no need to be paranoid, but keep this in mind while wandering Santa Monica&#8217;s high-profile spots.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you hate crowds\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Santa Monica gets packed. If you&#8217;d rather stroll in peace, you might find greater satisfaction at one of L.A.&#8217;s other beaches.<\/p>\n<p><strong><mark class=\"hl-pink\">We&#8217;ve highlighted several quieter options on Instagram\u2014check them out!<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C1VsyC6PJjm\/\" style=\"max-width:540px; min-width:326px; width:99.375%; width:calc(100% - 2px); border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px;\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C1VsyC6PJjm\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding:19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/frontier_ecodrive\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\">Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">7. In Closing<\/h3>\n<p>Santa Monica is arguably the most famous, beloved beach in the world\u2014virtually everyone has heard of it!<\/p>\n<p><mark class=\"hl-yellow\">Make sure to visit at least once and soak up the best of L.A.!<\/mark><\/p>\n<p>For more tips\u2014like our favorite caf\u00e9s in Santa Monica\u2014check out this link:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C41W8yJStDH\/\" style=\"max-width:540px; min-width:326px; width:99.375%; width:calc(100% - 2px); border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px;\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C41W8yJStDH\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding:19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/frontier_ecodrive\/\" style=\"color:#000; text-decoration:none;\">Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Must-Visit: Santa Monica Beach When you think of beaches in the United States\u2014especially in California\u2014what&#8217;s the first place that comes to mind? Even just around L.A. you&#8217;ve got a lineup of famous, well-loved spots: Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, and many more. 1. History of Santa Monica The history of Santa Monica stretches back to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":943,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-941","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tourism"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/941","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=941"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/941\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1400,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/941\/revisions\/1400"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}