5 Things to Do in Santa Monica, California (Updated 2026)

Santa Monica is one of those rare beach cities that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you just stopped by for an afternoon. There’s the pier, the sunsets, the food scene that’s way better than it has to be. But the real magic comes from mixing the classics with experiences that are just a little unexpected.

Here are five things worth adding to your Santa Monica list.

1. Try a robot massage at Aescape

This is the kind of Santa Monica story you’ll tell when you get home: “I got a massage from a robot.” At Aescape, you guide the entire experience yourself (pressure, music, and focus areas) while the system quietly does the work. It’s solo, judgment-free, and calming, like pressing pause on everything noisy outside. Many people say sessions help their body reset after a flight or a long week, which makes sense when you’re weaving it into your wellness routine. 

2. Stroll down Santa Monica Pier

It’s touristy, sure, but also iconic. The ferris wheel glows over the Pacific, street performers set up near the boardwalk, and there’s usually someone selling churros you didn’t know you needed. The pier is the city’s heartbeat, and it feels different depending on whether you go at golden hour or late at night.

3. Bike the beach path to Venice

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs right along the sand, so you can pedal from Santa Monica to Venice with the ocean breeze in your hair. Rent a cruiser, stop for a smoothie halfway, and people-watch like it’s a sport. It’s the most effortless way to feel like a local without even trying.

4. Shop and snack at Third Street Promenade

This open-air stretch is packed with boutiques, bookstores, and street musicians who sound way too good to be playing for free. You’ll find everything from vintage tees to farmers market snacks, and if you need a break, there’s always a shaded bench for people-watching.

5. Catch the sunset at Palisades Park

Locals know this is the best sunset view in the city. The park runs along Ocean Avenue, with cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Bring a blanket, sit under the palm trees, and watch the sky shift from pink to orange to that deep cobalt blue that signals night has arrived.

Santa Monica never really gets old. It just keeps layering in new experiences, like robot massage alongside century-old sunsets. That mix of old and new is what makes the city feel both grounding and alive, no matter how many times you return.

Let us know you enjoyed this read by booking a massage and using code BLOG for $10 off your first session (30 minutes and up!). Wanna share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a shout at @LetsAescape on social!