Insider’s Guide to Santa Monica & Malibu

I lived the majority of my young adult life in West Los Angeles. Santa Monica and Malibu were always the spots I would venture off to for solitary drives along the coast, cool restaurants and unique shopping. Santa Monica is still a great escape from the bustling heart of Los Angeles. It embodies a perfect blend of chic bohemian allure and understated glamour. This coastal gem marries seaside charm with urban sophistication with its expansive beaches, historic pier, and a lifestyle that celebrates the outdoors. 

Whether you’re seeking a luxury retreat or a family-friendly adventure, Santa Monica caters to all with its unique, relaxed elegance.

Here are all of the deets on a living a life explored with our insider’s guide to Santa Monica & Malibu and where to stay, eat and play in this lovely Southern California playground.

Need to Know

Airports: Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is 15 minutes south, Burbank (BUR) is 35 minutes away in the San Fernando Valley, and Santa Monica Airport for private aviation.

Transportation: Renting a car is the only way to see the sights if you fly into Los Angeles. (And I can assist you with the vehicle rental)

Best Time to Visit: California sunshine is year-round, which makes it an ideal destination. Spring and fall are the loveliest seasons, in my opinion. Summer is the busiest due to the summer hiatus from school and work for many. Winter tends to be cooler and rainier.

Ideal Length of Stay: Two to three nights is ideal of a quick road trip getaway. Or make it longer if you want to enjoy the sunshine and pool with family and friends.

Dress Code: Relaxed chic. Less jeans and more linen and sundresses in the summer.

Insider’s Guide Santa Monica & Malibu: Where to Stay

Guest Room | Santa Monica Proper

Shutters on the Beach: If you’ve ever wanted to live in a Nancy Meyers movie (Something’s Gotta Give), then this is your chance. This legendary Santa Monica hotel epitomizes the airy elegance of California. Situated right on the beach, enjoy breathtaking ocean views from Cape Cod-style rooms that exude understated luxury. Spend your days on the sand or unwind poolside with a book. Shutters is a destination in itself, with its bright restaurant, California cuisine and award-winning spa. Its prime location is steps away from the family-friendly Santa Monica Pier and the vibrant downtown area. Borrow a bike from the concierge to cycle down the extensive beach paths. Book with me to receive a $100 food/beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in / out, whenever possible.

Santa Monica Proper: Easily the coolest hotel in town, Santa Monica Proper offers the perfect blend of luxury, style, and laid-back California vibes. This beautiful historic building was reimagined by renowned designer, Kelly Wearstler, fusing classic architecture with contemporary decor echoing the natural surrounding outside. The generously appointed bathrooms include travertine showers and Aesop bath products to wash off your day at the beach. The rooftop pool with soaring ocean views makes it feel like you’re floating above the city. Cozy up to the bar at Palma for small-batch spirits or dine at Calabra Rooftop. Decompress at the holistic Surya Spa then retreat to your room to rest on fine Italian linens. You’re within walking distance of the beach and downtown. Book with me to receive VIP status, daily breakfast for two, a local experience worth $50 for rooms or $100 for suite stays, room upgrade & extended check-in / out whenever possible.

The Ranch Malibu: With breathtaking natural surroundings, luxurious accommodations, and a commitment to wellness, The Ranch Malibu will help you reconnect with nature and recharge your spirit for a more balanced and healthier lifestyle. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains by the Pacific Ocean, this exclusive resort won the 2022 Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award for Destination Spa in the US. It’s renowned for its immersive programs that focus on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. Guests are treated to daily hikes, fitness classes, and farm-to-table meals. There’s also a pool, a sauna, a gym, and a “Massage Village.” Each guest sleeps in a private rustic cottage, free of TVs and cell phones for an electronic detox. 

Insider’s Guide to Santa Monica & Malibu: Where to Play

Santa Monica Pier

With its historic Ferris wheel, fun arcade games, and family-friendly rides, the Santa Monica Pier provides endless entertainment for children and adults alike. Snackville, designed by Michelin-Star Chef James Kent, gives the pier a gourmet twist with Smashie’s Burgers, Mr. Nice Fry, Churrita Churro, Scoops Creamery, and Cosmic Funnel Cake.

This was my haunt for shopping and restaurants back in the day. Fast forward, it’s still the destination for some truly unique and local finds. This stretch of shops and restaurants is in the heart of a residential Santa Monica. Grab a coffee from LaLaLand Kind Café and stroll the neighborhood boutiques. The Aero Theater is a slice of old Americana and shows current and classic films, often accompanied by the filmmakers. After a movie, try Father’s Office for great craft beers, and arguably the best burgers in Los Angeles. (But don’t ask them to customize it; either you eat them as they make them, or you go without. Just like your mother probably told you growing up.)

Extending over the Pacific Ocean, the Malibu Pier is an historic landmark that delivers breathtaking panoramic views of the Malibu coastline. It is an ideal spot for peaceful contemplation as you watch surfers catching waves. Visitors can savor the health-conscious cuisine at Malibu Farm, an acclaimed restaurant at the end of the pier while taking in the stunning ocean vistas. 

Okay, there may be kayaks instead of gondolas, but these Venice canals are no less charming! Inspired by their Italian namesake, these peaceful waterways offer a serene alternative to the Venice Boardwalk. Take a leisurely stroll along the quaint footbridges while birdwatching or admiring the idyllic homes.

Insider’s Guide to Santa Monica: Where to Eat

Beets ‘n’ Berries | Rustic Canyon

Rustic Canyon: This acclaimed spot offers an exceptional dining experience, embodying owner Josh Loeb’s “simple ain’t easy” approach to cooking. With a menu that evolves daily, Rustic Canyon features fresh locally sourced ingredients with inventive flavor combinations that showcase the best of California. With its imaginative cocktails and extensive wine list, you’ll always find the perfect complement for your meal. The enormous windows flood the dining room with light during the day and impart a cozy ambiance at night. 

Elephante: Need to unwind after a day packed with sightseeing? Get a taste of the local nightlife with this stylish and welcoming rooftop venue that offers patrons stunning views of the Pacific. Take in a famous West Coast sunset as you enjoy a cocktail inspired by the flavors of Italy and small-plate appetizers at the bar. Then savor one of the main “coastal” Italian dishes while surrounded by wood, stone, and copper Mediterranean finishes in the dining area. Elegant and uncomplicated fun. 

Giorgio Baldi: You may have to dodge paparazzi as you enter because this Santa Monica institution attracts an A-list celebrity clientele from just up the road in Malibu. Located a half-mile from the beach, this intimate eatery serves some of the most authentic Italian cuisine in the city. The owners pride themselves on a menu consisting of seasonal ingredients for their artisanal pasta, fresh seafood, and scrumptious desserts. The butterscotch pudding alone is worth the trip! Don’t be surprised if you run into Jennifer Aniston or Rihanna at the valet. 

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe: Beloved by locals, Huckleberry is a standout for breakfast and lunch in Santa Monica. Known for its farm-to-table philosophy, this café uses organic, local ingredients to create deliciously hearty breakfast options: pancakes made with Valrhona chocolate, savory breakfast burritos, and a fresh vegetable quiche. You can also grab a prepared sandwich or a variety of salads for lunch. The warm, rustic ambiance makes it the perfect place to enjoy their freshly baked croissants, muffins, pastries, cakes, and artisanal breads like focaccia and brioche.  

Santa Monica is the ideal destination for adventure. You can scream in delight as you ride the rollercoaster at the pier, surf in Venice, ride horses in Malibu, and taste every kind of cuisine available. (And since it’s California, avocado will be somehow incorporated.) It’s the land of checking items off your bucket list.

But Santa Monica also offers another important part of a life explored . . . the opportunity to slow down and take it all in. You can be as active or as lazy (we like to say “easygoing”) as you choose because reflection is just as crucial to figuring out where life is going to take you. Somewhere in between the beaches and the mountains, you may come to a place of realization that changes your destiny.

Live a Life Explored!