Top 5 Santa Monica Outdoor Escapes: Fun in the Sun!

Thinking of where to kick back and enjoy some sun? Well, Santa Monica has it all for outdoor folks, and actually, it’s almost as good as they say. From the surfside views to open parks, there’s so much to do outside. Here are five hot spots that you will not want to pass on next time you are near Los Angeles.

1. Santa Monica Pier: A Classic Experience

First off, you have the iconic Santa Monica Pier. It’s pretty old, built way back in 1909, and yet it still brings in the tourists. There is always something exciting happenings, very, very, rarely is it ever dull here. You might want to try your luck with some classic arcade games, grab a corndog, or go for a spin on the Ferris wheel; you get really something awesome to check out.

Speaking of which, if you look at the very edge, there’s Pacific Park, with rides and games that you’ll have kids loving, yet you’ll find adults acting like kids here, so too. Keep going along, and there are spots for fishing and views to die for. Apparently, at the pier, there are street performers and musicians always around, and honestly, you’ll always hear a good tune or two. So next time you go make sure to check out these attractions and venues and keep yourself entertained on a busy day.

2. Santa Monica Beach: Sun, Sand, and Surf

Well, naturally, you cannot miss Santa Monica State Beach! Actually, it’s like your typical Southern California shore, just with a little something special. The stretch of the sandy part runs for around 3.5 miles! Which feels really large actually. It offers, so too, more than enough place for chilling out, volleyball matches, and building mega sandcastles that sometimes look more like sand cities. Apparently, the waters are rather chill too, making it really right for taking dips and swimming.

You’ll notice a path which, anyway, goes all the way down along the beach. It’s perfect really for biking, skating, or walking. Very, very rarely, will you get a moment here to not enjoy it. It does seem it’s often jam-packed in the daytime and really during summer, but still, the views of the sun dipping beneath the waves more or less makes everything worth it. Honestly, there is much to check out when spending the day here!

3. Palisades Park: Views and Relaxation

Now, if you fancy kicking back without getting any sand, there is Palisades Park. Arguably, it could be perched on bluffs overseeing the Pacific. Now it does feel a bit green! First off the views from the park do feel stunning; you could be looking at the water with so too the mountains far to the north. There are very interesting statues and spots to check out as you go to relax and reflect a little. The rose garden honestly, does look really spectacular, with its own splash of colors that actually pop in front of the wide ocean view.

It could be where tourists enjoy long and calm strolls. Seemingly, many gather to have a snack under a big tree, in a way escaping city living. There is plenty of green, trails, and viewpoints all along this spot, anyway offering lots of tiny zones for quiet reflection, a space to read or to even just chill out and honestly do pretty much nothing, which can be enjoyable for some.

4. Annenberg Community Beach House: A Touch of History

There is also the Annenberg Community Beach House, with just a pinch of history added. This thing use to be a party hangout by Marion Davies! Yes you heard correctly! Now you have a public place for just chilling at the shore. There’s more here than meets the eye; honestly, there is also a splash deck, a gallery, and even event locations, should you wanna have a small wedding near the pacific.

And there’s also a pool—a big deal, anyway—so you could ditch all the sand and enjoy just plain, simple swimming. If you feel hungry? Seriously, just go chill at Back on the Beach Café which is in the same house as this one is pretty. So if you are wanting something rather awesome by the shore but very a bit posh, that, is clearly an escape that merges culture, eating, and relaxing for anyone.

5. Hiking in Temescal Canyon Park: A Natural Getaway

Now wanting some climbing but also, you want to take a short dive from the ocean. Check out Temescal Canyon Park. It does appear you will feel a tiny splash of the desert as the mountains open up the trail views in front of your legs and feet. Here you get various hiking routes so just people could choose what suits them.

As you go uphill, clearly, you get totally rad views. Plus! As I was saying you are next to water and beaches, at the top it’s not unlikely that some mornings you are staring at the mist from the Pacific creeping up. You will experience a great, very way to check out a spot of SoCal wilderness and, right after all, honestly ditch all those city views, switching those for one totally full of natural California greatness.