Day or night, Santa Monica has Something for everybody. Here are our day time recommendations. You can jump to nightlife activities here.

  1. Work Out at the Actual Muscle Beach

Muscle beach it widely believed to be at Venice Beach. But, locals will tell you if you want to get a real great beach workout, Santa Monica Ocean Park has one of the nicest outdoor gyms around. Walking along The Strand, you will find pull-up bars, dip bars, uneven bars, balance beams, climbing ropes, travelling rings, abdominal stations, and a variety of other outdoor exercise equipment.

On any given day, there will be dozens of gymnasts showing off their stuff and the sheer amount of equipment ensures that anyone can get a good workout.

Gymnasts working out at the beach in Santa Monica.

2. Get Brunch at Tartine

This Baker/Cafe is a reputable spot that was formerly a church. The unique adaptation of the architecture and the outdoor vine covered patio make this place a great Sunday brunch spot.

A view from Tartine’s outdoor patio.

3. Go to the Santa Monica Swap Meet

This off the beaten path Swap Meet (Flea Market) is located by the Santa Monica airport. There are tons of vendors who bring out all kinds of antiques, crafts and products. Stop by any first and fourth Sunday of the month to check it out!

4. Grab a Drink at the Bungalow 

No one can pass by the Bungalow during a weekend day and not wonder what is going on there. This rowdy Santa Monica mainstay is popular among the college crowd and is always lively. With plenty of space, there are games, good views and even better vibes.

The Bungalow patrons playing ping pong with an ocean view.

5. Take a Walk Down Montana Avenue

Locals refer to ‘North of Montana Avenue’ as a neighborhood. Many of them like to live in this area because of the walkability it provides to nearby restaurants and trendy boutique shops. One of our favorites located on Montana Avenue is Marmalade Cafe, which is known for Breakfast All Day.

6. Ride Bikes at the Strand

The Strand is the long bike/walking path that is synonymous with Santa Monica. Starting all the way down by Pacific Palisades, this path stretches miles and will take you all the way to Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey. Plenty of bike rentals can be found at either end of The Strand or near the Santa Monica Pier.

Biking along the strand at Sunset.

7. Take a Walk Down Montana Avenue

Locals refer to ‘North of Montana Avenue’ as a neighborhood. Many of them like to live in this area because of the walkability it provides to nearby restaurants and trendy boutique shops. One of our favorites located on Montana Avenue is Marmalade Cafe, which is known for Breakfast All Day.

Montana avenue, known for its countless shops and restaurants, is a local favorite to visit during the day.

8. Drink Coffee at Urth Caffé

Urth Caffé is a cute cafe in Ocean Park that serves tasty food. They have a lovely outdoor patio that is quiet and private - perfect for catching up on reading, remote work, or meditation (definitely the right place for meditation).

9. Skate or Play Beach Volleyball at Ocean View Park

As previously mentioned, the Ocean Park area and beach provide the most space for recreation and outdoor activities. There is always a pick up volleyball game happening in the area at pretty much all times so take off those shoes and dig your toes in the sand.

Locals love to come to this area to skate. When the parking lot clears, you can find tons of skaters playing S-K-A-T-E, sliding longboards, and cruising along The Strand.

Rollerbladers on their way to beach to skate in the sun.

10. Visit Buffalo Exchange at Ocean Park.

The Buffalo Exchange started in Arizona in 1970s, but really started taking off in California in the 90s. Some of their most successful stores are located near Haight and Ashbury, San Fransisco and in Ocean Park Santa Monica. Secondhand shopping is a Californian pastime loved by many. Buffalo Exchange features an array of trendy clothes and you are sure to find something you like, especially in the bohemian Ocean Park and Venice beach neighborhood.

11. Stroll along Palisades Park

Located on a bluff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Palisades Park is a great place to take a mid-day stroll while staying close to the city. Further north, the park clears out and is a little quieter than the congested area closer towards the pier. Locals come here to walk dogs, practice yoga or sun bathe. This area is also a great option for a picnic.

12. Shop on Third Street Promenade

The charming Third Street Promenade is a Santa Monica staple and should not be missed. There is everything from name and luxury brands to boutique retailers, bars, restaurants and more.

Make sure you check out LouLou Santa Monica, a rooftop bar and restaurant with great views and an island vibe.