Top 10 Romantic Things To Do In Santa Monica, California - Updated 2024

romantic things to do in santa monica
Dianne
Dianne 
Updated
| 3 min read

If love is in the air for you and your partner, this list of top 10 romantic things to do in Santa Monica will surely sway you to visit this popular destination. Ocean breezes, amazing views and incredible sunsets will all add to the ambiance here, where you can express your love to someone special, or maybe even pop that magic question!

1. Whale watching day cruise (from USD 60.0)

Posted by Aashley Edwards on Thursday, 11 May 2017

Take some time away from the urban attractions and take a three-hour whale watching cruise in Santa Monica Bay. Not only will you see spectacular Gray, Blue and Fin whales, you’ll also have opportunities to see playful dolphins, sea lions, porpoise and seals.

From the comfort of the cruise deck, you might even get to see huge sea turtles, Minke whales and giant Mola Mola.

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Santa Monica, Redondo, Palos Verdes Bay: Whale Watching Cruise

Duration: 150 to 180 minutes

13 reviews

2. Pacific Park

Santa Monica, California (5633511158)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pedro Szekely used under CC BY-SA 2.0

It may not be Disneyland or Universal Studios, but this is the West Coast’s only amusement park, located on Santa Monica Pier and worth the visit to enjoy all the rides, games and fun! Especially loved by younger couples, it’s by no means limited to the youth, as everyone loves it here. In addition to the rides, try out the specialty food places and seaside shopping.

Pacific Park

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401-3128

Website: Pacific Park

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3. Self-guided Santa Monica tour in a California roadster rental (from USD 158.0)

Street in Santa Monica
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 3Jo7 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Travel in style with your partner and explore the sights of the Santa Monica area, from the comfort of a brightly colored California Roadster Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. You can drive this unique electric car along Venice Beach, the delightful Marina del Rey and anywhere else you want to see in the LA area, within the three hours of rental.

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Self-Guided Santa Monica Tour in a California Roadster Rental

Duration: 3 hours

4. Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier 2011
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Snake311 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the most iconic places to visit on your trip to Santa Monica is the historic Santa Monica Pier, which you can’t help but fall in love with. Located at Santa Monica’s westernmost point, you know exactly where you are the moment you set your eyes on the famous Ferris Wheel, which sticks out from the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

With incredible views and so much history, enjoy the surroundings from one of the many restaurants here.

Santa Monica Pier

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90401-3126

Website: Santa Monica Pier

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5. Palisades Park

Couple Views Setting Sun from Pergola
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Btburke used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You’re bound to forget about the urban world around you when you take a romantic stroll through Palisades Park and all it has to offer. Enjoy the stunning ocean views, walk through the little rose garden with its sculptures or take a picnic and soak up the atmosphere. It also happens to be one of the best places to experience the magnificent sunsets.

Palisades Park

Address: Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Website: Palisades Park

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6. Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica Ocean Ave
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lars0001 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

If you’re visiting Santa Monica Pier and Palisades Park you won’t want to miss Ocean Avenue, a great example of the rich tapestry of culture that Santa Monica and LA has on offer. When you take a walk, you’ll see a mixture of joggers, dog walkers and all the other characters that hang out here, as well as the hotels and restaurants.

Ocean Avenue

Address: Ocean Avenue, Carmel, CA 93921

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7. Santa Monica Mountains

Balance Rock - Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Churnice used under CC BY-SA 3.0

What better way to enjoy each other’s company than to take a romantic walk in the Santa Monica Mountains? There are various trails you can take here which offer some of the best views of the ocean and mountains all around you. For a unique and amazing experience, check out the majestic rock formations and ancient oaks and, if you want to make a day of it, choose the perfect spot for a special picnic.

Santa Monica Mountains

Website: Santa Monica Mountains

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8. Los Angeles air tour over Santa Monica, downtown LA and Hollywood (from 200 USD)

Santa Monica Beach with pier 4
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JCS used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’ve ever wanted to see all the iconic sights of Los Angeles from the air, including the Hollywood Sign, Tinseltown Studios, Santa Monica Pier, the Coliseum, the Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Bowl, now’s your chance!

On this one hour tour, you’ll have fabulous views of stunning coastal communities, like Malibu and Pacific Palisades and maybe even spot dolphins in the breaking surf.

Los Angeles air tour over Santa Monica, downtown LA and Hollywood

Price: from 200 USD

Website:

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9. The Penthouse

A picture perfect cheers!

Posted by The Huntley Hotel on Monday, 19 October 2015

Want a romantic dinner but not sure where to go? Try the breathtaking rooftop restaurant, the Penthouse, located in the Huntley Hotel and be prepared for panoramic ocean views, beach cabanas, and open sky enclaves. Designed by Thomas Schoos in partnership with executive chef Kevin Meyer, they have created a new celebration of the senses, in this ultra-modern, 18th-floor hotel bar. Plus, you get to enjoy mouth-watering dishes, too!

The Penthouse

Address: 1111 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Website: The Penthouse

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10. Burke Williams Spa

Kick back and relax, the weekend has arrived! 📷: @hzl_eyes

Posted by Burke Williams Day Spa and Massage Center on Friday, 26 May 2017

When you both need a break from the outside world, retreat for a few hours, or even for the day and pamper yourselves at the Burke Williams Spa. Offering a range of massages, facials and skincare, this place of wellness also has a steam room, sauna, hot tub, relaxation room, fresh fruit and infused waters, designed to elevate you away from the stresses of everyday life. Renew your energy levels and spend a very relaxing time in this restful spa experience.

Burke Williams Spa

Address: 1358 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Website: Burke Williams Spa

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Loads to do on a romantic getaway in Santa Monica

Whether you’ve just got together with someone and want to impress them, surprise your long-term partner or want to celebrate a special anniversary, a trip to Santa Monica will tick all your boxes. Indulge yourselves and make the most of the occasion - you won’t be disappointed!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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