Oh, Santa Monica, we love you so much. This amazing city is one of the biggest tourist draws in Los Angeles (and that’s saying a lot!)
Santa Monica is full of sunshine and fun and probably best epitomizes the California dream beach life for people worldwide.
Join us today as we take a closer look at this city that manages to balance seaside charm and coastal sophistication.
Let’s hack Santa Monica!
1 – Take A Swing On The Santa Monica Rings
Description:
Want a unique and tough workout? Come to the Santa Monica Rings! You will see some pretty spectacular feats of athleticism on the rings and bars that fill this section of the beach just steps away from the pier.
But if you are not a former gymnast don’t be intimidated by the folks doing flips in front of you. Beginners are welcome on the rings and even if its a struggle you should get a great workout.
The fact that its outside in the sun on a world-famous beach is just a bonus!
Location:
Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90401
Pic Credit:@moni_alvarado8
hack:
If you want to see some athleticism as impressive as the people working the rings check out the Acro-Yoga. Usually, on the grass near the rings, you will see people practicing Acro yoga. One partner will lift the other using their feet as they gyrate and twist their bodies in impressive feats of strength and skill.
2 – Walk On The Famous Santa Monica Pier
Description:
Ok, we hesitated to put this on the list because it’s so obvious but you can’t very well have an article about Santa Monica and not include its most famous landmark.
Yes, it’s crowded and full of tourists but we love the Santa Monica Pier and say it is worth some of the inconveniences associated with it.
So many gems packed on one famous Pier including the carousel, the amusement park rides, and games of Pacific Park, the Trapeze, the Aquarium and so much more.
Location:
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
PIC Credit:@santamonicapier
hack:
Want to capture that perfect Instaworty shot of the famous Ferris Wheel on the Pier? Most people try to snap their photo while they are on the Pier. Because of the huge crowds, it can be difficult to capture the perfect shot.
LAHackers know that you are better off going below and shooting the famous Ferris Wheel right from the beach. You can easily find an unobstructed view and grab some awesome shots in the process.
3 – Peep Out The Action At Camera Obscura
Description:
Camera Obscura is an offbeat but charming historical contraption first built in 1955 and is hidden in plain sight right on world famous Ocean Boulevard.
In fact, most people have seen it and been by it but don’t quite realize what it is. It’s not just a weird architecture you can admire from the outside. You can actually step into a room-sized hidden camera and observe the people and activities of crazy Santa Monica beach life in real time. –
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The Camera Obscura is tucked away in the Senior Recreation Center on Ocean Avenue and is open 9am-3pm most days. –
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Have you peeked through the lenses of Camera Obscura? –
Location:
1450 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
PIC Credit:@lifehacksla
hack:
Most people have walked right by this amazing landmark dozens of times but don’t really know how to access the Camera Obscura so here is an easy explanation.
To access Camera Obscura you enter through the non-descript Senior Center. Simply show your ID, sign in, get a key, walk up the stairs and there you will enter a VERY dark room and let the fun begin!
4 – Shop At The Coolest Street In America; Abbot Kinney
Description:
Don’t take our word that Abbott Kinney is worth visiting. This hipster haven was named Americas “coolest street” by multiple publications including Forbes in 2016
Yes, it is very hipsterish. For that, we don’t apologize because it’s still one of the best neighborhoods in LA to go window shopping and people watching!
You will find some of the coolest coffee shops and boutique stores at Abbot Kinney with the epic bonus of just being a few blocks from Venice Beach.
Location:
Los Angeles, CA 90291
PIC Credit@abbotkinneyboulevard
hack:
A great time to hit up Abbot Kinney is on the first Friday of each month. Its a fun and festive evening celebration that not only features all the awesomeness of Abbot Kinney but also the best food trucks in the city.
5 – Enjoy The Beach Air With A Ride On The Bike Path
Description:
If you want to get a first-hand look at the massive diversity and interesting characters that make up Los Angeles there is arguably no better way to do it then a ride on the Santa Monica Bike Path.
From millionaire to the starving artist, hipster to homeless you will encounter every type of character imaginable on your 6-mile bike trek that runs right through Santa Monica starting from Will Rogers Beach and ending at the Venice Pier.
The serpentine stretch of pavement takes you on your favorite set of wheels along the base of the Santa Monica bluffs, steps from the ocean and some of the most iconic coastal sights in Los Angeles.
It’s called the Marvin Braude Bicycle Path but most locals just call it “The Strand”.
Location:
Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90401
PIC Credit:@santamonicafun
hack:
Don’t have your own bike or don’t feel like hauling it in your trunk all the way to the beach? No worries at all. There are beach bike rentals all over the place both near the beach and on the beach. They are very affordable and convenient and easy to ride.
6 – Take A Dip Like A Millionaire At The Annenberg Beach House
Description:
How cool is a millionaires pool house now open for public use? Built on the location of a now-demolished 110-room mansion that was created for 1920s film star Marion Davies by William Randolph Hearst, The Annenberg Community Beach House at Santa Monica State Beach is a public beach facility available for use by we the people.
The Beach House is a unique community destination, open to all, no membership required! With spectacular views, splash pad, playground, gallery, Marion Davies Guest House, beach courts & fields, community & cultural events, historic pool, free wi-fi, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! The Beach House grounds are open daily, including the playground, splash pad, beach area, courtyard, view deck, and volleyball courts.
Location:
415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402
PIC Credit:@Annenbergcommunitybeachhouse
hack:
The Annenberg Beach House does not work off reservations (with some exceptions) Its typically a first come first serve basis so like most things in LA you want to get there early.
Also, it is $10 to use the pool but they have a special half-off deal for Mondays!
7 – Test Your Wits At Chess Park
Description:
Right on famous Ocean Walk Ave is a public City park featuring permanent chess tables & a human chessboard for players & spectators alike to enjoy. Most people know about the nearby famous piers and Muscle Beach but Chess Park is under the radar.
Whether you like to play Chess or just want to watch its a cool spot to chill and take in some games and also the amazing Santa Monica scenery.
Location:
Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
PIC Credit:@stoned.pony
hack:
Sadly Chess Park has recently become a gathering spot for drug addicts. Though we recommend visiting it please be aware. Rumor is they are trying to clean this up now but proceed with caution when you visit.