Summary
How to Plan a Weekend in Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey
The beach cities along the Santa Monica Bay north of LAX sit within a small area, but each has a unique personality. You can easily base your weekend getaway in Marina Del Rey, Venice Beach or Santa Monica and sample all three.
You can plan your day trip or weekend getaway in a jiffy using the resources below.
Why Should You Go? Will You Like It?
The North Los Angeles beach cities are popular for activities you would expect: surf and sand, water sports, rollerblading, biking, and leisurely people-watching. Moreover, you’ll discover several outstanding neighborhood shopping areas with local boutiques and a laid-back atmosphere.
Best Time to Go
Los Angeles weather is pleasant most of the time; however, winter can be rainy and overcast. Like all the beach areas on the West Coast, this stretch of sand is prone to “June gloom,” when a foggy marine layer may linger over the coast all day. In particularly severe years, it could persist into “No Sky July.” To find out more about this phenomenon, you can explore other resources.
Don’t Miss
If you have limited time, focus on Venice Beach, exploring the unique canals, walking along the beachfront sidewalk, and witnessing California beach life. Walk south of the pier for some tranquility before immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. If you have extra time, the beachfront trail extends for miles in both directions, offering opportunities for walking, running, biking, or skating. Consider renting a bike or rollerblades in Santa Monica or Venice to travel all the way to Malibu or Redondo Beach.
5 More Great Things to Do in the North Bay
- Venice Beach: Experience the vibrant mix of rollerbladers, surfers, street performers, and bodybuilders—making Venice a prime location for people-watching. It is also a must-visit for Baywatch fans who know the original series was filmed here.
- Abbot Kinney Blvd: Just blocks from Venice Beach, this street is renowned for locally owned boutiques and excellent dining options.
- Santa Monica Pier: Home to one of California’s three seaside amusement parks, the pier offers an enjoyable experience for visitors.
- Montana Avenue, Santa Monica: Lined with unique shops and cafes, Montana Ave is perfect for window-shopping or indulging in a serious shopping spree.
- Paradise Cove Beach, Malibu: Located north of the built-up area in Malibu, this privately owned beach preserves a slice of Southern California beach life.
Annual Events You Should Know About
- Twilight Concert Series at the Santa Monica Pier occurs Thursdays from July through late August. It’s always free and consistently enjoyable.
- During periodic visits, tall ships like Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain dock in Marina Del Rey, offering visitors a sail around the bay.
- The Holiday Boat Parade in Marina Del Rey is a local favorite, featuring lighted boats instead of floats.
- One of the area’s top New Year’s Eve fireworks shows launches from the Marina Del Rey South Jetty and is visible from many locations, with notable views from Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village.
Tips for Visiting The Beach Cities
- Bring an extra layer or two for the evening, even in mid-summer, as temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
- While it’s popular, Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade can feel mundane, lined with chain stores. For a more gratifying shopping experience, try Montana Avenue between 7th and 18th Streets.
- If space allows, consider bringing your rollerblades.
- Avoid driving east during rush hour; locals recommend against heading that way on weekday evenings from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. due to severe traffic delays on major streets heading towards Interstate 405.
- Street parking is available, but finding free spots in busy areas can be very challenging. Bring coins for parking meters.
- Street performers thrive on tips for their art. If you enjoy their performances, consider leaving a small tip; 50 cents or a dollar is generally sufficient.
Getting to the Santa Monica Bay
The beach cities are lined along California Highway 1. To reach them, take any westbound exit off Interstate 405 between I-10 and the airport. From LAX, head west and take Lincoln Blvd (Highway 1) north.
The nearest airport is LAX.
