UCLA’s campus location puts it amid many activities and attractions to experience. One thing that makes the university’s location popular is its close proximity to the lively coastal city of Santa Monica. Depending on traffic, the city is about a 15-to-25-minute drive from UCLA. If you’re thinking about planning a day trip, here are some places to visit and things you can do to truly enjoy what the city has to offer.
1. Santa Monica Pier
If you plan on visiting Santa Monica and don’t check out the famous pier, you’re missing out. The pier is literally a carnival on the beach! It has many activities, including the Pacific Wheel, the West Coaster and carnival games to enjoy. Want to go on the merry-go-round? Santa Monica’s got it. Feel like heading inside but still want to join in on the fun? Check out the Playland Arcade. Want to develop a new skill that involves flying and risk? The Santa Monica Trapeze School is a great option, with exercise and excitement all in one!
Now, after all those activities, I’m sure you’ll be in need of a little treat. Santa Monica Pier has a little bit of everything, meaning you can find something to eat no matter what you’re craving. There are more than 10 different restaurants and food carts to visit. Whether you’re craving a bit of seafood, a burger, a hotdog, Mexican food or some snacks and fruit from a cart, the Santa Monica Pier has got you covered.
2. Palisades Park
Palisades Park is a must-see and a must-walk attraction. The park is between the beach and Ocean Avenue, only a short distance from the Santa Monica Pier. If you plan on heading to the beach anyway, it’s a great place to stop and take a leisurely stroll. For a quieter space to roam, head to the side opposite the pier to avoid the crowds and have an even more relaxing experience!
3. Santa Monica Farmers Market
Want to bring some fresh fruits and vegetables back to your dorm? Head over to the farmers markets available at Santa Monica. Depending on what works best for your schedule, there are several locations, times and places to explore. To give a little rundown, they generally start around 8 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Downtown Farmers Market happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Pico Boulevard Farmers Market is on Saturdays and the Main Street Farmers Market is on Sundays. If you wish to avoid the crowds, visiting on Wednesday is likely your best bet! There is free parking for up to an hour and a half on Second and Fourth Street. If you’re thinking of checking it out, try this link for some specifics.
4. Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place
Third Street Promenade is an outdoor shopping center just about four blocks long, located on Third Street from Broadway to Wilshire Boulevard. This area in downtown Santa Monica has several restaurants, bars and shops, and is home to one of the farmers markets.
Santa Monica Place is a mall located near Third Street Promenade. It has three levels containing a variety of shops, including some high-end brands. If you like to shop or explore new eateries, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit here.
5. Eateries located in downtown Santa Monica
Checking out Santa Monica for the whole day? A meal is just what you need. Here are a few different eateries to consider:
Mel’s Drive-In
Mel’s Drive-In is a classic American diner that’s been open since 1947. It is one of Santa Monica’s iconic eateries, serving up burgers, sliders, fried chicken, ribs and other foods you’d likely see on your Thanksgiving table. Don’t get me started on their desserts. There are several different types of milkshakes and six flavors of sundaes. Additionally, there are seven options for pie, cheesecake or just plain old cake. With tons of variety on their menu, there is no doubt in my mind that you will find something that piques your interest.
Layla Bagels
Layla Bagels is a popular bagel shop in Santa Monica. Layla’s offers many different sandwiches and bagel options, including Sammi’s Egg Sammy filled with aged cheddar, scrambled eggs, arugula and chermoula all in a bagel. They also have ingredient options from avocado to capers to smoked salmon. Don’t like too much on your bagel or don’t like bagels at all? You can get a plain old trusty cream cheese bagel or order some banana bread or cookies to suit your liking. Prices can range from $3 to $16 depending on the bagel you choose, and if you’re keen on what they offer, you can purchase a pack of bagels to take back to your apartment or dorm.
Colapasta
Colapasta is an Italian restaurant that has received multiple awards. Their ingredients are organic, local and fresh. For dining, the restaurant currently does not accept reservations and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The majority of their menu is pasta, but there are options like salad or Bresaola Arugula e Burrata. If you’re a pasta lover, consider trying Colapasta. It might become your new favorite place to visit!
Interstellar
Interstellar was created as a space to embrace different cultures with food and drinks to help build connections and comfort for people. The restaurant has a menu with Japanese, Mexican, American and Korean food, truly making it a mix of cultures. Interstellar is a bit on the pricier side, between $20-$50 a meal, but if you are thinking about splurging, take a chance and venture to see what it’s really about.
A list of other places to check out:
Obviously, Santa Monica has an abundance of places to explore, but here is a short list of some I didn’t mention in specifics:
- Inspiration Point Loop Trail
- Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
- Santa Monica History Museum
- Annenberg Community Beach House
- Heal the Bay Aquarium
- Marvin Braude Bike Trail
- Tongva Park
Eating at all the eateries I listed or visiting every place I mentioned might be a little too much to cram in a day, so pick and choose what you’d like to experience! But since we are so close to Santa Monica anyway, you can always check out some other places and make another day out of it.
That’s all I have today, folks; enjoy your trip!
—
Featured Image Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
