TLDR

Location – Santa Monica is a coastal city in Southern California, just west of downtown Los Angeles. The blend of surf culture, art, and upscale amenities makes it a quintessential California experience.

Our Fave Attractions – Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, Palisades Park, Tongva Park

Where to Eat – Blue Daisy Cafe, Bluestone Lane, Milo & Olive

Where to Stay – Search Santa Monica Hotel Deals

Santa Monica Neighborhoods

Some people mistake Santa Monica for being a neighborhood in LA, but it is its own city. It is best known for its pier and beach but also has eight different neighborhoods. 

Downtown / Third Street Promenade has two of the largest shopping areas in Santa Monica with a high concentration of shops, restaurants, and hotels. The farmers market is on Wednesday and Saturday.

Main Street is the artsy side of Santa Monica with surfer vibes. Main St has galleries, boutique shops, and the highest concentration of coffee shops in the city. There’s also a weekly farmers market on Sunday.

Mid-City: The furthest inland neighborhood is an arts and entertainment hub. You’ll find contemporary art collections here as well.

Montana Ave: High-end and local boutique shops. You’ll find 150+ boutique shops and restaurants.

Ocean Park Boulevard / Santa Monica Airport Area: Independent coffee shops, boutique stores, and art galleries. The airport is for private jet owners and the Museum of Flying.

Pico Boulevard: The most ethnically diverse neighborhood and home to Santa Monica College. Small local farmers market on Saturday.

Santa Monica Pier / Ocean Avenue: The most popular area with the famous pier and beach and open-air restaurants and bars.

Wilshire Boulevard: Where Douglas Park is located with playing fields and reflecting pools. A bunch of food options including a concentration of Mexican restaurants.

7 Things to Do in Santa Monica California

1. Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier, 90401, map

The Santa Monica Pier is probably the most recognizable landmark in the city and worth visiting at least once. Whether you want to hop on rides at Pacific Park, ride the historic Merry-Go-Round, or watch the street performers, there’s plenty to keep you busy. 

If you read about the Looff Hippodrome, that is actually the carousel. It was built in 1916 when it was called the Looff Pleasure Pier.

Fun Fact: It’s also the end of Route 66, and you can find an end of the trail sign on the pier. 

See More: The Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List

2. Santa Monica State Beach

34.0107301,-118.5176966, map

Since I live in a landlocked state and always miss the beach, we spent most of our time South of the Pier.

Since the beach is so large, running 3.5 miles in length, it’s easiest to break it up into two sections.

The Annenberg Community Beach House and North Beach Playground (great for kids) is North of the pier.

Unique Santa Monica Beach Activities:

• Original Muscle Beach – Did you know that the Original Muscle Beach is actually at Santa Monica State Beach, not Venice? It’s just south of the pier. 
• Bike along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail – It was a nice way to sightsee, but we primarily used it for transportation.
• Beach Cycling – we did the class during sunset.

Then you have the typical beach activities like beach volleyball, swimming, etc.

Local Tip: Lyft has bike rentals that you can get right on the app. There is a small unlock fee, and then you pay by the minute. You’ll find plenty of them along the paved pathway on the beach. If you want to ride all day, it’s cheaper to get a rental from one of the local shops.

3. Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

155-199 Arizona Ave, 90401, map

The Santa Monica Farmers Market is a great spot to pick up pastries, produce, flowers, and more. It was one of our favorites when we lived in LA.

Wed/Sat: Arizona Ave (between 4th and Ocean) 8 AM – 1 PM
Sat: Pico Blvd & Cloverfield Blvd 8 AM – 1 PM
Sun: 2640 Main St 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Local Tip: Some vendors only take cash but there should be an ATM on site.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Los Angeles

4. Montana Avenue

1413 Montana Ave, 90403, map

Montana Ave had my favorite boutique shops. It covers roughly 10 blocks and has over 150 distinct shops and cafes. Our favorites were:

• Burro – curated collection of stationery, home goods, clothing, gifts, and more. The original store is based in Venice CA.
• Field Guide LA – Plants and home decor. I wanted to take all the plants and planters home. Unfortunately, it is closed now.
• Sweet Lady Jane Bakery – famous triple berry cake. Original bakery is in West Hollywood.

5. Palisades Park

1450 Ocean Ave, 90402, map

If you don’t love sand but still want to enjoy ocean views, go to Palisades Park. It overlooks the ocean and you can see all the tourist action down below. 

The park is 1.6 miles long and has plenty of grassy areas to hang out on. There’s also a paved pathway where you can bike, run, or skate along.

Besides that, you’ll find public art, a rose garden, historic structures, and Camera Obscura, which houses artists-in-residence and the historic Camera Obscura mechanism (one of the earliest optical inventions).

Local Tip: If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, stay near the northern part of the park. The closer you get to the pier, the more people you’ll see.

6. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302, map

It always surprises me when you can find nature in the middle of a city. The Santa Monica Mountains is a great spot to get away from all the city noise. It has over 500 miles of trails, historical and cultural sites, old movie ranches, and more. 

Local Tip: If you’re not sure where you want to start, stop by their Visitor Center first. Check out their website for any closures.

See More: Your Complete List of All National Parks in the US

7. Tongva Park

1615 Ocean Ave, 90401, map

Since Tongva Park is right near the pier, we stopped by to see the popular photo spot that frames the beach and pier.

The park is divided into 4 main sections: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill, and Gathering Hill.

See More: 37 Most Instagrammable Spots in Los Angeles

Map fo the Best Things to Do in Santa Monica CA

More Things to Do in Santa Monica

• Heal the Bay Aquarium
• Malibu Discovery Wine Tour – The company is based in Santa Monica, and they pick you up from your hotel.
• Surf Lessons – there are several options.
• Santa Monica Stairs (map) – if you want to squeeze in another workout.

Monuments + Museums in Santa Monica

• Bergamot Station Arts Center
• California Heritage Museum
• Gehry House
• Museum of Flying

Shows in Santa Monica

• Aero Theatre – American Cinematheque – historic movie theater
• Barker Hanger at Santa Monica Airport – event venue hosting concerts trade shows, galas, etc
• The Broad Stage

Shop in Santa Monica

Our favorite place to shop in Santa Monica is Montana Ave, but here are some other notable areas.

• 3rd Street Promenade – touristy area with big box stores and buskers
• Erewhon Market – if you think Whole Foods is “whole paycheck”, this is Whole Foods on steroids.
• jAdis – prop shop + antique store
• McCabe’s Guitar Shop
• Santa Monica Place – free outdoor shopping mall

Where to Eat in Santa Monica

• Blue Daisy Cafe (Breakfast & Brunch, ) – Had the Figs, Honey & Goat Cheese Toast and Croissant French Toast, and both were good!
• Bluestone Lane (Coffee & Tea, ) – Aussie-style cafe that was first founded in NYC. Loved their toasts and plant wall.
• Calabra (Mediterranean, ) – The food was pretty good. Their lounge-type seating wasn’t as comfortable as we would have liked for a meal, so maybe it’s a better spot for drinks.
• Father’s Office (Burgers, ) – famous burger we had more than 5 years ago. We never went back after Jacob was annoyed at their pretentious attitude when he asked if they had ketchup. A simple no would have sufficed. Also, if it was the best burger out there, maybe we’d overlook the service. Who knows? Hoping it’s a better experience for you.
• Milo & Olive (Italian, ) – Solid pizzas and pasta.
• Pasjoli (French, ) – Beautifully presented and delicious food.
• Pono Burger (Burgers, ) – didn’t get to try their burgers, but people love this spot.
• Santa Monica Brew Works (Brewpubs, ) – great spot to hang out and try different beers.
• The Upper West (New American, ) – service was fantastic, and we loved everything we ordered, especially the spicy ahi tuna crispy rice.

Essential Tips

• The Best Time to Visit: Because of its moderate climate year-round, it’s a popular spot to visit any time. Summer is the busiest time with the fewest deals. Nov – February is best to avoid crowds (besides the holidays).
• Weather: The highs in Santa Monica range from the mid-60s in the winter to the low 70s in the summer. The lows are in the low 50s in the winter and low 60s in the summer.
• Go Car-less: Santa Monica is very walking-friendly. There are a few public parking spots along the beach and in decks, which costs anywhere from $7-18. Otherwise, we recommend walking, biking, and rideshare to get around.
• Bikes and Scooters: This was our favorite way to get around. You’ll find a ton of bikes and scooters for rent all over town. Just download the appropriate app. Keep in mind that both should be ridden on the road and not the sidewalk.
• Pack Layers: It is warm in the afternoons but gets cool in the morning and evenings. We always had a light jacket on us. 
• Pack Walking Shoes: Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking, pack comfortable walking shoes. Lately, we love these for travel. See all our favorite travel shoes here.
• Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits.

Best Places to Stay in Santa Monica

How to Get to Santa Monica

• By Plane: These are the airports you can fly into.
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 8 miles away
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) 23 miles away
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) 52 miles away
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) 32 miles away
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) 56 miles away
• By Car (map): LA is a huge area so there are several roads that will take you to here. From:
  • Downtown LA: 1-10
  • Anaheim/San Diego: I-5
  • Santa Barbara or Malibu: US-1

Planning Checklist

More Resources

• Fodor’s Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Day Hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Map

Any other things to do in Santa Monica that we need to check out next? Which of these have you done?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

TLDR

Location – Southern California (SoCal) is located in the southwestern United States, encompassing cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs. Its diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to desert valleys, create ideal conditions for vibrant wildflower blooms, especially in spring.

Our Fave Wildflower Spots – Walker Canyon, Carlsbad Ranch, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree

Best Places to See California Flower Fields and When to Visit

1. Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore

Trailhead Coordinates: 33.732593, -117.393808, map

Flower Type: California Poppy and Others
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

2. Carrizo Plain National Monument

17495 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, 93453, map

Flower Type: Goldfields, California Poppy, etc but differs year-to-year based on conditions
Season: February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

3. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch →

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, 92008, map

What: Tecolote Giant Ranunculus (also known as a Persian Buttercup or Ranunculus Asiatic)
Season: Changes Yearly. Opens March 1st, 2023
Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM

Even though these are not wildflowers, we made an exception for the Flower Fields. It’s a sight you can’t miss.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: Photo Guide of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

4. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, 93536, map

What: Various Poppies (Primarily California Poppy)
Season: Late February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

You can check this live cam for bloom status, but it is hard to tell what’s happening.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

5. Anza Borrego Desert State Park

652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, 92004, map

What: Parish’s Poppy, Hairy Desert-Sunflower, Desert Lily, Sand Verbena, Dune Evening Primrose, Indigo Bush, and other various wildflowers
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

We visited twice for the superbloom, and both times, we were a few days too late. Caterpillars ate through whole fields each day (see our footage from 2024). They disappeared so fast that we had to look for small patches in Borrego Springs outside the park.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: Anza Borrego Desert State Park Jeep and Photo Adventure

6. Figueroa Mountain Poppy and Lupine Fields

Coordinates: 34.73486, -119.98585, map

What: California Poppy and Sky Lupine
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

7. Gorman Hills Flower Fields

Coordinates: 34.79264, -118.846951, map

What: California Poppy, California Tickseeds, Bentham Lupine, Bluehead Gilias, and Lacy Phacelias
Season: February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

8. Point Buchon

Coordinates: 35.250187, -120.895203, map

What: California Poppy
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

9. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 92651, map

What: Hyacinth, Morning Glories, Popcorn Flowers, and Southern Suncups
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

10. Shell Creek Road Meadows

Coordinates: 35.46434, -120.33701, map

What: Goldfields, Coastal Tidy Tip, Baby Blue Eyes, and California Poppy
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

11. Joshua Tree National Park →

Coordinates: 33.938204, -115.965612, map

What: Mojave Poppy, Canterbury Bells, Desert Dandelion, and more
Season: March to April, Changes Yearly
Hours: 24/7 Year Round

We found the largest concentration of Mojave poppies in Wilson Canyon. The bluebells and lupines were found in the Cottonwood Visitor Center area. It looks like the blooms are slowly going north now. See our recent reel from the road near Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: 11 Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

12. Death Valley National Park →

271 Highway 190, Death Valley, 92328, map

What: Desert Star, Blazing Star, Desert Gold, Mimulus, Encelia, Poppies, Verbena, Evening Primrose, Phacelia, and more.
Season: Feb to April (Lower Elevations), April to May (3000-5000 ft elevations), May to July (5000 to 11000 ft elevation.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

Have you been to any of these flower fields in California? Out of these places, where would you be most interested in visiting?

49 Best Places to Eat in Los Angeles

I know when I first moved to LA, I was overwhelmed by the options. There are SO many places to try. I hope this list of 49 places to eat in Los Angeles can serve as an introduction and helpful guideline for any of your future visits to LA.

If you try anything on this list that you didn’t like or tried anything not on the list that you did like, please let me know in the comments below! I’m always looking to try something new. 

Downtown Los Angeles + Little Tokyo

1. Bestia (Italian, )
2. Bottega Louie (Italian, ) – people love their macarons and the atmosphere. The food was just okay.
3. Broken Mouth (Hawaiian, )
4. Colori Kitchen (Italian, ) – they have well cooked pasta.
5. Daikokuya (Ramen, ) – wait is super long, but the ramen is good and portions are big.
6. Hama Sushi (Sushi, ) 
7. PASTA e PASTA by Allegro (Italian / Japanese, )
8. Sushi Enya (Japanese, ) – Good blue fin tuna.
9. Wurstküche (German, ) – Try the rattlesnake sausage. Jacob loves it. I also ordered the mango chicken and jalapeño.

See More: 101 Things to Do in LA

Koreatown

10. Mountain Cafe (Korean, ) – they used to have the best abalone porridge. After they moved, the recipe changed and the quality went down, but it’s still worth checking out.
11. Park’s BBQ (BBQ, ) – great quality meat
12. Seongbukdong (Korean, ) – Galbi jjim prices keep going up astronomically, but it’s still the best galbi jjim I’ve had. Good korean food in general.
13. Seoul Garden (Korean, ) – We’ve tried a little bit of everything here, and my favorite thing on the menu is their bibim naeng myun (korean cold spicy noodles).
14. Soowon Galbi (Korean BBQ, ) – Waited way too long, but the galbi was good. Worth trying once.
15. Yu Chun Chic Naeng Myun (Korean, ) – best mool naeng myun / korean cold noodle soup dish in LA imho.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in LA

Westside

16. Bruxie (Breakfast, ) – for waffle sandwiches.
17. Diddy Riese Cookies (Desserts, ) – ice cream cookie sandwiches. Be prepared to wait.
18. Father’s Office (Burgers, ) – good burger, but not kid friendly or friendly in general. 
19. Granville (New American, )
20. Humble Potato (Burgers, ) – regular fries, fries with curry, and the little tokyo doggu.
21. Malibu Seafood (Seafood, ) – fresh seafood, nice outdoor area to hang after a long hike in the Malibu area.
22. Milo & Olive (Italian, ) – Solid pizzas and pasta. 
23. n/naka (Japanese, ) – two michelin stars. reservations are required sometimes months in advance.
24. Santouka Ramen (Ramen, ) – Don’t be fooled because it’s in a food court. Their ramen is good.
25. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle (Ramen, ) – They only serve ramen during lunch, and the tsukemen is their specialty.

See More: 7+ Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica for First Timers

Hollywood

26. Kettle Glazed Donuts (Donuts, ) – the “cronut”, the lemon blueberry, and Jacob’s fave – the bacon.
27. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro (Thai, ) – try the crab curry.

The Valley

28. The Donut Man (Glendora, Donut, ) – Best strawberry donuts I have ever tasted.
29. Mercado Buenos Aires (Van Nuys, Argentine, ) – ham and cheese empanadas.
30. Porto’s Bakery & Cafe (Burbank, Bakeries, ) – We always order a dozen cheese rolls and potato balls to go! There are plenty of locations all over LA and OC.
31. Republic of Pie (North Hollywood, Bakeries, )- banana cream pie.
32. Sushi Note (Sherman Oaks, Sushi, ) – omakase and wine pairing
33. SweetSalt Food Shop (Toluca Lake, Sanwiches, ) – shrimp po boy.

South Bay

34. Manhattan Beach Post (Manhattan Beach, New American, ) – bacon cheddar biscuits and brussel sprouts.
35. Rinaldi’s Italian Deli (El Segundo, Sandwiches, ) – great sandwiches.
36. Spoon House (Gardena, Japense, ) –  Cod roe spaghetti is a winner.​

Orange County

37. 85C Bakery Cafe (Irvine, Bakeries, ) – taro bread and sea salt coffee.
38. Brodard Restaurant (Garden Grove, Viet, ) – I only order the pork spring rolls. Everything else was ok.
39. Cream Pan (Tustin, Bakeries, ) – yummy and cheap strawberry croissants.
40. Fukada (Irvine, Japanese, ) – They serve deliciously simple udon, soba, and rice bowl dishes. We went for lunch and got a soba + unagi-don combo.
41. Kappo Honda (Fountain Valley, Izakaya, ) – Japanese tapas.

See More: Best Places to Eat in Irvine CA

Miscellaneous

42. Angelo’s Italian Deli (Long Beach, Sandwiches, ) – Loved the sopressata and spicy calabrese.
43. Cham Sut Gol Korean BBQ (Garden Grove, KBBQ, ) – all you can eat korean bbq and reasonably priced.
44. Donut Snob (Arcadia, Donuts, ) – Donuts for donut snobs.
45. Genwa Korean BBQ (Hancock Park, KBBQ, ) – Good quality meat, but pricier than other spots that have comparable food.
46. In-N-Out Burger (all over CA, ) – Just a good solid, cheap burger. Can’t leave CA without trying it.
47. Mario’s Peruvian & Seafood (Mid Wilshire, Peruvian, ) – saltado de mariscos was our favorite.
48. Pa Ord Noodle (East Hollywood, Thai, ) – My fave thai spot so far.
49. Ruen Pair (Los Feliz, Thai, ) – Ordered the pad see ew to go and it was solid.

See More: 9 Best Things to Do in Long Beach CA

More Places to Eat in Los Angeles

• Aroma Coffee & Tea (Studio City) – It’s a nice hangout spot with good garlic fries & desserts.
• Bestia (DTLA, Italian, ) – One of Eater LA’s essential 38.
• Bistro Na (Temple City, Chinese, ) – one michelin star
• Din Tai Fung Dumpling House (Glendale, Dim Sum, ) – truffle soup dumplings. It’s worth trying once, but it’s not their best location.
• The Donuttery (Huntington Beach, Donuts, ) – Blueberry donuts.
• Providence (Hollywood, Seafood, ) – the first place I think of for any special occasion meal. two michelin stars and James Beard Foundation award winner for best chef in the west.
• Los Balcones del Peru (Hollywood, Peruvian, ) – fancier version of Mario’s Peruvian.
• Mariscos Jalisco (Multiple, Tacos, ) – food truck only open from 9 to 6.
• Osteria Mozza (Hancock Park, Italian, ) – one michelin star
• The Pub at Golden Road (Glendale, Breweries, ) – the food is not great, but it’s a cool place to hang out and try local beers.
• Rustic Canyon (Santa Monica, Tapas, )
• Shin Sushi (Encino, Japanese, ) – one michelin star.
• Sonoratown (DTLA, Tacos, )
• Sqirl (East Hollywood, New American, ) – popular LA brunch spot. On Eater LA 38.
• Sushi Ginza Onodera (West Hollywood, Japanese, ) – two michelin stars. 
• SushiStop (Multiple Locations, Japanese, ) – May not be the best sushi, but it’s not bad for how cheap it is! Everything on the menu used to be 2.75, and it looks like the prices have gone up, but it’s still cheaper than anywhere else.
• Urth Caffe (Pasadena, Bakeries, ) – Ppl in LA love this place. I still don’t get the hype.
• Vespertine (Culver City, New American, ) – 2 michelin stars.

Restaurants That Closed

• Animal (Beverly Grove) – iconic spot in LA.
• Baco Mercat (DTLA) – permanently closed. Everything we ordered was delicious.
• Cafe Verona (Mid-City West) – Their ravioli di yucca was my fave pasta dish in LA.
• Chil Bo Myun Ok (Koreatown) – used to eat thekorean cold noodle dish / mool naeng myun.
• Ink (West Hollywood) – Food made by celebrity chef Michael Voltaggio. The octopus was our fave dish.
• Frances Bakery & Coffee (DTLA / Little Tokyo) – We love the blueberry “cronuts”.
• The Pie Hole (DTLA) – mac and cheese pie.
• Somni (Beverly Hills, Spanish) – two michelin stars.
• Taco Maria (Costa Mesa, Mexican) – one michelin star.
• Trois Mec (Hollywood, French) – one michelin star.
• Twinkle Brown Sugar (Little Tokyo) – used to be called Ozero Tea, but this was our bubble tea spot.
• Umami Burger (Santa Monica) – Truffle burger & truffle fries. It’s a popular burger spot in LA. They have locations everywhere now.
• Urasawa (Beverly Hills, Japanese) – 2 michelin stars. Chef Urasawa was an understudy of Chef Masa Takayama, and Masa was our favorite meal in NYC.
• Wa Sushi and Bistro (West Hollywood) – good fusion sushi. Didn’t like the risotto.

Where to Stay

Are there any other places to eat in Los Angeles we forgot? What is a must eat if you only had a weekend there?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

TLDR

Location – Los Angeles is located in Southern California. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, with mountains and desert areas surrounding it. It’s the largest city in California and the second-largest in the U.S., known for Hollywood, beaches, entertainment, and diverse culture.

Photography Spot – It is a great city for photos, with tons of Instagrammable murals, iconic landmarks, diverse landscapes, and cute restaurants.

1. The Last Bookstore, DTLA →

453 S Spring St, 90013, map

A popular spot for book lovers but it also has some great photo spots inside.

See More: Photo Guide of the Coolest Bookstore in Los Angeles

2. Alfred Coffee, Silverlake

3337 Sunset Blvd, map

3. Micheltorena Stairs, Silverlake

1511 Micheltorena St, map

This is one of the most instagrammable places in Los Angeles. IGers make it a point to find these stairs even if it’s a quick visit and they don’t make it the rest of these spots.

Local Tip: The artist is Corinne Carrey the stairs are right across the street from Alfred Coffee and the Micheltorena Elementary School. Be sure to pay attention to parking signs since there is a ton of residential here and you don’t want to get towed.

4. LA River

Under the 6th St Bridge, DTLA, map

5. Bradbury Building

304 S Broadway, 90013, map

6. Lamps at LACMA / Los Angeles County Museum of Art →

5905 Wilshire Blvd, 90036, map

See More: Your Photo Guide to LACMA

7. Tongva Park, Santa Monica →

1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, 90401, map

See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica for First Timers

8. Venice Beach Canals, Venice

200 Linnie Canal, Venice, 90291, map

9. The Venice Sign, Venice

Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, Venice, 90291, map

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angela Jones (@theangelajones)

10. The Broad Museum, DTLA

221 S Grand Ave, 90012, map

11. Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA

111 S Grand Ave, 90012, map

12. Griffith Observatory

2800 E Observatory Rd, 90027, map

13. Los Angeles Public Library

630 W 5th St, 90071, map

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Discover Los Angeles (@discoverla)

14. The Piece Collective, Venice

1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291, map

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paloma Realty Partners (@palomarealtypartners)

15. Stahl House, Hollywood Hills

1635 Woods Drive, 90069, map

Group & Private Tours are available here.

16. Ace Hotel (Now STILE Downtown), DTLA

929 S Broadway, 90015, map

17. Beverly Hills Hotel

9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills 90210, map

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wonderful Resorts (@resort.goals)

18. The Standard Hotel, DTLA

550 S Flower St, 90071, map

19. Stairs at Barneys New York, Beverly Hills

9570 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, 90212, map

UPDATE: Barney’s has shut down and it looks like Saks Fifth is taking over the building.

Not as photogenic as the stairs at Barneys in NYC but still worth checking out.

See More: 27+ Most Instagrammable Places in NYC

20. MOCA / Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles

250 S Grand Ave, 90012, map

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peter Maloy (@pejomaii)

21. NOHO Station

5350 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood 91601, map

22. Vincent Lamouroux’s Projection at Sunset Pacific Motel / Bates Motel

4301 Sunset Blvd, 90029, map

This one is dated. It’s still there but some of the paint has faded and looks more run down with a fence all around it. Not as photogenic as it used to be.

23. Santa Monica Pier →

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, map

Don’t forget to take photos under the pier too!

See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica for First Timers

24. Bottega Louis Macarons

700 S Grand Ave, 90017, map

We need to make a separate list of all the foodie Instagram spots too.

See More: 49 Favorite Places to Eat in Los Angeles

25. Pink Wall at Paul Smith

8221 Melrose Ave, 90046, map

Every so often they will repaint it. My friend got to see it painted rainbow colors for pride month.

Local Tip: We took these photos a few years ago with no problems, but now there’s a security guard there that will only allow phone photos and not DSLR.

26. Silver Retna Mural at Gallery Brown, Beverly Grove

140 S Orlando Ave, 90048, map

The mural was painted over by another Retna mural and currently looks like the photo on the right.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jamie Sanders (@beautychick101)

27. Colette Miller’s Angel Wings Project

Multiple Locations in LA + Worldwide, map

28. Bloom Mural by Hueman

Coordinates: 34.045741, -118.237180, map

This one is in a parking lot in the Arts District. We went in the middle of the day and there were cars parked, so it was difficult to take photos with the mural. There are also tons of murals around the area if you have time to explore.

29. Curtis Kulig’s Love Wall at Smashbox Studio, Culver City

8549 Higuera St, Culver City, 90232, map

30. Murals at Gjelina, Venice

1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291, map

Artist: Pilpeled

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PILPELED (@pilpeled)

31. Mondrian Wall at Artist & Craftsman Supply

1660 S La Cienega Blvd, 90035, map

We took these photos a few years ago with no problems, but now there’s a security guard there that will only allow phone photos and not DSLR.

32. Made in LA Wall at Cisco Home

8025 Melrose Ave, 90046, map

Another spot where there may be a security guard that only allows photos on your phone.

33. Carerra Cafe Mural

8251 Melrose Ave, 90046, map

The murals are always changing, but stop by for the latte art, desserts, neon sign, and interior – all really cute.

See More: The Most Beautiful California Flower Fields to Visit This Spring

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carrera Cafe (@carreracafe)

34. The Container Yard

800 E 4th St, 90013, map

35. Arts District Co-OP

453 Colyton St, 90013, map

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Houtan Yaghmai (@houtany)

36. Wrdsmth Mural

661 Imperial St, 90021, map

Artist: Wrdsmth in collaboration with alexinc. See all 7 murals along this wall here.

37. Camera Obscura Art Lab

1450 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, map

Are there any spots that we missed? How many of these have you been to?

TLDR

Location – Las Vegas is located in southern Nevada, in the Mojave Desert. Its central location makes it a perfect base for weekend trips to stunning destinations like Joshua Tree National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Los Angeles.

Our Fave Road Trips – Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California →

6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map

Distance: 187 mi / 3 hrs 5 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View
What to Eat: Crossroads, JT Country Kitchen, Joshua Tree Coffee Co
Where to Stay: Find Joshua Tree Hotel Deals

Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite places to visit, and probably the spot we visit the most. The sunsets are unforgettable and if you rock climb, it’s a giant playground.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a unique way to explore some of these spots, you can rent a campervan from Travellers Autobarn. We’ve seen them out on the road and can’t wait to try one for ourselves.

See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park CA

2. Big Bear, California →

40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333, map

Distance: 213 mi / 3 hrs 27 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Big Bear Discovery Center, Boulder Bay Park, Big Bear Alpine Zoo
What to Eat: Teddy Bear Restaurant, Grizzly Manor Cafe, Tropicali
Where to Stay: Find Hotels and Rentals in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake offers something for the whole family. You can visit in the winter to hit the slopes or in the summer for water activities and hiking. We only had a chance to spend two days in the area during our last visit at the turn of the season, but can’t wait to hike and snowboard.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in Big Bear California

3. Havasupai Trailhead, Supai, Arizona →

Supai, AZ 86435, map

Distance: 225 mi / 3 hrs 50 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss:  Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls
What to Eat: Pack Food In
Where to Stay: Camping or Lodges

If you’re lucky enough to snag permits to visit Havasupai Falls, you absolutely should do it. The brilliant turquoise falls backdropped by the rich, red rocks is worth the trek. Check out our posts on How to get Havasupai Falls Reservations/Permits, Packing Guide, and Photo Diaries of Day 1 and Day 2 of our hike.

See More: How to Get Havasupai Falls Reservations / Permits

4. Flagstaff, Arizona

1 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, map

Distance: 254 mi / 3 hrs 50 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Lava River Cave
What to Eat: Fat Olives, Satchmo’s, Shift Kitchen & Bar
Where to Stay: Hotels in Flagstaff

If you love the outdoors but want the comforts of a city, Flagstaff is a great place to head for the weekend. There is plenty to keep you active, but also great restaurants and culture in town.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah →

UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map

Distance: 260 mi / 3 h 57 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Navajo Loop Trail
What to Eat: Idk BBQ, Stone Hearth Grille, Route 12 Grill
Where to Stay: Find Hotels near Bryce Canyon

Bryce has some of the most beautiful hoodoos you’ll ever find. It’s a relatively small park that you can drive through and see all the pullouts, but you can also spend a weekend there to hike and explore deeper into the park.

See More: 9 Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

6. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

37.4047361,-111.6863165, map

Distance: 214 mi / 3 h 20 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Toadstool Hoodoos, Devil’s Garden, Zebra Slot Canyon, Peekaboo Gulch & Golden Cathedral
What to Eat: Burr Trail Grill, BirdHouse
Where to Stay: Find Nearby Hotel Deals

You can easily drive by or through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument without even realizing it. It’s roughly the size of Delaware close to Kanab. We drove through as much of it as we could on a weekend trip and did the hike to Zebra Slot Canyon and Toadstool Hoodoos.

See More: How to Hike to Toadstool Hoodoos Utah

7. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona →

36.7331543,-112.0484054, map

Distance: 187 mi / 3 h 37 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Coyote Buttes North (the Wave), White Pocket, Coyote Buttes South, Paria Canyon
What to Eat: Big John’s Texas BBQ, El Tapatio, Sunset 89
Where to Stay: Search for Hotel Deals

The most well-known portion of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the Wave, but it’s also one of the hardest to permits to get in the world. That shouldn’t stop you from exploring other parts of the area full of unique rock formations, beautiful canyons, and towering cliffs. Our favorite alternative to the Wave is White Pocket.

See More: How to Get the Wave Permit in Arizona

8. Los Angeles, California →

453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, map

Distance: 270 mi / 3 hrs 55 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, Silver Lake
What to Eat: 49 Fave Places to Eat in LA
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in LA

If you’re visiting Los Angeles for the weekend, we recommend focusing on an area of LA or a category of what you love to do or you can easily get overwhelmed by the endless options of things to eat, see, and do. You can spend all week eating delicious food, seeing all the museums, visiting the beaches, or even snapping photos at all the popular Instagram spots. Just know you’ll probably be back.

See More: 101 Things To Do in LA

9. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona →

36.0911048,-113.4035545, map

Distance: 253 mi / 4 h 15 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, Grandview Point
What to Eat: El Tavor Lodge Dining Room, Big E Streakhouse & Saloon, We Cook Pizza & Pasta
Where to Stay: Look for Hotels in Grand Canyon

You have to visit the Grand Canyon at least once in your life. It really lives up to its name and is absolutely massive. If you don’t have a weekend, you can always visit the Grand Canyon via a helicopter tour.

Don’t want to worry about the drive? Check out Max Tour and visit multiple spots. We went on the 2 Day Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon Tour and it was a really great experience. They pick you up on the strip and in two days, they pack in a lot. We saw the Grand Canyon at sunrise, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Route 66, and Hoover Dam. 

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon National Park

10. Page, Arizona

5 S Lake Powell Blvd Unit 3, Page, AZ 86040, map

Distance: 272 mi / 4 h 15 min (map)
What to Do / See: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, The Wave
What to Eat: BirdHouse, Sunset 89, El Tapatio
Where to Stay: Book a Hotel in Page

Page, Arizona is a small town that doesn’t seem like much if you’re driving through it, but it makes the perfect home base to explore some of the SouthWest’s best outdoor scenery. Some famous spots nearby include Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and of course, the Wave.

Same as above, Max Tour lets you see Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and so much more. It was nice not having to worry about any of the details and just showing up to enjoy each viewpoint.

See More: Your Complete Antelope Canyon Guide

11. Sedona, Arizona

331 Forest Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, map

Distance: 275 mi / 4 h 23 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Slide Rock State Park
What to Eat: The Hudson, Hideaway House, Elote Cafe
Where to Stay: Hotel Deals in Sedona

Sedona is a great spot for a weekend trip. There are so many great hikes where you surround yourself with beautiful rock formations, and at the end of the day, you can treat yourself to a spa and a great meal. We definitely plan on visiting this year.

12. Great Basin National Park, Nevada →

National Park, 100 Great Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map

Distance: 296 mi / 4 h 29 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Lehman Caves, Bristlecone Pines, Wheeler Peak
What to Eat: Great Basin Cafe, The Baker’s Bean
Where to Stay: Book a Hotel in Baker

Great Basin National Park is a great place to stargaze, explore caves, and hang out with some of the oldest trees in the world. You can read more about it on our Ultimate Guide to Great Basin National Park.

See More: Ultimate Guide to Great Basin National Park

13. Mammoth Lakes, California

2510 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, map

Distance:308 mi / 5 h 8 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Devils Postpile Nationa Monument, Horseshoe Lake, Rainbow Falls
What to Eat: Noodle-Ly, The Warming Hut, Mammoth Rock Brasserie
Where to Stay: Book a Hotel in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is most popular during the winter when skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes, but if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the summer and explore the mountains via hiking and biking trails.

14. San DIego, California →

40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333, map

Distance: 332 mi / 4 hrs 55 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: San Diego Zoo, North Park, Balboa Park
What to Eat: Carnitas Snack Shack, Tacos El Gordo, Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in San Diego

We spent a whole year in San Diego and it’s still one of our favorite cities in the US. It has such a laid-back vibe, great restaurants, and plenty to explore. We headed to the beaches on some days, and up into the mountains on others. You can also spend a full day exploring museums and experience the diverse culture.

See More: 101 Things to Do in San Diego

15. Salt Lake City, Utah

90 S W Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, map

Distance: 421 mi / 5 h 45 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Park City, Big Cottonwood Canyon, The Tabernacle
What to Eat: Purgatory, Red Iguana, Salt & Olive
Where to Stay: Hotels in SLC

Whether you want to spend your weekend outdoors, marvel at the amazing architecture, or just rest and relax, Salt Lake City has a wide variety of options to keep you busy and happy over a weekend trip.

What is the best weekend getaway you’ve been on? Which of these have you visited?

Tourist Attractions

See More: 39 of the Best Food at Disneyland You Need to Try

Museums

See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica If You’re a First Timer

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in LA

Entertainment and Shows

See More: Best Filming Locations in Burbank California

Outdoors and Beaches

See More: 37 Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles

Shopping + Food

What’s the first thing you would do if you visited LA? Anything I’m missing on this list?

Are there any other free activities that we missed? What is your favorite place to visit in LA?