Known as the “sunny state,” California is the perfect place for a road trip packed with great eats and sights. Beloved for its coastal drives – spanning sandy beaches, cosmopolitan cities, and desert adventures – it’s best explored by driving down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for scenic ocean views intermixed with lively coastal city stops like San Diego and Los Angeles.
Our first stop in this three-part SoCal Guide series takes us to Santa Monica in LA, famed for its carnival-themed pier, family-friendly beaches, and fun dining scene. Connected by over 120 miles of bike paths and just a 25-minute drive from LAX, Santa Monica is the perfect starting point for any SoCal adventure.
Stay
The Eden
The Eden is a historic oceanfront boutique hotel featuring over 70 guest rooms, a saltwater pool, rooftop deck, stylish lobby café, 24-hour fitness centre, and lush gardens. It’s dog-friendly, offers valet parking, and is close to the Santa Monica Pier and the popular Farmer’s Market. Rooms boast modern furnishings, full kitchens, and stunning views.
Do
After you’ve ticked off the mainstream musts (such as the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Wheel, Venice Beach Skate Park and Muscle Beach, Venice Canals and Palisades Park and the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market), explore a little further with a sightseeing or wine tour by Malibu Discovery.
Their signature Malibu Wine Trail Tour spotlights scenic drives, wine tastings, and oceanside lunches, while other tour options include celebrity lifestyle tours, Getty Villa visits, whale watching at Point Dume Nature Reserve, and customised event packages to private vineyards like Rosenthal Vineyards.
Eat and drink
Divine Vintage
Located on Montana Avenue, an upscale street is lined with boutiques and eateries, Divine Vintage is a wine shop and retro fashion store all rolled into one, with rare vintage wines by the glass. Perfect for foodies and fashion lovers.
The Georgian
Sip a sundowner at the historic Art Deco hotel, where you can enjoy ocean views from its rooftop bar alongside an Italian menu and world-class wine selection.
Élephante
This rooftop restaurant serves woodfired pizzas, homemade pastas, souped up salads, and Mediterranean small plates like whipped eggplant dip and arancini — all for sharing against a Tulum resort-style backdrop.
DK’s Donuts
Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, this nostalgic bakery has been open 24/7 since 1981 and proffers an overwhelming selection of over 50 donuts, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
Sogno Toscano
This café, market, and wine bar brings the authentic flavors of Italy to SoCal’s doorstep through a curated menu of Tuscan fare. Think fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses, pinsas (hand-pressed oval pizzas), and the restaurant’s signature schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread, similar to a crispy, thinner focaccia) sandos, alongside high-quality Italian wines and aperitivos.
Blue Plate Taco
For beachside, baja-style Mexican food, swing by Blue Plate Taco where you’ll find tasty tacos, burritos, nachos and more paired with their dangerous margaritas.
Stay tuned for more SoCal Guides featuring Temecula and San Diego next…
California dreamin’? Get more city tips from the LUXE Los Angeles guide:
