A Perfect 24 Hours in Santa Monica
An Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles’ Most Beloved Neighborhood
I moved from New York City to Los Angeles a little over a year ago, and while I’ll always miss the energy (and walkability) of NYC, waking up next to the ocean has a way of softening your sense of urgency. Santa Monica, in particular, makes it easy to slow down without ever feeling bored. From finding the freshest food to morning beach walks, this is how I’d spend the perfect 24 hours in my new home.
8 am: Wake up at Shutters on the Beach
Shutters is my gold standard for Santa Monica. It’s one of those rare hotels that feels both elevated and effortlessly cozy, plus it’s right on the beach. The rooms are beautifully designed and curated, and waking up to the sound of the ocean never gets old.
9 am: Pick Out Pastries at Bread & Butter
Bread & Butter opened shortly after I moved to the neighborhood and quickly became a weekly ritual. Everything is made from scratch, and the owners and staff are lovely. My favorite is their morning bun made with croissant dough, but they constantly rotate through new items, and everything I’ve had has been so good.
9:30 am: Go for a Morning Stroll along the Beach
From Bread & Butter, head toward the beach path. I’m here almost daily with my dog, Goose, and it’s easily one of my favorite parts of living here. You’ll pass early-morning surfers, beach volleyball games, runners, lots of dog walkers, and people by the water with coffee in hand.
11 am: Get in a Workout at Karen Lord Pilates
If I’m squeezing in a workout, I love Karen Lord Pilates on Seventh Street. It’s a really chic reformer studio that doesn’t leave you super sweaty, but it’s still tough—the ab section alone will humble you in the best way.
12:30 pm: Grab a Sandwich at Bay Cities
Bay Cities is a Santa Monica institution and perfect for a grab-and-go lunch. Yes, it gets chaotic at peak hours, but the line moves quickly. They’re known for their Godmother sandwich, but you can also have the deli counter make whatever you want.
1:30 pm: Shop Up and Down Montana Avenue
After lunch, head up to Montana Avenue. Start with a coffee from Primo Passo Coffee Roasters, then pop through the boutiques and shops.
3 pm: Take a Beach Tennis Class
OLA Beach Tennis offers classes for all levels and is such a fun way to experience the beach beyond laying out. Think volleyball meets badminton, played on the sand. It’s a great way to meet people and approachable enough that you’ll feel comfortable even if it’s your first time.
5 pm: Grab an Early Dinner at Colapasta
They don’t take reservations, so I recommend arriving right at 5pm when they open. The menu is small, but the pasta is the best in Los Angeles. Order a couple of pastas to share, but don’t skip on the lasagna.
7 pm: Wash It Down with Drinks at The Proper
Just around the corner, the Santa Monica Proper rooftop is ideal for golden-hour drinks. The rooftop nails that polished-but-relaxed coastal vibe, and the interior is dim, moody, and perfect once the sun sets.
9 pm: Tuck Yourself Into Bed
Maybe I’m boring, but I love to climb into bed early—and it’s even better if you order some room service and watch a movie in bed.
