Los Angeles is a coastal city that so often seems far removed from the beach. But not Santa Monica. The toney enclave offers huge expanses of sand, an iconic pier, restaurants, shopping and easy access to museums, downtown LA (known to locals as DTLA) and sites up and down the coast. It’s the classic home base for your LA sojourn.
What to Do
You might want to take root in Santa Monica and never leave. From the beach, you get expansive views – from Malibu down to Rancho Palos Verdes. Grab a surf or paddle board, peruse the pier or bike down to Venice Beach.
If you’re hungry for more traditional culture, there are two Getty museums a short drive away. The original Getty Villa, which mostly features classical art, and the Getty Center off the 405, which offers beautiful views of West Los Angeles, an excellent café and contemporary art. More on the Getty Villa later.
DTLA is going through a revitalization. There’s a lot to do, including more world-class museums: LACMA, MOCA and the Broad. The Broad is free, but you’ll need reservations well in advance if you don’t want to wait in the long line. If you’re a film buff, the Bradbury Building, where they shot a good deal of Blade Runner, is just a few blocks away.
There’s more to do than we could possibly get to here. Have a legendary French dip at Philippe, or an insane breakfast sandwich at Egg Slut in the Grand Central Market. You could visit Universal Studios or Disneyland, check out the Magna Carta at the Huntington Museum in Pasadena, catch a Dodgers game at Chavez Ravine or simply take a nice drive through Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway.Where to Stay
Back in Santa Monica, you’ll be wanting a premium place to perch. As you’d expect, there are lots of choices, but there’s something about Hotel Casa del Mar that’s kind of awe-inspiring. Maybe it’s the location, right on the beach and only a short walk to Santa Monica Pier. The Pacific Ocean views are truly amazing. But then, take a look at the lobby.
“Hotel Casa del Mar offers guests and locals a luxurious lobby designed by Michael S. Smith that boasts soaring ceiling and dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. The sunsets are spectacular and it is a picturesque place to unwind,” said Charlie Lopez-Quintana, general manager of Hotel Casa del Mar.
Built in the “Roaring Twenties,” the hotel was a destination for many years, closed down for a time and then was resurrected in the ‘90s. It combines a classic look with modern amenities, giving it the feel of a Mediterranean resort. Dream big and go for an ocean view room. It’s like having a cabana on the beach, only with fine furniture, electronics and running water. The Pacific View Suite is like the corner office for heaven.The hotel features several eateries, including the fine seafood restaurant Catch. All have splendid ocean views. There are also four semi-private “cabanas” in the lobby, which can provide a personalized entertainment space, including catering. Naturally, there’s a spa with a full menu of massages and other treatments and a fully-equipped fitness center. This summer, Hotel Casa del Mar is partnering with the Getty Villa on their brand new contemporary art exhibition. “The hotel will offer guests a special Plato on the Beach package, giving privileged access to the pioneering new show, featuring contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons, Paul McCarthy, Mike Kelley and others exploring Plato’s impact on the contemporary world.”
Channel Road Inn
For a cozier stay, there’s the Channel Road Inn, which exchanges grand trappings and the beach for a garden-like setting and a B&B vibe. A piece of old Santa Monica, the Inn was built in 1910 and moved to its current location in 1977. The colonial revival building features 15 rooms, many of which have fireplaces and tubs. The Inn offers a big breakfast and a nice happy hour with wine and hors d’oeuvres.
The Channel Road Inn provides a more intimate travel experience – a feeling of home. They’re off the beaten path, yet still convenient to everything Santa Monica and Los Angeles have to offer. I think it’s more about the vibe of the Inn rather than its rustic, beach house décor. People are surprised to find this little gem of a place to stay, in the middle of a quirky little neighborhood that invokes a sense of the romantic Santa Monica of the past. I loved taking a stroll around the area. Checking out historic Santa Monica homes and chatting with the locals I came across. Each sharing a little bit of Santa Monica history with me and offering up suggestions of places to visit within the neighborhood.
“Though the beach, restaurants and other attractions are always a draw, many Channel Road Inn guests have massage treatments at the Inn’s charming garden spa sanctuary on their do-lists as well. Couples massages – such as the 90-minute hot stone massage for two – are especially popular, and practically guarantee guests will truly relax during their Santa Monica getaway, said manager Heather Suskin.
Spring is the perfect time to hit Southern California. Warm days, cool nights and much less crowded than the summer. And wherever you decide to go for the day – from San Diego to Ventura – you can take comfort in knowing you end up on the beach.
