There are plenty of wonderful beaches in Southern California. If you remember the old Beach Boys song, Surfin USA, you can probably name several. But the Santa Monica beach is the best. Designated one of “10 Great Public Spaces in the U.S.” by the American Planning Association, Santa Monica beach has something for everyone – fun activities, great views, and plenty of places to grab something to eat or drink.

If you’re coming to Southern California, it’s easy to reach from almost everywhere, even the airport. That is less than ten miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), so you can even make it your first stop. Just take Selpuveda to Lincoln. From the San Fernando Valley, you don’t even have to get on a highway. Take one of the canyon roads to the Pacific Coast Highway. There are some good Santa Monica hotels you can use as a basis.

The wide, golden-sand beach stretches for three and a half miles along the coast, and the weather is nearly always perfect. In fact, it’s sunny here 340 days a year. When you visit, watch for TV and movie crews, which shoot here regularly.

Each morning, the beach is raked and cleaned, and lifeguards are on duty all day long. You can bring your own beach towel or your own beach chair and just enjoy the scene. Or lease from Perry’s. Their beach butlers will provide you with a table, chair, and umbrella.

Put on lots of sunscreen or wear a hat. And sunglasses will help protect your eyes and add to your appreciation of all the perfectly fit beachgoers. Don’t be surprised if one of them turns out to be a celebrity.

The ocean is nearly always cool here, even on hot days. But when it’s 100 degrees in the valleys, it likely will still be pleasant here. Surfing is permitted in designated areas between certain lifeguard stands. If you’ve never surfed, you can usually arrange for a lesson, or rent a surfboard or boogie board from Perry’s.

The recently reopened Annenberg Community Beach House used to be the estate of William Randolph Hearst. The five-acre, ocean-front property has a wonderful swimming pool that’s open to the public by reservation in summer, a café, and beach rentals.

If you don’t want to sit or swim, you can rent a bike and take the coastal trail. One of the world’s longest beachfront trails, it runs 22 miles from Malibu to Torrance. Skates, skateboards, roller blades, and other non-motorized transportation are also permitted.

There are great luxury hotels, galleries to visit and many cool places. During the stay, one can see many of the famously recognized personalities here. This place is preferred by people for its excellent natural beauty and landscape.

Being very close to LA, it is also the front runners of famous celebrities-yes your eyes will pop out as you will witness all of the celebrities here for their holidays.

People from all walks of life can easily enjoy a grand vacation in Santa Monica. Both the average as well as the affluent classes can have fun. Right from the accommodation to the food, outdoor activities and other recreational activities, you will get it all here in Santa Monica that will match with your budget and taste.

While you are on your trip, you simply cannot miss some places and surely give it a visit. The Santa Monica pier will always be on the top list which is considered as the city icon, with lively crowd and huge ferry wheels.

You will be mesmerized to see the pier along the edge of the beach which is one of the predominant spots of this place. Your kids are simply going to enjoy the Pacific Pier Park that makes fun amusement rides and it would certainly turn out to be the best day ever for your children.

If you are fond of shopping, then you will find many malls for some great shopping. One of the famous shops is known as the Downturn third street promenade and is now converted in to a big shopping mall with exotic things. Movie theatres are present with good sound effects and picture quality.

The beach showcases wide coastlines with the pier built on either side of the seashore. Shopaholics cannot ask for more as you will find some of the swankiest shopping malls in this place.

The Third promenade street is a shopper’s paradise which projects vibrant stores, theatres and eateries that completes your trip to Santa Monica.