Next up in my series of the best of Los Angeles for kids and teens – Santa Monica! In case you missed them, you can take a peek at my list of things to do in Hollywood here or Beverly Hills and Malibu here. I again enlisted an authentic teens perspective (my kid Kaya @topteentraveler) to mark the hottest Snapchat/Instagram spots with an asterisk. And of course, this iconic image of the Santa Monica pier is a selfie goldmine no teen will want to miss! Year round fantastic weather aside, there are oh so many fun and amazing things to do, so I’ll just give you my favorites!
- Santa Monica Pier * – Let’s start here! The famous Route 66 comes to an end at the iconic entrance to this landmark with all its rides, arcades, performers and attractions. Every Thursday night they have a free concert by a different artist.
- TSNY Trapeze School on the Santa Monica Pier – If you’ve ever fantasized about running off to join the circus, this would be your place to start! The whole family will love it! And it’s one heck of an upper body workout. Gotta love the motto : Forget The Fear, Worry About The Addiction.
- “Back on The Beach Cafe” – Generations of Angeleno’s have been coming to this restaurant for great food and one of the only authentic “toes in the sand while you dine” experiences in LA.
- Third Street Promenade – For a great shopping, dining and entertaining street performances.
- Santa Monica Farmers Market – LA’s best farmers market on Sundays including fantastic gourmet food vendors, clothes, antiques, specialty items and live music surrounded by great boutique shopping.
- Sandcastle building lessons – The Shore Hotel in Santa Monica offers lessons by their resident sand artist.
- Rent bikes and take the beautiful 5.2 mile cruise from Will Rogers State Park to Venice Beach.
Don’t forget to take a ride on that Ferris wheel while you are on the pier. Everyone should have a proper selfie and a fantastic panorama shot from the top. Enjoy your stay in the Los Angeles area and explore all that Santa Monica has to offer. The hardest to please (your teens) will love it, but so will the rest of your family!
