I love visiting Santa Monica because of its beauty...and also for nostalgic reasons, since I was born here. I loved taking visitors here when I lived nearby (I lived in greater LA until recently) because it offered "something for everyone." My guests--of all ages--could find something to enjoy. Within a range of just several blocks, lie the Santa Monica State Beach and pier--which feature fishing, dining, shops and an an amusement park (Pacific Park.) Also nearby, strolling paths wind along a tall bluff overlooking the ocean in green, tree-lined Palisades Park. Plus, there are shopping opportunities beckon at the Santa Monica Place mall and in the many outdoor shops of the 3rd Street Promenade.
On a typical visit, I like to enjoy a sampling of ALL of these activities, and so I park in the centrally-located Santa Monica Place mall parking lot (free for the 1st 3 hours) or the Sears lot (free). If you choose to park there, too, you'll find that the ocean is only a short stroll down Colorado Blvd. Upon reaching Ocean Blvd, you'll find both the Palisades Park and the Santa Monica Pier entrances sitting side by side. Either one can be explored for an hour or more. If you choose to walk along the bluffs at Palisades Park, you'll drink-in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. If you head towards the pier, you'll see fishermen trying to reel in a catch, vendors hawking their wares to the tourists, and people on the beach below--swimming, building sand castles, skating on the bike path, flying kites, etc. If you keep walking along the pier, you'll face another choice--to either take the stairs directly down to the beach, or to head to the amusement park.
Decisions! I say, do both! If you're careful, you can chase the waves at the beach for awhile, and not get TOO sandy and wet! On the pier, you'll find both adult and kiddie rides and carnival games at Pacific Park. There, the views from the Pacific Wheel (ferris wheel) are great, and every visitor I've taken on it has enjoyed it! The "West Coaster" ride is also fun. It's not a big roller coaster, but it's probably the only one you'll ever ride that's out over the ocean!
After leaving the pier, you can stroll back to Santa Monica Place mall and enjoy 3 floors of shopping! There are over 120 stores, including Macy's and Robinsons-May department stores. The food court offers a variety of choices for inexpensive meals and snacks. From the food court area, you can step out onto the 3rd Street Promenade, and outdoor pedestrian mall several blocks long. There's a large variety of shopping and dining options, from inexpensive to upscale in price. Sidewalk performers enhance the atmosphere & make for a fun experience.