U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at one of the shops on the Santa Monica Pier and spend the afternoon riding 3 miles (one way) along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to Venice Beach. Stop for lunch at the Venice Whaler. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Santa Monica's 3 ½ miles of shoreline, known as Santa Monica State Beach, is renowned as one of the area's best, thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. In addition to the gorgeous stretch of sand, the beach is home to unique amenities like the Original Muscle Beach (a 1930s-era beach park with retro gym equipment), the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park amusement park. There are plenty of casual places to dine and shop for souvenirs. What's more, the beach offers traditional facilities, such as the North Beach Playground and the Annenberg Community Beach House, a public recreation facility that features a pool, a splash pad, a playground and beach courts, among other amenities. 

Stretching from the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Ocean Front Walk (the end of Route 66) to a spot above Santa Monica Bay, the Santa Monica Pier is the beach's most recognizable landmark. Not only will you see it in countless photos of the city, but you'll also catch a glimpse of it in several films, including "Forrest Gump." Some of its most popular amenities include a historic carousel (housed in the Looff Hippodrome), the Heal the Bay Aquarium and Pacific Park, which boasts an assortment of arcade games, rides and food stalls.

According to past travelers, Santa Monica's pier is a must-see, with nice eateries and great views.  However, a few recent visitors lamented the pier's thick crowds and amount of homelessness.

Santa Monica's abundance of trails and sublime weather year-round make it an excellent destination for cycling. In the heart of the city, you'll discover the Marvin Braude Beach Trail (or "The Strand," as it's called by locals), plus scenic thoroughfares like Main Street and San Vincente Boulevard that are bike-friendly. The city also sits just south of the Santa Monica Mountains, where additional trails are available for mountain biking. Electric bicycle tours can be arranged as well, if you want some insight about what you're seeing as you explore Santa Monica and nearby Venice Beach.

Previous visitors overwhelmingly recommended biking the 22-mile Marvin Braude Beach Trail, citing its phenomenal ocean vistas and well-maintained path as highlights. However, some say it can get a bit congested and warn to watch for pedestrians. You can also consider venturing farther out – the trail's northern terminus is located at Will Rogers State Beach in LA's Pacific Palisades neighborhood and ends at Torrance County Beach in Torrance – for a less crowded experience. If you'd like to rent a bike and explore on your own, consider a reputable company like The Bike Center. For a guided tour, reviewers suggested booking an electric bicycle tour with Pedal... or Not, which reviewers praise for its knowledgeable guides and easy-to-use bikes.

Like skinnier Palisades Park to the west, Tongva Park offers a welcome respite from Santa Monica's tourist-filled beach and shopping thoroughfare. In this 6-acre oasis, which is named after the region's Indigenous Tongva Indian Tribe, you'll find a mix of native and locally appropriate plants spread throughout four areas: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill and Gathering Hill. Observation Hill beckons to those in search of phenomenal ocean panoramas. Discovery Hill draws families with its kids' amenities, including a splash pad, a play area and a shaded picnic facility. Garden Hill impresses nature lovers with its stunning flora (think: colorful lilies, agaves in various shapes and tall pokers in fiery hues). And Gathering Hill draws culture hounds keen on attending a free concert at the amphitheater or checking out the park's unique Weather Field art installation.

Previous visitors loved Tongva Park's thoughtful design, central location, beautiful landscaping and excellent children's amenities. However, some felt uncomfortable with the number of homeless residents they saw here during their visits. If this is a concern to you, plan on visiting during the day; several past visitors said the park felt less safe at night.

Whether you're traveling with children or craving an adrenaline rush, Pacific Park delivers. Located on the Santa Monica Pier, this ocean-facing amusement park is packed with arcade games and thrill rides. Like carnivals and fairs hosted annually across the country, Pacific Park offers a variety of classic games, including Whac-A-Mole, ring toss and water races. But the park's main draws are its 12 exhilarating rides. Soar above the pier on the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel, swing back-and-forth on a sea dragon-themed ship, plummet 44 feet on a tower ride or go racing around the pier on the West Coast's only oceanfront steel roller coaster. When you're not enjoying the park's heart-pumping activities, buy a souvenir from a gift shop or grab a bite to eat from one of several quick-service food stalls.

Many previous travelers loved visiting Pacific Park, citing its family-friendly atmosphere and superb setting as highlights. However, a few cautioned that park can feel crowded at times due to its small size and popularity. Though you can pay for rides individually, several reviewers suggested buying the unlimited rides wristband so you can enjoy multiple rides more than once.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities as this is a popular filming location and has been the backdrop for films, such as "Freaky Friday" and "Pretty in Pink." You might be able to catch Hollywood in action. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

The Third Street Promenade, which stretches from Broadway (by Santa Monica Place) to Wilshire Boulevard, is a popular shopping destination with an eclectic vibe. This open-air shopping mall is filled with major chain stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M, as well as more unique boutiques. You'll also find that outdoor dining options – many of which use local ingredients – are plentiful. And if you're in the mood to cook your own meal, you can find fresh produce at the farmers market every Wednesday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The history of the Annenberg Community Beach House dates back to the Gold Coast era of the 1920s. The 5-acre oceanfront site, which included a 100-room mansion, was originally developed by William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davies. Though the main mansion was demolished in 1956, elements of the original site, such as the guest house and pool, remain to this day. 

Today, visitors to this public facility at Santa Monica State Beach will have free access to a courtyard with tables, chairs and umbrellas, a splash pad, a viewing deck, a playground, beach volleyball courts, beach soccer courts and sandy areas. Visitors can pay to take classes, such as yoga, rent standup paddleboards or swim in the pool.

For beautiful views of Santa Monica Bay without rubbing elbows with hordes of tourists, walk a block back from the beach to Palisades Park. Situated within walking distance of central sights like the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade, this narrow but long park – which is bordered by Ocean Avenue, the Pacific Coast Highway, Colorado Avenue and Adelaide Drive – offers plenty of postcard-worthy vistas. What's more, the 26.4-acre park is packed with amenities designed to help you relax while soaking up some sun. In addition to housing standard park facilities like picnic tables, benches and restrooms, you'll have access to a rose garden, public art and a space that hosts monthly art classes for adults. There's also a visitor center kiosk on-site, should you want additional information about things to see and do in the area.

When you're not taking pictures of the water, you should admire the park's gorgeous flora. You'll find all kinds of drought-tolerant species here, including agave plants and palm trees. Plus, Palisades Park features a gorgeous rose garden and interesting sculptures. Travelers highly recommend it as a nice place for a family picnic. However, finding an empty park bench can be a challenge at times due to the park's popularity with the local homeless community.

The Getty Villa is a Getty museum showcasing Greek and Roman art from before the Middle Ages, as well as rotating special exhibitions. Wander through the re-created Roman country home with a large reflecting pool, outdoor theater and manicured gardens with sculptures, fountains and a variety of landscaping. Free guided tours of the gardens, architecture and art collection are available with advance timed reservation. For a special afternoon, enjoy a Garden Tea with finger sandwiches, desserts and tea. (Note that reservations are required for afternoon tea.) Other dining options available include the Cafe and Coffee Kiosk, or you can bring your own picnic.

Past visitors commented on the beauty of the landscape and architecture, as well as the stunning Pacific Ocean views, saying they felt transported to Italy. Many recommend taking a guided tour.

Located a less than 3 miles south of Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach stretches for 3 miles along the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by Santa Monica, Culver City and Marina del Rey. It features the Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, a fishing pier, a skate park, canals with gondolas, an oceanfront bike and skate path and the Venice Beach Recreation Center.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports, such as surfing, volleyball, swimming, bodyboarding, bike riding, yoga, roller skating, paddleball, basketball, boxing, weight lifting, skateboarding, handball and paddle tennis. You'll find plenty of creative artwork throughout the city, including the graffitied Venice Art Walls, street art, public art and murals. There are many restaurant selections, ranging from casual sidewalk cafes and pizza parlors to high-end rooftop lounges and oceanfront fine dining.

Tucked beneath the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium aims to educate locals and tourists about the aquatic creatures that live in Santa Monica Bay. At this small aquarium, you'll find exhibits for more than 100 local species, plus hands-on activities (think: touch tanks) and daily educational programs, such as animal feedings and discussions hosted by aquarium scientists. Some of the creatures you may see here include red octopuses, sea jellies, swell sharks and stingrays.

Past visitors said the aquarium is best for young children (12 and younger) because of its small size. Reviewers say older kids and teens may be bored by the aquarium's minimal displays. However, past travelers praised the on-site staff for their knowledge and enthusiasm.

If one of your favorite pastimes is shopping, then you'll want to check out Santa Monica Place. Situated next to the Third Street Promenade, another shopping mecca, this modern outdoor mall is filled with high-end boutiques. Some of the retailers available here include Coach, Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom and Tiffany & Co. There are a variety of eateries, ranging from casual grab-and-go staples like Sbarro to classic sit-down restaurants like Johnny Rockets and The Cheesecake Factory to local options like The Dudes' Brewing Company.

Overall, recent visitors praised this mall's diverse selection of shops and restaurants, as well as its prime location and clean facilities. However, a few reviewers enjoyed the ambiance at the Third Street Promenade more, so if you only have time to visit one shopping destination, consider skipping this one.

This iconic location in Santa Monica is a free, fun spot to do an outdoor workout – or be inspired by those who are showing off their muscles. Popularized by famous body builders like Jack LaLanne, the beachfront outdoor gym features equipment, such as parallel bars, climbing ropes and swings. Although there is a popular Muscle Beach in nearby Venice Beach, the Santa Monica location is considered the "original."

Recent visitors said the Original Muscle Beach has a vibrant energy and offers great people-watching. Some likened the area to an adult playground (though you will also find a small gym kids, as well as a padded gymnastics area).

This tree-lined street in a mostly residential neighborhood offers more than 150 shops and restaurants and tends to be more laid-back and less crowded than the popular Third Street Promenade. Shop for everything from fine jewelry, shoes and lingerie to eyewear, candles and books. Dining includes options range from sushi, ramen, Italian to baked goods, frozen yogurt and bagels. There are also beauty and health stores and services, as well as theaters and galleries. There is also a Tree Art & Light Installation along 10 blocks of the street.

Travelers that have been to the area say they enjoyed the food and shopping options, but others warned that street parking can be hard to find.