Santa Monica might play little sister to Los Angeles, but a stay at this relaxed and refreshed city affords single travelers a look at some of the best boutique restaurants and hidden gems often over-shadowed by the florescent spotlight that beats down on LA.
Check into the hotel, located on the beach and approximately 1/4 mile from the all the activity on Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier.
Thanks to twice-a-week farmers' markets and abundant seafood, Santa Monica offers endless options for dining. Avoid the chains and go for something a little more unique and a whole lot healthier.
Lunch: The Lobster, 514 Santa Monica Boulevard. Located right at the beginning of the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster not only serves up great views of the famous pier, but the best truffled french fries and lobster rolls this side of the Pacific.
The best way to see the city is undoubtedly on foot or bike. Take a bike tour with Pedal or Not - the mom-and-pop owned electric bike store. The guided tour will show you some of Santa Monica's most unique sights, including Muscle Beach, Skateboard Park and the Venice Canals. You can stop and go as you please, and if you get tired of pedaling you can just flip on the battery pack and let the bike do the riding for you.
If you need a snack after all that exercise, duck into the Interactive Café, located at 215 Broadway. The wired cafe offers organic, fresh-squeezed juices, homemade pastries and fresh panini's, made to order.
Santa Monica beaches are some of the best in Southern California but to really experience all of Santa Monica, you have to leave the beach and explore the downtown area. The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian mall featuring hundreds of shops and restaurants, complete with street performers and local artists. If you're looking for a gift for yourself or take bring home, you'll find it here.
You can't visit Santa Monica without a stroll down the famous Santa Monica Pier. The $45 million Pacific Park amusement park is complete with a Ferris wheel and roller coaster rides, and more kitschy items than you could ever imagine. The sunsets from the Pier are legendary, so don't forget your camera!
The best part about Santa Monica: it's friendliness. A single woman traveler will feel safe and secure in Santa Monica. If you get lost, ask for directions. If you get hungry, don't be afraid to dine alone. And most importantly, if you just want some good people watching, you can't beat a night at the hotel bar. Order a glass of wine and watch the people come and go... then, retreat to your room, flip on the television and enjoy your downtime in southern California's best kept secret.
