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Sifting through Santa Monica's vibrant neighbourhoods: Where to stay, eat and party!

Santa Monica is a hive of delicious eateries, fantastic entertainment, art, shopping strips and vibrant neighbourhoods, all only footsteps away from the glorious Pacific Ocean.

Santa Monica is a hive of delicious eateries, fantastic entertainment, art, shopping strips and vibrant neighbourhoods, all only footsteps away from the glorious Pacific Ocean.

Figuring out where to stay, where to dine, and where to have a cocktail or two, however, can be challenging for the first-time visitor to LA’s Beach City.

But fear not, because Excite Holidays has you covered! Their Santa Monica microsite is your one-stop resource that’ll answer all those pertinent questions and help you build the perfect Santa Monica itinerary that ticks all the boxes. So definitely check it out!

But before you do, here’s a quick snapshot of five of the most popular Santa Monica neighbourhoods that may tickle your fancy… Make sure you read until the end where you’ll also learn how you can WIN one of eight seats on an incredible Santa Monica Famil!

 

1. SANTA MONICA PIER & OCEAN AVENUE

Laid-back, iconic, #nofilter views of the Pacific Ocean – these characteristics encapsulate the Santa Monica pier and Ocean Avenue neighbourhood. Take a stroll along the pier and listen to street musicians sing their hearts out before stopping for an amazing seafood platter at The Lobster. Then browse the boutique shops along Ocean Avenue and sit down for a latte for a spot of people watching.

Must dos:

-Visit the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

-Ride the world’s only solar-powered LED Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park

-Peddle your way along the scenic South Bay Bike Trail

 

2. DOWNTOWN & THIRD STREET PROMENADE

Leave your inhibitions (and your daily budget) back at your hotel and get ready, because the Downtown and Third Street Promenade neighbourhood is going to pull you into its charm and allure. Whether you come for the food, the shopping or to be entertained, this vibrant and popular Santa Monica strip will leave a lasting impression on you, and will probably be the highlight of your trip.

Must dos:

-Catch a comedy show at the Westside Comedy Theatre

-Have lunch or dinner at Air Food, an experimental French eatery that cooks with innovation

-Shop ’till you drop at Santa Monica Place, home of your favourite brands

 

3. MID-CITY

As Santa Monica’s arts and entertainment mecca, make a beeline for Mid-City if letting your hair down and having a good time is at the forefront of your to-do list. Easily accessible, trendy Mid-City is home to a bunch of venues and galleries – such as the Bergamot Station and The Broad Stage – and heaps of world-class eateries that will have you licking your fingers and ordering seconds and thirds!

Must dos:

-Check out the art exhibitions at Bergamot Station

-Relax with a glass of chardonnay at Bodega Wine Bar

-Have a bite to eat at Bondi Harvest, an Aussie-run cafe that only uses fresh, locally sourced produce

 

4. MONTANA AVENUE

Sweet-tooth travellers are in for a treat – literally – on Montana Avenue, a neighbourhood perched on Santa Monica’s northern edge. Home to a variety of candy stores, such as John Kelly Chocolates, this quant and laid-back avenue is just as popular with locals and tourists. Besides the sweet stuff, Montana Avenue is also known for its amazing cafes, boutiques, and burgers.

Must dos:

-Watch a Hollywood classic at the Aero Theatre

-Order the uber-famous ‘Office Burger’ at Father’s Office

-Whip out the credit card and spend at Shopaholic Sample Sales, a popular boutique specialist in designer wares at bargain basement prices

 

5. MAIN STREET

A walk along culturally rich Main Street is a stroll past vintage stores, bookshops, delicious eateries and chic boutiques, all located at the southern end of Santa Monica.  If you time your visit right (on a Sunday), you’ll be able to amble through stalls of fresh local produce at the Santa Monica Farmers Markets, visit a historic home (The Victorian), and dine on delicious food truck cuisine – yum!

Must dos:

-Get pampered at THE NOW boutique luxury spa

-Treat yourself to an organic ice cream from Three Twins, a Santa Monica institution

-Hit the Buffalo Exchange where you’ll be able to rub shoulders with locals and buy some trendy recycled clothing

 

WIN A FAMIL TO SANTA MONICA

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Fancy winning one of eight seats on an incredible four-night Santa Monica Famil staying in uber deluxe hotels and visiting all these cool neighbourhoods?

Then simply book some Santa Monica accommodation via www.exciteholidays.com, book return transpacific flights with Delta Air Lines, and then email your Delta Reloc along with your Excite Holidays booking number to australia.gsa@delta.com. The more times you enter, the greater your chances of being amongst the lucky eight destined for Santa Monica!

Agents will also earn 500 bonus reward points for every paid room night booked during the current campaign period, which runs from Monday 23rd October to Sunday 5th November 2017.

Ready to delve into Santa Monica’s diverse neighbourhoods?

Visit the Excite Holidays microsite to learn about all the other amazing Santa Monica neighbourhoods and have all your questions answered and more!

For more information on Excite Holidays, please visit www.exciteholidays.com.au

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