The notebook of Santa Monica and Malibu
See the coast under another light.
Beaches, cliffs and coastal mountains at the gates of Los Angeles.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 5 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
Coast · Nature · City
Good accessibility
Sweet rhythm
General presentation
Santa Monica and Malibu
Beaches, cliffs and coastal mountains at the gates of Los Angeles.
Santa Monica Pier, Getty Villa and Point Dume give the most telling landmarks of Santa Monica and Malibu. Together, they form a destination where the coastline, natural spaces and urban life meet, with atmospheres that change over the stages rather than a single uniform decor.
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For a stay of 2 to 5 days, a quiet rhythm works well. Also to be anticipated: conditions to be checked according to the season. A car is usually the easiest way to connect the different sectors. The main sites are generally easy to access.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Santa Monica Pier
- Getty Villa
- Point Dume
Before you choose
- Car often useful
- Conditions to be checked by season
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Place indismissible
Santa Monica Pier
The jetty of Santa Monica concentrates the beach image of Los Angeles: great wheel, rides, stands, fishermen and Pacific horizon. The place is particularly alive at sunset, when the beach stretches under the pier and the neons take over the light.
Place indismissible
Getty Villa
The Getty Villa Transposes a Roman villa at the entrance to Malibu, with peristyles, basins, mosaics and Mediterranean gardens. Greek, Roman and Etruscan collections take place in a setting that helps to imagine the domestic, religious and funeral uses of the objects exposed.
Nature and landscape
Point Dume
Point Dume advance in the Pacific by a clear cliff, between beaches of Malibu and view to Santa Monica Bay. The short trail leads to a promontory where dolphins, migratory grey whales and climbers are sometimes observed on the walls above the sand.
Nature and landscape
El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach descends by a staircase to a small beach framed by friable cliffs, rocks and arches beaten by waves. The tides greatly change the available space, and the razing light at the end of the day highlights the stone silhouettes at the water's edge.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
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