Santa Monica in 5 days, no car

Question

I'm going to be in Santa Monica for 5 days with my teenage daughter the week before Xmas. Other than restaurants, shopping and the Santa Monica Pier, would love recommendations for must do's... neighboring areas and sites. We are not renting a car and planning to Uber. Thanks so much!

Answer

Santa Monica is a vibrant, walkable beach city with lots to offer, and being without a car is absolutely manageable with rideshares and public transit. Here’s a detailed 5-day plan to make the most of your visit with your teenage daughter while exploring neighboring areas.

Day 1 – Explore Santa Monica:

Stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and enjoy its attractions, arcade, and small aquarium.
Walk the nearby Palisades Park for ocean views and photo opportunities.
Explore Third Street Promenade for shopping, street performers, and casual dining.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local restaurant or rooftop spot overlooking the ocean.

Day 2 – Venice Beach & Canals:

Take an Uber to Venice Beach Boardwalk to see skate parks, street art, and Muscle Beach.
Explore the Venice Canals, a quieter, scenic area with charming bridges and homes.
Lunch at one of Venice’s trendy cafes or casual spots along Abbott Kinney Boulevard.
Optional: Rent bikes or scooters to ride along the beachfront path to Santa Monica.

Day 3 – Arts and Museums:

Visit the Getty Center (accessible by Uber; note there is a hilltop entrance and tram).
Explore their art collections, gardens, and stunning city views.
Return to Santa Monica and enjoy an evening show or concert if available.

Day 4 – Day Trip Options:

Malibu beaches – Zuma Beach or El Matador State Beach (Uber or rideshare; allow for travel time).
Santa Monica Farmers Market (if it’s a market day) for local produce, snacks, and crafts.
Explore small boutiques and coffee shops along Montana Avenue or Main Street.

Day 5 – Downtown LA Highlights:

Take an Uber or public transit to Downtown Los Angeles for sightseeing.

Griffith Observatory for city views and the Hollywood Sign (can be combined with a short hike if desired).
Broad Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) for art experiences.
Grand Central Market for lunch and casual food sampling.

Evening: Return to Santa Monica for a final sunset walk along the beach or pier.

Tips for Getting Around Without a Car:

Uber, Lyft, or local shuttles are convenient for reaching Venice, Malibu, or Downtown LA.
The Big Blue Bus serves Santa Monica and nearby areas affordably.
Plan extra time for travel, especially during pre-Christmas traffic.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; Santa Monica and surrounding areas are very walkable.

This itinerary balances sightseeing, culture, and fun activities, while keeping transportation simple and manageable without a car.