10 mistakes people make when traveling in Santa Monica
10 mistakes people make when traveling in Santa Monica
Traveling to Santa Monica is iconic especially if you’re fond of movies like Hannah Montana! But it’s easy to make common mistakes that can affect your trip. Santa Monica is a stunning area of the greater LA area. To fully enjoy what Santa Monica has to offer, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these frequent errors with some local tips on enjoying your visit to the fullest.
1. Underestimating Traffic
Santa Monica is notorious for its heavy traffic, especially at night. Many travelers don’t consider the amount of time they might spend in transit and to find parking. Plan your day with traffic in mind, perhaps visiting nearby attractions together or using traffic forecasting apps. This way, you won’t spend most of your trip stuck in a car, and you’ll get to enjoy more of what the city has to offer.
2. Skipping Public Transportation
While many think of Santa Monica as a car-dependent city, there are ways to use public transportation to save yourself some time. Buses for example, can be a great option.
3. Sticking To The Pier
Santa Monica isn’t just the pier. It’s also the beach and some really cute cafes. Don’t hesitate exploring further than just the pier and rollercoasters!
4. Ignoring Bike Rentals
Santa Monica features scenic bike paths along the beach and throughout the city. Not taking advantage of bike rentals can mean missing out on a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the area.
5. Skipping the Farmer’s Market
The Santa Monica Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a vibrant atmosphere. Skipping this local gem means missing out on the opportunity to experience the city’s culinary culture.
6. Overpacking for the Beach
Visitors often overpack for a day at the beach in Santa Monica, bringing unnecessary items like bulky towels and chairs. Opt for lightweight and portable beach essentials to make your beach day more enjoyable.
7. Underestimating Sun Exposure
Santa Monica’s sunny climate can lead to sunburn and dehydration if proper precautions aren’t taken. Underestimating sun exposure by not wearing sunscreen or staying hydrated can put a damper on your trip.
8. Dining Only on the Promenade
While the Third Street Promenade offers a variety of dining options, limiting yourself to dining only in this area means missing out on the diverse culinary scene in other parts of Santa Monica.
9. Not Hopping On the Rollercoaster
The Santa Monica Pier is infamous for its rollercoaster park. A mistake lots of visitors make is to just walk by but not actually enjoy the park. The park is super fun and can immerse you in the LA life rather than staying in your tourist shoes. So go and have fun!
10. Forgetting to Check Beach Conditions
Santa Monica’s beaches can experience changing conditions, including strong currents and rip currents. Forgetting to check beach conditions before heading out can lead to unsafe swimming conditions and potential hazards.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.