Enjoy your visit to Santa Monica by exploring the iconic Santa Monica Pier that is filled with restaurants, shops, and rides. If you want to take advantage of the city’s beautiful ocean, go to the pristine Santa Monica State Beach. The Annenberg Community Beach House is also a nice place to visit for a swim, and it is known for being one of the city’s most famous historical buildings. For a fun day trip, consider traveling to the chic city of Santa Barbara that is less than a 2-hour drive.