Things to Do on Main Street, Santa Monica

Main Street, in Santa Monica, is a quaint seaside street that is a few blocks inland of the beachline, south of downtown. It became a fashionable local and tourist spot in the 1980s. The neighbourhood is a local, casual, “surfer style” and has an intimate, tree-lined layout with a distinctive mix of old and new storefronts and old houses, such as the home of the California Heritage Museum in the 19th century. It has plenty of activities to do and chances of shopping in the various boutiques and eclectic galleries, a food and beverage world which is home to all kinds of organic coffee shops, upscale restaurants with outdoor patios, and a nightlife. The popular events, such as the weekly Main Street Farmers Market and the annual Summer Soulstice festival, provide a community feel and accessibility to the beach, and the classic Santa Monica Pier brings the full package of Southern California. 

What Can You See & Do on Main Street, Santa Monica?

Here are the six best things to see and do on Main Street, Santa Monica:

1. Boutique & Surf-Inspired Shopping: Main Street boasts an eclectic and surf-inspired shopping, where visitors find a mixture of local shops, surf shops and speciality stores. Trendy beachwear, casual clothes, handmade jewellery, and other distinct accessories are available to visitors that depict a relaxed coastal lifestyle in Santa Monica. Local artisan products are also available in many stores, making it a great place to visit when one is in search of unique products.
2. Art & Culture: The street is full of artistic and cultural experiences, such as modern galleries, street murals, and live performances (only sometimes). Local artists frequently exhibit their work in front of the stores or in a pop-up exhibition. The street itself is full of brightly painted murals and sculptures, which provide visitors with a good combination of visual arts and cultural events.
3. Café Hopping & Local Restaurants: There is a bustling coffee shop and eating environment on Main Street, like many coffee shops, a bakery, and other casual restaurants. Speciality coffee, fresh pastries, brunch dishes and international cuisines are available to the visitors. The casual, residential environment promotes slow coffee hopping and mingling as one strolls down the street.
4. Sunday Farmers Market (Main St.): On Sundays, the farmers market is held on Main Street, which includes fresh products, artisanal foods, flowers, and handmade crafts. The market offers a vibrant community-based experience which provides tourists sample local flavours, meet with dealers and buy high-quality and locally grown products.
5. Wellness & Fitness Studios Street Events & Local Pop-Ups: The avenue is surrounded by wellness and fitness studios with yoga, pilates. It has many events in the streets and pop-ups throughout the seasons, like live music, craft stand booths, workshops, and cultural festivals for the residents and visitors.
6. Beach & Outdoor Activities Nearby: Main Street is within walking distance of the Santa Monica Beach, and has many outdoor activities that include swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. There are also scenic walks or bike rides available to the visitor along the coast. Visitors enjoy combining shopping, dining, and recreational activity on a single visit.

How to Get to Main Street, Santa Monica?

Here are the five best ways to go on Main Street, Santa Monica:

1. By Car: Main Street, Santa Monica is easily reachable by driving, which has several public parking lots and parking on the streets. The main roads of Santa Monica allow visitors to enter the area, which is why it is easily accessible from other parts of the city.
2. By Bus: There are a number of Big Blue Bus lines that pass through Main Street, offering a cheap and environmentally friendly alternative. The street is served by routes like 1, 2, and Rapid 10, which connect the street to other areas of Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
3. By Limo Service: Limousine service Los Angeles is present on Main Street, Santa Monica, for a more relaxed or communal ride, which drops people off on Main Street, and visitors reach the street without fear of parking.
4. By Bike/Scooter: Santa Monica is quite accommodating to bikes and scooters, having lanes and rental stations. The visitors ride through the coastal cycle routes or the urban roads, and there are bike racks well placed on Main Street to park the bikes.
5. Walking: Main Street is very walkable in case you are staying there. The easy accessibility of walking along the street due to its pavements, picturesque sceneries, and the country attractions makes walking along the road an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

What is the Best Time to Visit Main Street?

The best time to go to Main Street, Santa Monica is during the mornings of the weekdays or the early afternoons when most shops, cafes, and galleries are open and the street is not overcrowded, and visitors enjoy spending time. The spring and fall are very pleasant with mild weather that is good for walking, hopping in cafes, and visiting outdoor art galleries. The weekends are more vibrant, particularly during the Sunday farmers market and seasonal street events, and make it a good choice for those who love to have community events and to be in a busy environment.

What are the Best Shops & Boutiques on Main Street?

Here are the five best shops and boutiques on Main Street, Santa Monica:

1. Surf Shops: Main Street boasts of surf culture, has several shops that sell surfboards, wetsuits, beachwear, and accessories. It offers local brands and major surf equipment. It provides a combination of a beautiful beach lifestyle and lovely shopping.
2. Eco-Friendly Stores: The street also has sustainable clothing, reused products, and eco-friendly home goods shops known to be environmentally friendly. These outlets are attractive to customers who want to buy unique and environmentally friendly products.
3. Indie Fashion Boutiques: The unique and trendy local fashion clothing and accessories are available in independent fashion boutiques along Main Street. These shops have well-selected collections that exhibit the relaxed and fashionable atmosphere of Santa Monica.
4. Home Decor & Bohemian Lifestyle Shops: There are a number of stores which deal with home decor, artistic crafts and bohemian lifestyle products. The visitors stroll through the furniture, the decor items and the handicrafts that have a combination of eclectic style and beach style.
5. Gift & Craft Stores: There are numerous gift and craft shops on the main street that have gift jewellery, stationery, art and souvenirs that are made by hand. These shops are ideal for acquiring special gifts or souvenirs of a visit.

Where to Eat & Drink on Main Street, Santa Monica?

Here are the five best eating places on Main Street, Santa Monica:

1. Brunch Cafés: The main street has a range of comfortable brunch restaurants where people have traditional breakfast, pancakes, omelettes, and customised coffee. These are the right places to begin the day by taking a leisurely meal and enjoying the vibrancy of the street.
2. Healthy & Organic Food Spots: There are a number of restaurants that specialise in whole food, organic, and plant-based meals, such as smoothie bowls, salads, rice bowls, and fresh juices. These locations serve healthy customers who want healthy and tasty food items.
3. International Cuisine: The street also has restaurants with international tastes, Mediterranean and Mexican, and Asian-influenced cuisines. Visitors enjoy international food without leaving Santa Monica and have a tasting experience of genuine flavours in a laid-back, homey style of the restaurant.
4. Bars & Craft Breweries: The main street is full of bars and craft breweries where visitors enjoy locally brewed beer, cocktails and wine in a relaxed and social environment. Such places are suitable during evening events or for a simple drink after visiting the shops.
5. Dessert Stops:  The Main Street, Santa Monica, has ice cream shops, bakeries, and chocolate cafes that have a handcrafted taste, pastries, and chocolates. These places are ideal for relaxing during a walk or as a nice ending to a meal.

Is Main Street, Santa Monica, Worth Visiting?

Yes, Main Street, Santa Monica is worth visiting, particularly if you like a local shopping and dining experience. It is lively, relaxed and has a coastal feel. The street has a blend of surf stores, indie shops, eco-friendly stores and unusual gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and dessert bars. There are art galleries, seasonal events and the Sunday farmers market. It has easy access to the nearby beach where people spend their time outdoors. Its walking-friendly design, cultural attractions and an array of experiences place it as a perfect spot for tourists and locals alike.