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Santa Monica is a place that draws you in, no matter your budget. Whether you’re up for a splurge or keeping things low-key, this Southern California coastal city has endless ways to experience its charm – many of them affordable, and some completely free. Here are some of the best ways to experience Santa Monica on a budget:

Santa Monica: Cost-Free Experiences

Santa Monica is home to many attractions and experiences that are completely free for visitors to enjoy, including the legendary Santa Monica Pier. The Pier’s storied history is free to explore, welcoming travellers to catch a beautiful sunset, take a photo with the Route 66 sign commemorating the end of the Route, and enjoy budget-friendly snack options. Just down the shore is the Original Muscle Beach where acrobats and bodybuilders flex their muscles with incredible feats performed for the public admission-free.

The Annenberg Community Beach House is a local treasure, open to the public at no cost. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds alongside locals with free access to amenities like a splash pad, playground, beach wheelchairs and a soccer field.

With 280 days of sunshine each year, Santa Monica’s outdoor spaces are open for all. Tongva Park is an urban oasis just steps from the Pacific Ocean, designed to reflect the local arroyo-wash landscape with native trees and sustainable plant life. The park also includes artistic sculptures, unique play structures and a summertime splash pad. Palisades Park is another popular outdoor space, extending along the coastline with spectacular views of the ocean perfect for picnicking and taking in the sights.

Art is for all in Santa Monica, with creative venues like Bergamot Station Arts Center or 18 th Street Arts Center welcoming visitors to experience an array of galleries and exhibitions at no cost. Santa Monica Travel & Tourism also developed a self-guided walking tour highlighting the city’s over 170 murals with easy-to-navigate maps locating the many pieces of public art brightening Santa Monica spaces.

Santa Monica: Affordable Stays

Santa Monica is home to 40 hotels, many of which offer affordable stays without compromising on quality, design and fun. The newly rebranded Santa Monica Hotel recently unveiled a full transformation complete with a bright new colour scheme, bold exterior mural and revamped guest room spaces at an affordable price point with amenities including breakfast bites, an outdoor game area and e-bike rentals for exploring the city.

Just a stone’s throw from the sand sits Sea Blue Hotel, a fun property with budget-friendly
rooms full of character and premium amenities, including a breakfast bar and private courtyard
with direct access to the shore.

After 31 years of service, Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica/Los Angeles is a newly
renovated property, which provides travellers with an affordable base to enjoy all Santa Monica
has to offer.

Santa Monica: Budget-Friendly Eats

Santa Monica is truly a leading culinary destination home to over 400 restaurants fit for all budgets and preferences, with some of the city’s tastiest eats coming in at highly affordable price points.

Bay Cities Italian Deli is a local favourite, widely regarded as one of Los Angeles’ best sandwich
spots. Open since 1925, Bay Cities is famous for “The Godmother” sandwich, generously loaded with prosciutto, ham, capi cola, mortadella, genoa salami and provolone cheese. Layla Bagels is another of the city’s most popular daytime spots, serving up delicious sourdough bagels stacked with the freshest ingredients ranging from smoked salmon and tuna salad to avocado and heirloom tomatoes. Layla Bagels’ enticing menu offers several options for a filling lunch under $15.

Beloved Santa Monica restaurant Gilbert’s El Indio celebrates 50 years in business this year,
serving up delicious, authentic Mexican dishes for a hearty dinner under $25. Established and run by the Rodriguez family since 1974, Gilbert’s El Indio is a community favourite named Santa
Monica’s Most Loved Business of 2023.

Santa Monica: Transportation

With many public transport options, it is easy to navigate Santa Monica without a rental car. There are multiple stations along the Metro E Line in Santa Monica for access to various neighbourhoods and the rest of Greater Los Angeles, as well as the extensive Big Blue Bus system transporting passengers throughout the city. Free rides are also available with Santa Monica’s Circuit, an electric shuttle allowing locals and guests to call an eco-friendly ride within many parts of the city.

To learn more about free things to do in Santa Monica, visit here