Visit Santa Monica, the finish line and the final touch to Route 66

Santa Monica remains one of the best-known parts of Los Angeles, along with Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Once again, this is an independent city, world-famous for its beach, largely thanks to the films and TV movies that have immortalised it and brought it to the attention of European audiences.

Third Street Promenade

As well as its beach and high waves, which are a delight for surfers, Santa Monica is famous in LA for its Third Street Promenade. In a city where most people have to get around by car, the Third Street Promenade, which runs parallel to the seafront, is a very long pedestrian street with a succession of boutiques, small bars and restaurants. It's a great place to go shopping: you'll find all the usual brands here, plus the added pleasure of being able to stroll outside (and not cooped up in a shopping centre), not far from the ocean either.

Our suggestion for a dream stay in a flat

The Getty Center, a cultural mecca in Santa Monica

The Getty Center is a cultural and research campus. It boasts a remarkable collection of French furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as masterpieces such as Van Gogh's Iris and Mantegna's Adoration. Its attraction also lies in its modern, innovative architecture and its exterior. The establishment is set in a veritable jewel case of greenery in the hills above Los Angeles. As well as the panoramic view, the Richard Meier-designed building can be admired from the Getty Center gardens. Many visitors come just for the gardens and the building's sleek, sophisticated architecture.

Practical information

• 📍 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States

• ⏰ open all year round Tuesday to Friday and Sundays from 10am to 5.30pm. Saturdays: from 10am to 9pm.

• Admission is free. However, there is a parking charge. Parking costs around $20.

• 👉 information

A hotel near the Getty Center

Original Muscle Beach

Prominent pecs, tanned and oiled skin... there's no doubt about it, here we are at Muscle Beach. As well as being a place where oiled-up bodybuilders let passers-by enjoy the fruits of their labour. As well as sportsmen showing off their muscular bodies, the history of Muscle Beach is worth telling, as it was here that Arnold Schwarzenegger once trained to transform his body and launch his film career. The rest of the story is familiar to many, since after becoming an international star, he successfully entered politics by becoming Governor of the State of California. He is the perfect embodiment of the American dream.

For a stay with sea views

Santa Monica Pier

This is the ultimate entertainment venue when you come to Santa Monica. This pier, transformed into an amusement park in 1916, is the perfect image of a dream Los Angeles: sunset, a Ferris wheel as tall as a 9-storey building and powered by solar energy, a neon forest, vintage rides and the seaside make it the ideal postcard.

A hotel for small budgets

The climate is pleasant for a trip to Santa Monica all year round, but the weather is really ideal from April to November. For swimming in the Pacific, because it's a must-do activity during a trip, the best period for a decent water temperature is from June to October.

Those travelling along Route 66 towards the American West will end their journey in Santa Monica. For the others, it is advisable to land at Los Angeles airport, as Santa Monica is attached to the City of Angels, even though it is a municipality in its own right. From there, travellers can follow the legendary Route 66, but heading east.