Stop Over: Santa Monica

Beach at Santa Monica. Photo / NZH

Other parts of the world may experience brutal winters and hot, humid summers but Santa Monica locals are fortunate to enjoy bright blue skies, stunning sunsets and cool ocean breezes year round. This near-perfect weather allows an active and relaxing lifestyle throughout the year. Here are a few suggestions to make the most of your visit.

Farmers' Market

Santa Monica's Farmers' Market has had a tremendous impact on the Los Angeles dining scene over the past 34 years and was named one of the best markets in the United States by Travel + Leisure. There are four weekly farmers' markets in Santa Monica, where you can rub shoulders with yoga students, businessmen, celebrities, chefs and families and pick up beautiful produce, flowers, meat, cheeses, nuts, fish and more.

Sunset happy hours

More than 60 restaurants offer happy hour, giving you the perfect opportunity to sample the city's award-winning dining

at a fraction of the cost, watch a beautiful sunset and meet Santa Monica residents. View all of the city's happy hours, their times and their offers at santamonica.com/happyhour.

Free concerts at the Pier

One of the most popular summertime activities is the annual Twilight Concert Series at the world-famous Santa Monica Pier. Back for its 31st year, this free open-air concert series features top jazz, pop and iconic music performances that are ideal for all ages on Thursday evenings during the summer. The concerts draw families, couples and friends who gather on the pier and the beach below to picnic and enjoy the music next to the Pacific Ocean.

Get around via bike

Santa Monica Bike Centre is the nation's largest full-service bike centre. Biking has become one of the most scenic and economical ways to navigate the city, thanks to bike-friendly streets that have well-marked bike lanes and routes.

Buy local

The city is home to eight different neighbourhoods for shopping, all with their own vibe and flavour as a result of the many locally-owned small clothing stores, art galleries, restaurants, and more. Support these locals by stopping into their businesses, meeting them and buying locally. Learn more at buylocalsantamonica.com.

Soak up the local art culture

An urban outpost for cutting-edge arts and culture, Santa Monica is home to more than 120 museums, art galleries, live theatres and public art displays. Drop by Bergamot Station, Southern California's largest art complex and cultural centre, and check out works by local artists, designers and photographers. If performing arts is more your style, check out the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage at Santa Monica College or one of the many local performing arts venues.

Protect the beach and bay

The Santa Monica community cares deeply about preserving the beach and its surrounding bay. Locals work hard to keep it clean and safe and regularly work in conjunction with the Heal the Bay organisation to do so. HealtheBay.org.

Work out

Santa Monica locals are known for their emphasis on an active lifestyle. Take advantage the abundance of outdoor spaces, winding bike paths and running trails that Santa Monicans use regularly as their outdoor gym. Explore even more unexpected and unusual ways to get healthy with flying trapeze lessons on the pier or synchronised swimming and stand-up paddle board classes at the Annenberg Community Beach House.