City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Santa Monica, California
Between boarding, boating and sunbathing, Santa Monica makes a prime destination for fans of watersports and the great outdoors. Located between Malibu and the boat slip rentals of Marina Del Rey and Huntington Beach, the Southern California city is famous for its surf and skateboard culture, landmark pier and thriving arts community. It’s also known as the birthplace of beach volleyball and the end (or beginning depending on how you look at it) of historic Route 66.
Whether you're in town for a week or just checking out the area from a private boat dock for rent, here's a look at some of the things you can do while visiting Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Pier
Photo: Pixabay
Dating to 1909, the Santa Monica Pier is the city’s most iconic landmark. The pier juts out from Santa Monica State Beach and offers restaurants, cafes, street performers, fishing, beach gear shops and a bait and tackle shop. Attractions along the concrete double-jointed pier include the Pacific Park amusement park, Playland Arcade and the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel as well as a family-friendly amusement park beneath the open-air domes Hippodrome. A marker depicting the end of historic Route 66 (it starts in downtown Chicago) is a popular selfie spot.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Photo: Heal the Bay Aquarium Facebook
Located under the Santa Monica Pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium (previously known as the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium) features exhibits on more than 100 species, including the red octopus, sharks, stingrays and jellyfish. The aquarium’s mission is to educate guests about the unique marine life found in Santa Monica Bay. Visitors can enjoy touch tanks, animal feedings and lectures by marine scientists as well as participate in beach cleanups and other conservation projects.
Palisades Park
Photo: Palisades Park (via Wikimedia)
Palisades Park offers stunning views of palm trees, coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean as it extends north from the Santa Monica Pier and nearby private boat docks for rent. This 26.4-acre park has a rose garden, benches, pétanque courts, picnic areas and public art such as wood sculptures, a Craftsman-style archway and a Native American totem pole. You can also find the Santa Monica Camera Obscura, an arts and culture center, at the park.
Will Rogers State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Located along the beachfront, and convenient to boat slip rentals near Santa Monica Bay, Will Rogers Beach State Park has volleyball courts, gymnastics equipment and a playground. There’s also a bike path, which is part of the South Bay Bicycle Trail. The trail runs about 19 miles to Torrance. The beach is popular for surfing and beach volleyball tournaments.
Bergamot Station
Photo: Bergamot Station Facebook
Located on five acres, Bergamot Station Arts Center opened in 1994 and hosts local and international artists. The creative arts complex is home to 20 art galleries and businesses featuring paintings, sculpture, photography and other mediums. Community and cultural events are held throughout the year.
Museum of Flying
Photo: Museum of Flying Facebook
Founded by Donald Douglas Jr, the second president of the Douglas Aircraft Company, the Museum of Flying is all about aviation history and the aerospace industry, with a heavy influence on Donald Douglas, the Douglas Aircraft Company and the Santa Monica Airport. Within easy access to private boat lift rentals, the 22,000-square-foot space first opened in 1979. Airplanes include a replica Wright Brothers flyer, a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and a Cessna 172. There are also hands-on and interactive exhibits for kids.
Tongva Park
Photo: Visit Santa Monica Facebook
Tongva Park is 6.2 acres and offers views of the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean in a natural setting complete with shade trees and sculptures. Designed by James Corner, the renowned architect behind New York City’s High Line, Tongva Park has four sections - Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill and Gathering Hill – and the adjacent Ken Genser Square. There’s an amphitheater, gardens, fountains, shaded picnic areas, restrooms and a splash pad for the little ones. Check out the giant Moreton Bay fig tree (named Morty) or the three rusty fig trees (named “The Three Amigos) that each weigh more than 100 tons.
Hopefully you’ve found some fun things to do the next time you’re hanging out at a private boat slip rental in Santa Monica. Let us know what you discover!
