Santa Monica College is a public community college located in the heart of Santa Monica, California. As one of the largest community colleges in the state, Santa Monica College offers a wide range of academic programs and vocational courses to its diverse student population.

Beyond its academic offerings, Santa Monica College is situated in a bustling area that offers plenty of exciting activities for students to enjoy in their free time. Whether you're looking to hit the beach, explore the vibrant downtown scene, or take in the local culture, there's never a shortage of fun things to do near Santa Monica College.

Are you a SMC student?

Whether you’re going to Santa Monica College as a full-time or part-time student, you should experience everything the neighborhood of Santa Monica, CA, has to offer. If it’s going to the pier or enjoying outdoor activities in nature in the Santa Monica mountains, we’ll give you some ideas of how you can spend your day in Santa Monica. 

Visit the Santa Monica Pier

Connect With Your Inner Child at the Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is definitely one of the popular tourist attractions and the most popular landmark in Santa Monica, California! From amusement park rides at Pacific Park to watching the street performers and gaming at the Playland Arcade, there’s something for everyone to do at the Santa Monica Pier. Read on for an overview of everything to do at the pier located right here in Los Angeles County. 

Explore Third Street Promenade

Third Street Promenade: A Popular Shopping and Entertainment Destination Near Santa Monica College

Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only shopping, dining, and entertainment district located in downtown Santa Monica, just a short distance from Santa Monica College. The promenade spans three blocks and is known for its wide array of shops, restaurants, and street performers, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. 

Some of the most popular shops on Third Street Promenade include high-end fashion boutiques like Anthropologie and H&M, as well as specialty stores like the LEGO Store and the Apple Store. When it comes to dining, there's something for everyone, from classic American fare at The Cheesecake Factory to sushi at Sugarfish. 

In addition to its shopping and dining offerings, Third Street Promenade is also famous for its street performers, who showcase their talents through music, dance, and other forms of entertainment. These performers add to the lively atmosphere of the promenade and make for a fun and unique experience. 

Throughout the year, Third Street Promenade also hosts a variety of special events and festivals, such as the Santa Monica Festival and the Twilight Concert Series, which showcase the best of local culture and entertainment. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder why Third Street Promenade is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.

Relax at Palisades Park

Catch the Ocean Views at Palisades Park

Palisades Park is another must-see Santa Monica, CA landmark! Sitting on 26.4 acres of California land, we guarantee you’ll find something to enjoy at Palisades Park.  Start with taking in the ocean views and enjoying the breeze at the Santa Monica Bay to get a different perspective of the city, along the way you can check out the different sculptures in the area. 

You can then head to the beautiful rose gardens and take a couple of pictures of the blooming flowers, the rose garden also makes the perfect backdrop for a great Instagram photo. 

If you’re looking to spark your creativity then head to the Camera Obscura Art Lab at 1450 Ocean, you can do hands-on crafts, art, and learn about cultural programs. 

When you’re not sure where to start at Palisades Park in Santa Monica, CA, then stop by the visitors center, the guides will be more than happy to help you plan your day. 

Check out the Annenberg Community Beach House

Annenberg Community Beach House: A Unique Recreational Facility Near Santa Monica College

The Annenberg Community Beach House is a unique recreational facility located just a few minutes' drive from Santa Monica College. The beach house occupies the former site of the historic Marion Davies Estate and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. 

One of the most popular features of the beach house is its pool, which is open to the public during the summer months. The pool area also includes a splash pad for children and plenty of seating for lounging in the sun. 

The beach house also offers beach volleyball courts, a playground, and a boardwalk for walking or biking. Admission fees for the beach house vary depending on the day and time, with discounts available for Santa Monica residents and groups. 

Reservations are recommended for the pool and can be made online or in person at the beach house. With its beautiful setting and extensive amenities, the Annenberg Community Beach House is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun and sand.

Visit the Getty Villa

Getty Villa: An Ancient Art Museum and Cultural Center Near Santa Monica College

The Getty Villa is a world-renowned museum and cultural center located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, just a short drive from Santa Monica College. The villa is dedicated to the study and exhibition of ancient art and features an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts. 

In addition to its impressive collection of art, the Getty Villa is also known for its stunning gardens, which are inspired by the ancient gardens of Italy and Greece. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, which feature fountains, reflecting pools, and a variety of exotic plants. 

The Getty Villa also hosts a range of special events and exhibitions throughout the year, including lectures, performances, and workshops. Some of the upcoming exhibitions include "Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins" and "A World of Emotions: Ancient Greece, 700 BC - 200 AD." 

Admission to the Getty Villa is free, but reservations are required in advance. With its unique collection of ancient art and beautiful grounds, the Getty Villa is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture.

Take a Hike in the Santa Monica Mountains

Santa Monica Mountains: Accessible Hiking Trails with Breathtaking Views Near Santa Monica College

The Santa Monica Mountains are a natural gem located just a short distance from Santa Monica College. The mountains are easily accessible and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. 

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is home to numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes that offer stunning vistas of the ocean and the city below. One popular hiking trail in the area is the Los Liones Trail, which offers panoramic views of the coastline and is relatively easy to hike.

 

Another favorite trail is the Backbone Trail, which runs for over 60 miles and offers a variety of scenic views and challenging terrain. While hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, it's important to take certain precautions to stay safe. 

Hikers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and terrain, and should bring plenty of water and snacks for the journey. It's also a good idea to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a map or GPS device in case you get lost. 

With its accessibility and natural beauty, the Santa Monica Mountains are the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature.

Take a Tour with Malibu Discovery 

Take a Wine, Sightseeing, or Adventure Tour with Malibu Discovery

Explore Malibu and Los Angeles without being on your feet with an adventure, wine, or sightseeing tour with Malibu Discovery. They are Santa Monica-based and will pick you up from a hotel location.  

You’ll learn about the history of the LA area on The Malibu Discovery Sightseeing Tour. There are seven different sightseeing tours to choose from and you’ll learn something new from each of them. 

If sightseeing isn’t for you then we suggest you relax and book a wine tour with your group of friends plus you won’t have to worry about being behind the wheel when you’re having wine. Sample and indulge with different wines in the backyard region of the Santa Monica Mountains, you may even find something new you like. 

There are six different wine tour packages to choose from, even a brunch and wine tour. 

Get a different view of the city when you book an adventure tour with Malibu Discovery, there are two packages to choose from. You can start your day with a sunrise hiking tour to get your heart pumping or book the Griffith Park Hike & Observatory Tour to experience one of the best views in the city. 

Spend some time on Santa Monica Beach 

Relax at Santa Monica Beach in California

Santa Monica Beach in California is 3.5 miles in length and is divided into two sections, The Annenberg Community Beach House and North Beach Playground. Here, you’ll find one of Santa Monica’s historic landmarks, the Original Muscle Beach, which many believe is located in Venice Beach but it’s just south of the Santa Monica Pier. 

Enjoy fun beach activities like swimming in the pacific ocean and beach volleyball, you can even rent a bike at one of the local shops to ride along the bike trail. If you’re feeling a workout then maybe you’ll enjoy a cycling class, we recommend trying to grab a sunset class to get a great view of the downtown Los Angeles sky. 

Get Delicious Food at the Santa Monica Farmers Market

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds at the pier then head on to the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Located in downtown Santa Monica, California, the market features baked goods, produce, florals, and more. 

Update your pantry with organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables from southern California farmers. From mushrooms to exotic citrus fruits, we promise you’ll find something in the produce section that catches your eye. The market is the perfect place for Santa Monica foodies to try new things and check out local events featuring tasty dishes.

The Santa Monica market is also the perfect place to look for items to enhance your charcuterie board with a fine selection of artisan cheeses, and natural meats. If you're planning on having a surf and no turf night then pick out some fresh seafood from the market for a delicious seafood dinner. You can also satisfy any sweet tooth cravings by picking up a baked good or two.

Conclusion: Discover Fun and Exciting Activities Near Santa Monica College

In conclusion, there are plenty of exciting activities to do near Santa Monica College. From strolling through the lively Third Street Promenade to exploring the ancient art and beautiful gardens of the Getty Villa, visitors to the area are sure to find something that piques their interest. 

For those who love the outdoors, the Santa Monica Mountains offer stunning views and a variety of hiking trails. And for those who want to spend a day in the sun and sand, the Annenberg Community Beach House is a perfect destination. 

We encourage readers to explore the surrounding area and discover their own favorite activities. Additional information and resources for visitors to the area can be found on the Santa Monica tourism website or through local visitor centers. Whether you're a student at Santa Monica College, looking to relocate to the SMC area or simply visiting the area, there's no shortage of fun and exciting things to do in this beautiful part of California.