An Affordable Christmas in Santa Monica

How to Spend the Holidays at the Beach on a Budget

Nov 16, 2008

There are some cheaper options for lodging, meals and activities that will keep costs low for a holiday vacation by the sea.

Travelers to Santa Monica this holiday season might have to give up wintry cold for mild ocean breezes, but the air is still filled with cheer in this bustling city. Great places to stay, delicious meals, and fun things to do can all add up to treasured Christmas vacation memories, without costing a fortune.

Things to Do for Free (or Almost Free)

A Yuletide tradition for over 50 years is to take a stroll along Palisade Park (Ocean Avenue between Arizona and Santa Monica Boulevard) to see the annual Nativity Scenes. Wooden booths with painted scenes and sculptures inside depict the story of the birth of Jesus.

On the Santa Monica Pier, highlights include the Ferris Wheel, amusement park rides, several affordable restaurants, the Aquarium and historic Merry-Go-Round.

Window shopping on Main Street between Pico and Rose is another pleasant pastime. There are over ten blocks of clothing and specialty stores, as well as many restaurants and bars. For a break, sightseers can stop in at one of the many coffee shops for a warm drink and a window seat on the people watching.

The Third Street Promenade between Wilshire and Colorado Blvds., has loads of shopping, restaurants, bars and entertainment packed into a pedestrian-only walking area.

Bicycles and rollerblades can be rented on the bike path, an 8.5 mile stretch adjacent to the ocean. Along this scenic seaside route, many people choose to stroll, jog or run on the sand, stop for a bite at one of the outdoor cafés, or just sit and watch the waves.

There are four weekly Farmer’s Markets, brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses and more.

Cheap Motels by the Beach

Three clean, comfortable motels within walking distance of the ocean offer rates under $150.00 a night:

Favorite Restaurants Easy on Your Budget

Delicious, affordable breakfasts can be found at Rae’s, 2901 Pico Blvd. (310) 828-7937, or The Omelet Parlor, 2732 Main Street (310) 399-7892.

Bay Cities Delicatessen is very popular with the lunch crowd, but it is worth the wait to stand in line, 1517 Lincoln Blvd (310) 395-8279.

Another option is Panini Garden, 2715 Main St. (310) 399-9939, or Amelia’s Italian Café at 2645 Main Street (310) 396-9095.

Down the street is Wildflour Pizza, serving pizza, hearty salads and pasta, 2807 Main St., (310) 392-3300.

For dinner, two local favorites are Fritto Misto, 601 Colorado Ave., (310) 458-2829, for great Italian food and Gilberts El Indio for hearty, home-cooked Mexican meals, 2526 Pico Blvd (310) 450-8057.

Getting Around by Bus or Bike

Within a three mile radius, there are dozens of unique activities for all ages, so renting a car isn't really necessary. The town is friendly to walkers, and the Big Blue Bus has many routes to take you where you want to go. Between Main Street and Third Street Promenade, the city offers the free Tide Shuttle.

Bike and rollerblade rentals are an option for the more adventurous, and these can be rented down on the bike path, at Perry’s Pizza and More Bike Rentals (310) 458-3975

Once a small town, Santa Monica has become a city filled with things to do, and it is perfect for singles, couples or families desiring a holiday getaway by the sea.

The copyright of the article An Affordable Christmas in Santa Monica in California Travel is owned by Candace Kearns Read. Permission to republish An Affordable Christmas in Santa Monica in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.