'Felt like home': Beach-loving Aussies will love this laid-back US spot

The breeze whistles against my bike helmet as I ride along the coast, the Pacific Ocean glimmering in the distance. 

My bike's wheels whir against the beachside esplanade, a path frequented by some of the world's biggest stars (think: Owen Wilson, Dave Chappelle and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), as my tour guide Erik Hines beams with pride about his home state. 

He tells me that if there's one place in the USA that Aussies should visit, it's right here on the stretching beaches of Santa Monica, California.

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There's a certain laid-back, shoes-off charm about the place, known as Southern California's premier beach city, that Hines, from Bikes and Hikes LA, says Aussies "get straight away".

While other tourists may appreciate the energy of the place, Hines believes it's somewhere Aussies feel immediately at home and, as an Aussie visiting the area for the first time, I would agree. 

Having just flown across the Pacific, the city welcomed me with a warm embrace and, if it weren't for the accents, the celebrities and the Starbucks cafes peppered on every corner, I could have easily believed I was at home.

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But then again, there's the old Hollywood charm (Marilyn Monroe was known to regularly escape to the stretching yellow sands), the small-town-meets-big-city energy and its proximity to one of the world's most famous cities that makes Santa Monica something to behold and well worth the travel time for those of us Down Under.

"The friendliness, the culture, the vibe. It's so amazing," Hines says with a smile as the wind licks his beachy locks.

What to do in Santa Monica 

California beach town meets Hollywood glamour, Santa Monica is quietly confident in what it has to offer and, after a week lapping up as much as possible, I can attest there is plenty to do in this beachside locale. 

Ride a bike

If there is one thing you MUST do in Santa Monica, it's explore the stunning city by bike.

The city boasts almost 200 kilometres of bike lanes and a cycling culture that could rival Amsterdam, practically begging tourists to explore the city by bike.

In fact, it's "the number one way to get around Santa Monica", according to Hines.

Visitors can book themselves a bike tour, like the one I took with LA Bikes and Hikes, or hire a bike to ride through the city at their own leisure. 

According to Hines, a local favourite is to hire a bike from one of the several Perry's Beach Cafes peppered throughout the city, where you can pick up a bike from one location and drop it off at another after a long day of riding.

Catch a sunset on the beach

Santa Monica's sunsets are something to behold and the bustling beach culture means those hours when the sun melts into the horizon are some of the best of the day. 

Each day you'll find countless locals and tourists staring into the distance as they watch the day fade into night in a kaleidoscope of orange, pink, purple and blue.

Santa Monica Pier

Sitting proudly against Santa Monica State Beach is one of the city's biggest attractions and a must-see for all visitors – the Santa Monica Pier. 

The Pier, which is a famous fishing spot, has been a landmark of the city for 117 years and boasts street performers, food stalls, restaurants, and even an amusement park complete with a thrilling roller coaster and the world's only solar-powered ferris wheel known as the Pacific Wheel.

It is also the official Western endpoint of the famous Route 66 that winds through eight American states. 

Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the iconic history of the pier, which was once a popular haunt for stars like Jim Morrison, Charles Bukowski, Jane Fonda and so many more.

Santa Monica Markets

The famous Santa Monica markets are the beating heart of the city and an absolute must-see for visitors. 

Every Wednesday and Saturday, locals gather to find some of the best produce and flowers from across California and chefs from some of Santa Monica's best restaurants will visit to find the best produce for their menus. 

Celebrity chef Josiah Citrin gave us a tour of the markets and chatted with all the produce farmers like old friends as we sampled some delicious fresh fruits and vegetables.

Cooking class

The famous markets are enough to inspire even the most novice cooks, which is where The Gourmandise School comes in. 

Visitors can take a cooking class at the Santa Monica cooking school, where they can learn to put together some seasonal Californian dishes before enjoying a sit-down meal. 

We were guided through cooking a three-course meal by Chef Maya before digging into our gourmet creations.

It's truly the dream holiday activity for the foodies among us. 

Where to eat

If you'd rather have someone else cook for you – you are on holidays after all – there are plenty of delicious establishments to try out. 

I ate very well during my trip to Santa Monica and that's with thanks to the many incredible restaurants and eating establishments in the area. 

Bread + Butter

This café brings Australian coffee and pastries to the California coast.

If you're after a proper Aussie latte, some sourdough bread or a flaky croissant, this is your spot. 

After a few days of missing the coffee at home, my iced latte made by the friendly baristas really hit the spot. 

Sweet Maple 

If you're after a more American experience. You can't go past brunch at Sweet Maple. 

I was surprised when my poached eggs and avocado came out with scones (which are called biscuits in the States) as well as a heaped serving of potatoes but it was altogether delicious – and incredibly filling. 

Sirena at The Georgian Hotel

Another delicious brunch spot can be found at Sirena where the delicious blue matchas and mimosas will have you wishing you could extend your stay. 

The restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner, sits within the iconic Georgian Hotel, a historic establishment just a stone's throw from the famous Santa Monica Pier and a popular spot among some of Hollywood's greats – Dick Van Dyke is known to frequent the hotel's Georgian Room.

La Monique 

If you're looking for something extra special, La Monique is the perfect spot.

This restaurant has a cozy, speakeasy feel, combining modern French fare with Old Hollywood vibes.

While the food is already in a league of its own, the cocktails make for a truly show-stopping experience. 

Rustic Canyon

For a more local but equally special experience, Rustic Canyon is a cozy local establishment serving up delicious seasonal Mexican-Californian dishes.

With tables dappled with candlelight and fresh local produce on the menu, this place sets the scene for a long lunch or dinner to be remembered. 

Citrin

I just have one word for my experience at this Michelin-starred restaurant: wow. 

Dining at Citrin, owned by celebrity chef Josiah Citrin, is one of those lifelong bucket list experiences.

Each dish was perfectly curated from local Californian produce and each bite danced tantalisingly with my taste buds. 

It's no wonder chef Josiah Citrin is so respected in California. 

Where to stay

With so many places to see and so much food to eat, it's of course important to book a good spot to rest your weary heads. 

The Regent

The Regent is the definition of opulence and, while you pay a premium for the experience, it truly is luxurious.

My suite looked over The Regent's pool and straight out to the sands of Santa Monica beach and, while the view was something to behold, it had nothing on the room itself. 

The suite featured a massive bed that embraced me like an old friend, a full lounge room, a walk-in wardrobe that allowed me to unpack my suitcase like the Type-A traveller I am and a full-sized bathroom complete with a luxurious bath. 

If it wasn't for my packed itinerary, I could have easily spent my entire holiday within the walls of this hotel suite. 

The Huntley 

A little more affordable, The Huntley is located right in the heart of Santa Monica and is the perfect spot for a city escape. 

Most of the rooms offer sweeping views of the Santa Monica coastline and the city below and the hotel features a gorgeous penthouse restaurant – perfect for a long lunch or sunset cocktail. 

Whether you're more of a beach bum or a city-slicker, Santa Monica truly offers the best of both worlds and, with a laid-back culture reminiscent of the beaches in Australia, it's the perfect escape for Aussies curious about a trip to the States.

The writer travelled as a guest of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.

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