Destination LA : Santa Monica Bound. Day 10 Travel Blog

The West Coast, where do I even begin to describe the breathtaking sight of the California coastline? Sometimes there are just no words to define it. You simply have to see it for yourself. Only then you will believe there are places on earth that resemble the view of a postcard from a faraway land. The natural wonders so magnificent that no filters or any sort of after effects could compare.

Before actually paying a visit to Santa Monica. I'd heard so many things about this place. How the sea is in different shades of blue, the tall-standing palm trees and salty ocean breeze. Well, having witnessed Santa Monica with my own eyes, I can without a doubt say this, what you read on all those travel guides and what you see in the movies are all true. Today, allow me to take you with me to sunny Santa Monica.

I went to Santa Monica in February, it was another usual warm sunny day in Los Angeles. L.A. is one of those great places you can just visit year round without having to check the weather. Guess Albert Hammond's right, it never rains in Southern California, right?

Although being one of the most famous tourist spots in this town, I would still highly recommend any travelers to pay Santa Monica a visit just for the beautiful sunny beach, warm sand and the overall relaxing and chill vibes. Besides chilling by the beach, you can also check out some great restaurants, shopping spots and let's not forget Pacific Park!

Pacific Park Entrance wristbands

Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier

Being a theme park and roller coaster enthusiast, Pacific Park is a small but exciting park for you to hang out with your friends and just have a fun afternoon at Santa Monica Pier. Do not underestimate the roller coaster there, it might be small, but it's quite a mighty ride, lol. Another ride at Pacific Park that I would 100% recommend is the Pacific Wheel. You can't say you've been to Santa Monica til you go on this Ferris Wheel, you get to see the entire ocean and the Santa Monica pier from above. It's a gorgeous view you simply can't miss. 

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

"Run, Forrest, Run!!"

"Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you are gonna get."  - Forrest Gump.      

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Inside the restaurant

Our table at Bubba Gump

The retro interior design of the restaurant

Me and my cousin stumbled upon this restaurant conveniently located right at the entrance of Santa Monica Pier. It was not until later that I googled Bubba Gump that I found out just how famous this place is, not to mention how many good reviews it has. Judging from how many people were waiting in line for a table, that's saying something. 

At Bubba Gump, we ordered a massive and fresh plate of seafood cuisine and delicious french fries. It was undeniably the best seafood I've had.

Seafood Feast

The Coffee Bean

I finally had a chance to ordered a drink from Coffee Bean when I was in Santa Monica Pier, and of course, I went for the pumpkin spice latte which was not the most seasonally appropriate drink considering it was February, but it tasted delicious; plus you get to take some aesthetic pictures!

End of Route 66

"If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, the highway that’s the best.
Get your kicks on Route 66!" 

- Nat King Cole, Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Built in 1926, U.S. Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. Starting from Chicago all the through to California, Route 66 served as a major path for American people who wished to migrate west looking for works and an ideal life. It was the road of dreams. The highway had its western terminus located at the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica. If you are interested in witnessing the End of Route 66 yourself, be sure to keep a look out for the sign when you visit Santa Monica next time!

The Sunset at Santa Monica Beach

 Last but certainly not least. You have got to stay to witness first hand the breathtakingly beautiful sunset at the Santa Monica beach. I have said it a million times before in my previous L.A. blogs but I will say it again, nothing compares to a sunset in California. Perhaps the local residents of Los Angeles have long gotten used to seeing such mesmerizing sight taking place every single day, but not for me. Instead of forever trying to find the perfect words to describe the sunset I saw that day on Santa Monica beach, I will leave the photos to speak for them themselves...

If you want to read more about the captivating L.A. sunset and city night view you can click here to read all about my trip to Griffith Observatory.