Santa Monica on a Budget

The Santa Monica Pier and its Ferris wheel and the beach nearby are iconic images of southern California. It's a pricey town to live in and can be pricey to visit, too, unless you know where the deals are. It is worth a visit because of the beach, the people watching, and some of the unique spots that you won't find elsewhere.

1

Hotel California

Most budget hotels like the Best Western and the Holiday Inn are going to cost $200 per night or more, so I recommend a similar priced place that is a little bit different. This hotel is on the incline with beautiful views of the beach, and within walking distance of almost everything.

2

Brunos

Just down the street from the hotel is Bruno's, a tiny little Italian restaurant where Bruno himself will come out of the tiny kitchen to greet his guests. The food is superb, the atmosphere bustling, and the prices are dirt cheap. They only take cash, so an ATM is conveniently placed on the premises.

They only take cash, so an ATM is conveniently placed on the premises.

3

Santa Monica Pier

A trip to the Pier can be cheap or even free. There are gift shops, restaurants, and street performers along the pier, and Pacific Park where you can go on rides or play games. But a simple day at the beach and a stroll along the pier can be done without spending a dime. Don't miss the playscape and the businesses on the beach, or the life sized chess board. More

A trip to the Pier can be cheap or even free. There are gift shops, restaurants, and street performers along the pier, and Pacific Park where you can go on rides or play games. But a simple day at the beach and a stroll along the pier can be done without spending a dime. Don't miss the playscape and the businesses on the beach, or the life sized chess board.

4

Third Street Promenade

People watching, street performers, trinkets, and restaurants are all here, too, minus the wind and chill of the Pier, depending on the season. You can catch a movie or have a Greek breakfast or take your cat to get a psychic reading. Stroll through the promenade with a latte in hand and you've got yourself a lovely evening.

Stroll through the promenade with a latte in hand and you've got yourself a lovely evening.

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Santa Monica on a Budget

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Kim Tracy Prince

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