U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at one of the shops on the Santa Monica Pier and spend the afternoon riding 3 miles (one way) along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to Venice Beach. Stop for ...

How long is the boat ride from Santa Monica to Catalina Island? The ride takes around an hour from any of ... natural beauty and lifetime tours to do on this island. Plus it’s more accessible ...

but keep in mind that parking here can be pricey (around $15 a day) and often fills up fast. Consider parking outside the downtown area, using the Big Blue Bus (Bus No. 8 Downtown Santa Monica ...