Just imagine living like a local at 1221 Ocean Avenue.
Okay, you have one free day in Santa Monica, California and you want to immerse yourself in the neighborhood—to live like a local, as they say. Standing in front of 1221 Ocean Avenue, the famed luxury apartment high rise perched on the bluff above Santa Monica State Beach allows your imagination to wonder.
Here is a great sample itinerary to help you really soak up the luxurious California beach lifestyle.
7 a.m. Stretch, Surf and Sun
Start your day with a yoga class by the rooftop pool at 1221 Ocean Avenue, followed by a quiet walk, run or bike ride on The Strand—a 22-mile paved path that starts in Santa Monica and runs south along the coast to Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches. You could even roller blade or ride an electric scooter. Rentals of all kinds are available right by the Santa Monica Pier. Your mode of transportation and how far you go before returning to Santa Monica is entirely up to you. Along the way you’ll enjoy great views of the Pacific Ocean surf, and amazing homes right on the beach. Oh, and don’t forget to do some pull-ups at Muscle Beach on your way back to check that off your bucket list.
8:30 a.m. Feed Your Body and Soul
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head one block north on Ocean Avenue to Fig Restaurant to dine al fresco at the Fairmont. And let’s face it, you’re already at the Fairmont, you’ve had a good workout and a nice healthy breakfast, so it only seems logical that you set aside some time to pamper yourself at Exhale Day Spa. Choose from a full menu of options including massage, facials, healing, acupuncture, and even poolside spa experiences.
11 a.m. From Spa Therapy to Retail Therapy
Head out fully rejuvenated and ready to soak up some sun while strolling a little north to Montana Avenue. It’s got a quaint village atmosphere with lots of boutique shops. There are 150 stores and restaurants to choose from along a stretch of 10 blocks with everything from unique home goods, boutique apparel shops, and high-end cosmetic stores. There is something for everyone.
1 p.m. Comfort Food and an Afternoon Treat
Sit outside at Art’s Table on Montana and “people watch” as you enjoy a casual midday meal that’s a healthy take on comfort food. Save room for dessert because you must stop by Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee at 6th and Wilshire for an afternoon treat. Ever had a salted, malted, chocolate chip cookie dough doughnut before? Need I say more?
3 p.m. Relax and Soak in the Views of the Pacific Ocean
By now you’ve surpassed your 10,000 steps for the day. Congratulations. Enjoy your doughnut and coffee guilt free and take in the scenery of the Santa Monica coastline. Besides, there is still a lot of daylight left and you need to pace yourself.
5 p.m. Food Tour of Santa Monica
Start your evening at Wally’s where you can choose from 100 wines poured by the glass, paired with a carefully curated selection of cheeses. They have a terrific dinner menu so you could stay right there and make yourself at home or head to Mercado for contemporary Mexican cuisine using local, fresh ingredients. Don’t miss the Mercado Margarita. Or you could head a little further east to Tar & Roses. Chef and owner, Andrew Kirshner, a Santa Monica native, is eager to share his take on recipes from his travels around the world. It’s all done with a rustic flare, most notably with the vintage wood-fired oven.
8 p.m. Sunset Over Santa Monica
Head home to catch the sunset with the Santa Monica Pier just lighting up in the foreground from your apartment. After all, every unit has sweeping ocean views from Palos Verdes to Malibu and no two sunsets are alike.
9 p.m. Dance the Night Away
Stroll one block south to the Shangri-La Hotel and experience the only indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar in Santa Monica, ONYX. You will feel a sense of Hollywood glamour by the ocean with a timeless Art Deco design and more of those Pacific Ocean views.
11 p.m. That’s a Wrap, as They Say
Time to head back to 1221 Ocean Avenue and enjoy the lights from the Santa Monica Pier and the famous Pacific Wheel and reflect on a day filled with all the oceanfront lifestyle has to offer. Everything is walkable—from the beach to shopping to restaurants and entertainment. It’s easy to see why many people flock to Santa Monica and why a lucky few even make it their home.
For more information about the apartments at 1221 Ocean Avenue you can visit the web site here.
