'This beachside locale just replaced New York as my favourite US city.'

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I have always considered myself a strictly East Coast USA gal.

I spent part of my childhood living in Connecticut, then moved to New York City in my 20s — formative years that cemented my loyalty for good.

If you know anything about the US, you know this loyalty runs deep. East Coast people are East Coast people. West Coast people are… different. Slower. Sunnier. More inclined to talk about feelings before coffee.

Or so I thought.

Because a recent visit to Santa Monica — not Los Angeles as a sprawling whole, but this very specific beachside pocket — quietly dismantled everything I thought I knew about myself.

Santa Monica is where the city meets the sea. Often described as Southern California's premier beach city, it blends the laid-back ease of a classic beach town with big-city polish and cultural clout.

It has more than 5.5 kilometres of coastline, roughly 316 days of sunshine every year and almost 200 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes.

A Santa Monica sunset has to be seen to be believed. Image: Supplied

There's also a deep sense of Old Hollywood woven through the place.

For decades, Santa Monica was the seaside escape for the rich and famous — and you can still feel that legacy in the architecture, the pace and the quiet confidence of the city.

It's warm, welcoming and fiercely proud of what it is.

The feeling of Santa Monica is hard to describe. It's not flashy. It's not trying to prove anything. And somewhere between the ocean air, the sunset walks and the sheer livability of it all, I realised something shocking: this beachside city had just knocked New York off its pedestal.

How to get to Santa Monica.

Santa Monica is an easy destination once you're on the ground in LA — it's around a 20-30 minute drive from the airport, traffic depending. And getting there from Australia has recently become simpler too, with Qantas bringing its Dreamliner back to the Brisbane-Los Angeles route.

Hello, extra legroom. Image: Supplied.

It's a long flight either way, which is why splurging on a spot in Premium Economy makes practical sense, rather than feeling like a luxury flex. The extra space, legroom and a bit more recline (plus the food and service!) make the hours pass way more comfortably, so you can arrive feeling functional — not wrecked.

When you're heading somewhere like Santa Monica, where the best bits involve walking, biking and being outdoors from day one, that small difference really adds up, trust me.

Where to stay in Santa Monica.

Regent Santa Monica Beach

Hi, I live here now. Image: Supplied

This is luxury in its purest form. If you want to truly spoil yourself — and instantly slip into Santa Monica's chic, beach-meets-Hollywood rhythm — this is the place to do it.

My room had a great view of Santa Monica Pier and the original Muscle Beach, giving me a front-row seat to those iconic West Coast sunsets that somehow feel cinematic every single night.

The bathtub was used daily (sometimes twice, I will admit), the shower was big enough for a small gathering and the walk-in wardrobe was so generous I couldn't not unpack (even though I was only there for two nights).

A huge tub and amazing lighting? Count me in. Image: Supplied.

Yes, it is a splurge. But if you want to channel your inner 'Hollywood royalty on a beach getaway', it's absolutely worth it.

There's also a standout restaurant (more on that below), a relaxed breakfast spot, a huge spa, outdoor pool and a gym, which I took full advantage of, because when you're in the wellness capital of LA, it feels rude not to.

Huntley Santa Monica Beach

Image: Supplied.

A more affordable option without sacrificing location, this family-owned hotel is perfectly positioned within walking distance of Santa Monica's best attractions.

Most rooms offer sweeping coastline views, while the penthouse restaurant is ideal for long lunches or sunset cocktails to ease into an evening out.

This is my ideal way to start the day. Image: Supplied.

Downstairs, breakfast at the super cute Gene's Cafe — named after a beloved longtime hotel employee — is ideal for a quick coffee-and-bagel situation before heading out for the day.

Simple, cheerful and exactly what you want in the morning.

Where to eat in Santa Monica.

Orla

Image: Supplied.

Located inside the Regent, Orla delivers a dining experience that feels indulgent without being intimidating. Inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, the menu is designed for sharing and lingering.

The cocktail list if playful and unexpected, and the food is genuinely memorable. Highlights include the macaroni béchamel, the generous kebab platter and The Lemon dessert — a rare win that converted this famously non-sweet-tooth.

Even if you're not staying at the hotel, Orla is worth a dedicated visit.

Citrin

Image: Supplied.

Hands down, this is one of the best meals I have ever eaten.

This Michelin-starred restaurant by Santa Monica local Josiah Citrin manages the rare feat of feeling both luxurious and warmly approachable. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere refined yet relaxed and the experience is absolutely unforgettable.

If you only book one truly special meal in Santa Monica, make it this.

Rustic Canyon

Image: Supplied.

As the name suggests, this restaurant feels earthy, grounded and deeply Californian.

The menu champions seasonal produce and the freshest ingredients, served in a space that's cosy, moody and effortlessly Cali-cool. It's the kind of place you settle into for the evening and let the food — and the wine — do the talking.

La Monique

Worth a visit for the theatrical cocktails alone. Image: Supplied.

A sophisticated new French brasserie that feels perfectly at home in Santa Monica.

Locals flock here (always a good sign!) and the theatrical, Insta-worthy cocktails are reason enough to book.

Order the escargot poppers and steak tartare for the table, followed by a signature steak and trust that you are in very, very good hands.

Sweet Maple

Image: Supplied.

If you're chasing a quintessential American brunch, this is it.

Located directly opposite the Regent, Sweet Maple is ideal either before a big day exploring or as a post-gym recovery fuel.

The portions are unapologetically generous, and the bacon flight was too intriguing to pass up. When in America, after all.

Sirena

A visit to this historic hotel is a must, and you might as well stop for brunch — rude not to, really! Image: Supplied.

Located inside the beautifully restored The Georgian Hotel, Sirena is brunch (and beyond) with a strong Old Hollywood lean. It's the ideal spot for a slow mimosa, ocean views included, and the kind of meal that gently stretches into "should we order another?"

Worth noting: The Georgian itself is also a standout stay if you want your Santa Monica trip with a side of history. It's a gorgeous Art Deco icon from 1933 that still hums with old-school glamour.

What to do in Santa Monica.

Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Be sure to get your kicks at the (end) of Route 66. Image: Supplied.

No visit to Santa Monica is complete without time on the pier.

This 115-year-old landmark is part of the city's DNA, packed with history, street performers and old-school seaside charm.

Take a historic tour to understand its deep Hollywood connections (Marilyn Monroe was a frequent visitor), ride the solar-powered Pacific Wheel and note that this is also the official western terminus of Route 66 — which just so happens to turn 100 this year.

Bike along Santa Monica Beach.

When in Santa Monica, do as the locals do. Image: Supplied.

Santa Monica is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America, and cycling is hands-down the best way to get around.

A guided ride with Bikes and Hikes LA offers local insight, stunning coastal views and a very Santa Monica way to see the city: wellness-forward, relaxed and scenic.

Unwind at the Guerlain Wellness Spa.

Pure heaven, trust me. Image: Supplied.

Located inside the Regent, this 10,000-square-foot spa is pure indulgence.

From sauna and steam room to jacuzzi and post-treatment bubbles, it's the ultimate jet-lag remedy. The Imperial Relaxing Massage is deeply calming and the kind of experience that makes you wonder why you don't book spa time more often.

Wander the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market.

I would buy all of these carrots if I could. Image: Supplied.

I'm not exaggerating when I say I would move here just for this market.

The produce is breathtaking, the atmosphere buzzing and it offers a real window into how Santa Monicans live and eat. Everything is sourced from Californian farms, and it's where many of the city's best restaurants (see above) stock up for the week.

Take a cooking class at The Gourmandise School.

Image: Supplied.

This is the perfect follow-up to a farmers market visit.

Led by Chef Maya, the class focuses on seasonal Californian cooking, blending technique with beautiful produce — and ends with a long shared meal.

Learning, cooking and eating all in one go? Ideal.

Get playful at the Museum of Illusions.

Too much fun. Too many photos. Image: Supplied.

For something lighter, this newly-opened museum is a fun, high-energy stop.

Perspective-bending rooms, clever installations and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments make it a great way to spend an hour or two.

But be warned: your camera roll will be full of funny photos.

Mamamia travelled as a guest of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

Feature image: Supplied.