A Family Weekend Full of Discovery: A 3-Day Itinerary at Viceroy Santa Monica
Travel
A family escape with a point of view. At Viceroy Santa Monica, poolside afternoons, beach cruisers, and design-forward rooms set the scene for an easy, elevated SoCal weekend.
A Family Weekend at Viceroy Santa Monica
Not every family getaway needs to trade character for comfort and convenience. Forget the sanitized, characterless resorts; at Viceroy Santa Monica we believe the best way to earn the claim “family-friendly hotel” is to ensure both kids and parents have space to enjoy Santa Monica in their own way. From bicycle adventures to classic arcades, surfing lessons to afternoon swims, we’ve curated a weekend of unexpected Santa Monica family activities that bridge the gap between retro nostalgia and modern coastal luxury.
At a Glance
- Occasion: A weekend family getaway at Viceroy Santa Monica that balances ease for families with an adult point of view for an all-around enjoyable visit.
- Accommodations: Interconnecting rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking palm trees and Pacific waves.
- Dining: Laid-back coastal fare at Sugar Palm, with in-room dining available. Notable nearby restaurants include The Albright, Sweet Maple, and Blue Plate Taco.
- Wellness: Daily beach yoga classes, Priority Bikes, private in-room spa treatments, and a fully equipped fitness center.
- Added Perks: Complimentary welcome drink at check-in and a one-block walk to the beach.
Day 1: Settle in & Explore
Sunshine and sea breeze greet your arrival at Viceroy Santa Monica. Step out of the bustle of Ocean Avenue and into our airy lobby, anchored by local art and custom driftwood furnishings that speak to the beachside locale.
Afternoon
- An Easygoing Check In: Arrive to a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly for parents; kids will be mesmerized by our immersive lobby art collection, including “The Lost Warhols”, a piece by artist Karen Bystedt that changes as you look at it.
- Your Beachside Basecamp: Settle into your rooms: an Ocean View King for parents, and interconnecting Ocean View Two Queens for kids. Enticing vistas of swaying palms and sparkling waves invite you to explore the neighborhood.
- Spin Your Wheels: Step outside and get to know the neighborhood with a beachside stroll or bike ride. South toward Venice if you’re feeling curious; north for a quieter stretch. Either way, the ocean remains in view for a scenic journey. Guests of Viceroy Santa Monica enjoy complimentary access to our fleet of cruiser-style Priority Bikes.
Evening
- Family Dinner, Al Fresco: Dine poolside at Sugar Palm, where it’s less about formality and fuss and more about that laid-back feeling. An effortlessly cool LA ambiance belies its status as one of the best family restaurants in Santa Monica, with standout dishes like Seared Ahi Tuna and clever kid-friendly options like the I’m Not Hungry (pasta with butter and cheese).
- SoCal Snooze: After a day of sun-drenched adventure, a proper wind-down awaits, complete with pillow-top beds, Italian linens, and full marble bathrooms with a spa-like ambiance.
Travel Tip: If your bicycle adventures take you south toward Venice, be sure to look out for street performers, but time your return for "Golden Hour" to catch the Santa Monica sunset right behind the Pier.
Day 2: It’s All Here By the Pier
The second day of your stay at Viceroy Santa Monica leans into the famously laid-back West Coast energy. Surf lessons, seafood on the Pier, immersive museums, and refreshing afternoon swims offer endless things to do in Santa Monica with kids.
Morning
- Sunny Side Up: What could be more classically Californian than an early morning breakfast overlooking the ocean? Enjoy delicious in-room dining options like the breakfast burrito or seasonal fruit bowl, paired with perfectly brewed Illy coffee or juice from Pressed Juicery.
- Locally Grown: Just a short stroll from Viceroy Santa Monica, browse an incredible selection of local vendors, from fresh produce and flowers to food trucks and handicrafts, at the Santa Monica Farmers Market—notably one of the best in the country.
- Mind-Bending Fun: For a shift in perspective, take a spin through the nearby Museum of Illusions, where a collection of captivating installations offer endless amusement—and an excellent family photo-op.
Afternoon
- Into the Waves: Family surf lessons if you’re feeling ambitious; sandcastles on land if you’re not. Either way, Santa Monica Beach is just a short walk away.
- Catch of the Day: Refuel with lunch at The Albright. One of the best places to dine on the Santa Monica Pier with kids, this rustic seafood spot features communal tables, ocean views, and kids' meals served in fun bowls with fresh, healthy sides.
Evening
- A Courtyard Plunge: Take a relaxing late-afternoon swim in one of the hotel’s two courtyard pools. Private cabana rentals are available if you want space for the family to spread out.
- A Taste of Baja: Savor a casual dinner of Baja-style Mexican fare at Blue Plate Taco. A 12-minute stroll from Viceroy Santa Monica, this spot is famed for its farm-fresh ingredients and extensive margarita menu. Try the seasonal Parillada Fuerte with their house-made guac and chips.
- Pampered Parents: Once the kids are down, bring the spa to you. Enjoy an evening of pure indulgence with a private in-room wellness treatment by Soothe: a 90-minute hot stone massage or Age-Defy Facial makes for an elegant end to the day’s adventures.
Travel Tip: Don't leave the Farmers Market without a bag of seasonal stone fruit or berries for a beach snack so delicious, the kids will never realize it’s healthy.
Day 3: Dine, Shop & Play
The gentle rhythm of the tide against the pier, the honey-hued light over the palisades at daybreak—your last morning in Santa Monica seems designed to inspire a dreamt-of return. Or perhaps a budding family tradition.
Morning
- Rise and Flow: Greet the dawn with a guided yoga session overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Beachside Yoga, complimentary for all hotel guests.
- Mouthwatering Mornings: Grab brunch at Sweet Maple, a highly rated brunch spot with a dedicated kid’s menu featuring favorite dishes like their Mini Kid's Pancakes, served with a scrambled egg, fruit, and chicken-mango sausage.
Afternoon
- Ready Player One: Embrace your inner gamer at Two Bit Circus. Among the most memorable things to do in Santa Monica with kids, this tech-infused arcade offers all-you-can-play access to everything from nostalgic multiplayer games like Frogger and Ms. Pac-Man, to interactive physical games, virtual reality experiences, and immersive escape rooms.
- A Different Kind of Souvenir: Hunt for the perfect memento of your Santa Monica getaway with a bit of boutique shopping—Montana Avenue for something considered, Abbot Kinney for something a little more unexpected.
Travel Tip: Skip the Sunday traffic on Abbot Kinney. Avoid the hunt for a parking spot by using a rideshare service.
An Iconic LA Beach Vacation
A stay at Viceroy Santa Monica is about finding a rhythm that works for everyone, without compromising on taste or point of view. Kids get the freedom of the beach, the pier, the unexpected theater of the street. Parents get design, discretion, and a version of LA that still feels elevated and personal.
The coast is calling—book your family getaway at Viceroy Santa Monica today.
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