Under $100: Santa Monica

The beachfront city of Santa Monica is located about 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Start your day with breakfast on the patio of Cora’s Coffee Shoppe. The rustic restaurant offers a daytime menu everyday from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sample fresh-squeezed juices, filling pancakes, creative eggs dishes or tasty daily specials. Spend about $18. Make you way over to the iconic Santa Monica Pier for some sightseeing and photo ops. The pier features a Ferris wheel, amusement park, restaurants and a range of activities for all ages. If you would like to see more of the pier and waterfront, rent a bicycle from Santa Monica Bike Center. Rentals start at $20 for two hours.

Santa Monica Pier © Chris Sargent | Dreamstime

Splurge on lunch at Ivy at the Shore. The famous eatery overlooks the ocean and is a prime spot for celebrity sightings. Lunch costs about $30. The Third Street Promenade is the ideal shopping destination. With dozens of stores along the pedestrian-friendly street, shoppers can browse national stores, name-brand clothing and boutiques. Venture a few blocks from the beach to Main Street for art and design stores and a variety of galleries, or to the chic Fred Segal.

The Misfit Restaurant and Bar is around the corner from the Promenade area. The popular gastropub serves up elevated pub fare with dinner prices around $15–20. There’s no better way to end your night than with a cocktail while overlooking Santa Monica’s beachfront and pier. Enjoy a nightcap at the Hotel Shangri-La’s Suite 700 for about $10–15. The indoor/outdoor rooftop bar offers stunning views over the water and pier.