A day trip from The Maybourne Beverly Hills: Santa Monica & the coast
From The Maybourne Beverly Hills, a day trip to Santa Monica is an easy coastal escape: Santa Monica Pier and the beach are about a 15-minute drive (roughly 5.6–5.9 miles). Plan to leave midmorning, let concierge arrange transport if you prefer not to drive, and return after sunset for rooftop views back at the hotel.
In this guide
Getting there from The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Driving is the fastest and most flexible option for a day trip to Santa Monica. The dossier lists the trip from the Beverly Hills area to Santa Monica Pier as about a 15-minute drive and roughly 5.6–5.9 miles.
If you prefer public transit, the Metro 720 Rapid bus serves the Rodeo Drive/Wilshire corridor and can connect you toward Santa Monica; travel times will be longer than driving and depend on transfers and schedules.
- Drive: ~15 minutes, ~5.6–5.9 miles (typical, depends on traffic)
- Bus: Metro 720 Rapid connects the Wilshire/Rodeo corridor toward Santa Monica
- Hotel help: concierge can arrange a town car or taxi; valet available at the hotel
| Option | Notes | Hotel help |
|---|---|---|
| Car/taxi/rideshare | Fastest door-to-door; travel time depends on traffic | Concierge/town car on request |
| Metro 720/Local bus | Slower, more economical; requires checking schedules | Concierge can advise routes and stops |
| Hotel-arranged transfer | Private car or shuttle available on request (fees may apply) | Ask concierge for details |
Morning: Santa Monica Pier and beach
Start at Santa Monica Pier for classic coastal sights: ocean views, amusement rides and arcades are part of the pier experience. The dossier notes the pier’s amusement rides, arcade games, and its popularity as a sunset spot.
Walk the wide sandy beach, relax on the sand, or stroll the boardwalk. If you plan to stay on the sand, bring sunscreen and a towel; hotel guests can request items from concierge before you leave.
- Pier highlights: rides, arcade, ocean views
- Beach: open sandy shoreline and walking access
- Sunset: the pier is popular for late-afternoon and sunset viewing
| Activity | Why go |
|---|---|
| Walk the Pier | Ocean views and pier attractions |
| Relax on Santa Monica State Beach | Broad sandy shore for sun and people-watching |
| Stroll the boardwalk | Connects to nearby Venice and bike paths |
Lunch and afternoon options
For lunch, Santa Monica offers seafood, casual cafes and beachfront spots. The Maybourne Beverly Hills’ concierge can recommend local restaurants and make reservations if you want a specific table.
In the afternoon consider renting a bike to ride a portion of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (the Santa Monica Bike Path) or shop and people-watch along Third Street Promenade.
- Rent a beach cruiser or e-bike and ride the bike path
- Explore Third Street Promenade for shops and street performers
- Let concierge book reservations or recommend nearby options
| Option | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Bike the Strand | Coastal bike path stretching past Santa Monica toward Venice |
| Third Street Promenade | Pedestrian shopping and dining district |
| Pier-area dining | Casual beachside and seafood choices |
Sunset and heading back to Beverly Hills
Many guests time a visit so they can catch the sunset at the pier before returning to the hotel. The dossier explicitly cites the pier as a popular sunset spot.
Expect the drive back to vary with evening traffic; if you prefer to avoid driving after dark, pre-book a town car or use rideshare. Back at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, you can continue the evening at Dante Beverly Hills (rooftop dining), The Terrace, or The Maybourne Bar.
- Sunset at Santa Monica Pier is a common end to the day
- Allow extra time for evening traffic when returning
- Hotel evening options: Dante Beverly Hills (rooftop), The Terrace, The Maybourne Bar
| Back at the hotel | Why you might go |
|---|---|
| Dante Beverly Hills | Rooftop dinner with skyline views |
| The Terrace | Californian/New American seasonal menu; breakfast through dinner |
| The Maybourne Bar | Cocktails, caviar and oysters in the lobby bar |
Practical tips and what the hotel can do for you
Before you leave, check with concierge for live traffic, parking recommendations in Santa Monica, and any local events that might affect travel time. The Maybourne Beverly Hills offers concierge, porter service and luggage storage.
If you’re using hotel facilities around your trip, note the rooftop pool is on the 9th floor and access is reserved for hotel guests and spa members; cabanas and Dante Poolside service are available to guests (reservations and fees apply).
- Ask concierge to arrange a town car or update traffic/parking advice
- Rooftop pool: saline pool on 9th floor; access restricted to guests and spa members
- Bring sun protection and a change of clothes if you plan to swim or bike
- Hotel services: porter, luggage storage, 24-hour fitness and spa (spa bookings from 10am–8pm; facilities 8am–8pm)
| Hotel services | Useful for your day trip |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Transport, reservations, routing |
| Valet parking | Overnight valet available (fee listed on property pages) |
| Luggage storage | Store bags before check-in or after checkout |
Quick packing checklist
Pack light for a day at the coast: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a light layer for the cooler ocean breeze at sunset.
If you plan to bike, bring closed-toe shoes and a small lock if renting, or ask rental staff about included locks and helmets.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Towel or change of clothes if you’ll swim
- Water bottle and small snacks
- Payment method for parking, rentals and meals (cards accepted widely)
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Beach sun and reflective surfaces |
| Light jacket | Ocean breeze at sunset |
| Phone charger / portable battery | Long day out, photos and navigation |
