Santa Monica - Biceps, Promenades, Sun Worship

If you're the sort of traveler whose more comfortable in flip flops than shoes, who prefers a laid back approach to vacationing and who wants to view the Pacific Ocean in all its glory than Santa Monica is the place for you. Los Angeles may have its share of smog and traffic but Santa Monica, which is a mere twenty minutes from LAX, is a sun-drenched haven where ample sidewalks are the only place that you'll find a little pedestrian traffic.

Finding accommodations won't be hard in Santa Monica. There is a wide range of hotels to fit every wallet. The Le Merigot Santa Monica Beach Hotel & Spa (1740 Ocean Avenue 310-395-9700; www.lemerigothotel.com) gives you that boutique hotel feel and more and is considered a haven for out-of-towners and spa-goers. You'll be overwhelmed with the intoxicating scents of exotic flowers and mango spice candles. Elegant guest rooms are dressed in soft colors, enormous marble bathrooms and an oversized bed that you literally will sink into once your head hits the pillow. Some guestrooms include terrace patios with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Camp out at the terrace lounge that overlooks the courtyard and pool for drinks or hit the Santa Monica Beach a few yards away with one of the hotel's bicycle that are just for Le Merigot guests. Suffering a little jet lag from your travels? Relinquish yourself to the Spa at the Le Merigot. This tranquil space located near the pool has steam rooms, private treatment rooms and patrons can relax clad in their bathrobes. An enzyme renewal facial, a hot stone treatment or deep tissue massage is just the thing you may need after your arrival.

Any hotel on Ocean Avenue will put you right in the heart of Santa Monica. All ages will enjoy the famous relic of Santa Monica-the Santa Monica Pier (www.santamonicapier.org). Built in 1909, this National Historic Landmark averages 3 million visitors a year. Complete with everything from a vintage-themed ferris wheel, roller coaster and carousel to cotton candy stands there's also rides for the tots and more food on a stick than you could imagine. Open 365 days of the year, the Santa Monica Pier is free to the public enter and parking is available both the beach and the Pier deck. The summer months brings a weekly concert series under the stars every Thursday night.

Hit the Santa Monica Beach for a little more fun in the sun. This is the perfect place for avid sunbathers, surfing in typical California style and miles pedestrian roadways.. The South Bay Bicycle Trail has 20 miles to cycle and you can rent just about anything to take you there at Blazing Saddles (320 Santa Monica Pier 310-393-9778). Don't be surprised to see couples on tandem bicycles and rollerblading mamas with their newborns in power strollers.

Two miles South from the Santa Monica Pier will bring you to Venice Beach, aka Muscle Beach as its affectionately known. Grab a protein-infused smoothie from a nearby health food stand and watch gym-goers pump iron and flex their biceps. Catch up with the locals at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The jam packed stalls are filled with souvenirs, bathing suits and hand-crafted gifts. Artisans sell everything from hand made jewelry to paintings.

Back on land, shopaholics and people watchers will love the 3rd Street Promenade. Walking through the three blocks that make up this open air mall you'll find familiar staples like Urban Outfitters, Levi, Diesel and Starbucks located along the well-groomed topiaries shaped like animals. A half a dozen swim wear shops are also on hand in case you forgot your bathing suit. A healthy dose of art galleries with local artists work and eclectic boutiques finish the mix. Street performers are always entertaining and will do anything to get a chuckle from performing magic tricks to break dancing. Talented acrobats and magicians are amazing at drawing large crowds for their free show. Twice a week the well known farmers' market sets up shop on Arizona between 2nd and 4th street.. The Santa Monica Playhouse (1211 4th Street) often has great entertainment by groups like the Actors Repertory Theatre. For serious mall rats, the Santa Monica Place Mall (4th Street & Broadway) has more shopping and a great food court for a quick bite on the go. There are three movie houses within the 3rd Street Promenade if you're looking to catch a film. If you want the chance to spot celebrities shopping your best bet is at Fred Segal (500 Broadway 310-458-8100). Located a block east from the 3rd Street Promenade, you never know who you might catch perusing the stylish department store/mini mall which houses the top designer names in fashion, house wares, cosmetics & accessories. Reportedly Jennifer Aniston, Jodie Foster, Julia Roberts and Pamela Anderson have all made a pit stop here.

As the sun goes down and your stomach begins to rumble then get ready to hit the culinary scene in Santa Monica with a vengeance. Here are a few spots you might want to consider.

Carnivorous appetites should visit BOA Steakhouse, located at 101 Santa Monica Blvd. at Ocean Avenue. (310-899-4466). Dining reservations are strongly recommended on weekend nights. White table-clothed tables line the rectangular dining area which is swathed in warm light, handsome banqueted and an Asian-inspired feel of bamboo and sleek designs. Even though the atmosphere is not designed in a traditional steakhouse prototype, the menu certainly proves its worth. Try the petit Filet Mignons with fancy string onions and garlic mashed potatoes and don't forget to pair it with one of Boa's signature sauces. You won't want to miss dessert, one eye-popping surprise that makes its way through the dining room is a big pink cloud of cotton candy.

Californians have always been known for their love of sushi. Hit Boa's sister establishment, Sushi Roku (1401 Ocean Avenue 310-458-4771; www.sushiroku.com) if your craving yellowtail or sashimi. Sushi Roku is also a great place for drinks in lounge like atmosphere. An outdoor patio is the perfect place for sampling the cantaloupe martini or a chilled Tokyo Lemon Drop.

You may have heard about The Ivy in L.A. but if you want to try and spy celebrities in Santa Monica try the sister restaurant, Ivy on the Shore, (1541 Ocean Avenue 310-393-311t). The combination of chic pastel colors, pineapples and tropical prints are reminiscent of a beach cove hideaway. The intimate dining room also has a great patio that is encased by a lattice framework for ultimate privacy. This is probably the best seat in the house and you never know what A-lister may be dining in the corner. A menu of classic staples includes fried chicken, grilled steak, fish & chips or a pizza fired up gourmet style.

Down the street in the Viceroy Hotel you can dine in Victorian shabby-chic at Whist (1819 Ocean Avenue 10-451-8711 or www.viceroysantamnoica.com). Named after an 18th century British card game, Whist deserves applause for creating a trendy restaurant within the Viceroy's sophisticated and modern lobby. You'll find a place that mixes vintage and classic with not only its interior but on it's menu as well. The poolside dining lit by candlelight makes it one of the most romantic spots in Santa Monica. Inside handsome black booths are surrounded buy a wall décor of interesting china. Entrees, which boast a California-French cuisine, include impressive items such as a duck confit or grilled cote de boeuf. Creatures of the sea like Tai snapper, poached cod, sea bass and roasted halibut are just a few things that might catch your eye. Afterwards you can mingle at the Cameo Bar, (also inside the Viceroy Hotel) where the liquid libations are always flowing in a glamorously retro setting. Martinis are always flowing and the Lucite tables and helplessly chic crowd on a weekend night make it all the more fun.