United States of America

Experience one of California’s most famous beach cities with Questo's self-guided walking tours and city treasure hunts. Follow clues, solve puzzles, and immerse yourself in interactive stories as you explore Santa Monica’s ocean views, lively streets, and iconic landmarks.

From mystery games on the Santa Monica Pier to clue-filled adventures through Third Street Promenade and along the Pacific Coast, each quest blends sightseeing with immersive storytelling. You will visit Palisades Park, Santa Monica State Beach, Annenberg Community Beach House, and hidden gems like Tongva Park — all at your own pace, with no guide required.

Perfect for couples on a romantic outing, families with kids, groups of friends, or solo travelers, Questo turns "things to do in Santa Monica" into live, interactive adventures. Start anytime, pause for beachfront dining or shopping, and experience Santa Monica’s mix of sun, sand, and culture in a way you will never forget.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier, located at the western end of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the West Coast. This historic pier, which stretches out into the Pacific Ocean, has been a beloved destination for both locals and tourists since it opened in 1909. Combining the charm of a classic amusement park with breathtaking ocean views, the Santa Monica Pier offers a quintessential Southern California experience.What makes Santa Monica Pier unique is its blend of attractions, history, and stunning scenery. The pier is home to Pacific Park, an amusement park featuring a solar-powered Ferris wheel, which is the first of its kind and offers spectacular views of the coastline. Visitors can also enjoy a classic carousel, arcade games, and various food stalls serving everything from cotton candy to gourmet seafood. Another notable attraction on the pier is the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, where visitors can learn about marine life native to the Pacific Ocean.The pier is also a cultural hub, hosting various events, concerts, and outdoor movies throughout the year. Its rich history is celebrated in the Santa Monica Pier's historic buildings, including the Looff Hippodrome, which houses the carousel and is a National Historic Landmark. The pier is not just a place for entertainment; it's also a great spot for fishing, with locals and tourists often casting their lines off the end of the pier.The best time to visit Santa Monica Pier is during the late afternoon or early evening. This timing allows visitors to experience the lively atmosphere of the pier as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the ocean and the iconic Ferris wheel lights up the night. No tickets are required to access the pier, although individual attractions like Pacific Park rides and the aquarium do charge fees.Santa Monica Pier has also made its mark in popular culture, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and music videos. It has been featured in movies such as Forrest Gump, where the pier serves as the endpoint of Forrest's cross-country run, and in Iron Man, where it adds to the vibrant backdrop of Tony Stark's Malibu lifestyle.In addition to its cinematic fame, the pier is associated with local legends, including tales of ghostly apparitions that wander its historic walkways. Whether you're interested in the history, the thrill of the rides, or simply soaking in the ocean views, Santa Monica Pier offers something for everyone. Its blend of entertainment, history, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination in Southern California.

Santa Monica Pier

The Looff Hippodrome, located on the iconic Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, is a historic gem that captures the charm of early 20th-century American amusement parks. Built in 1916 by master carousel builder Charles I. D. Looff, the Hippodrome is one of the last remaining structures of its kind and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.What makes the Looff Hippodrome truly unique is its architectural style and historical significance. The building itself is an example of a blend of Moorish, Byzantine, and Victorian design elements, with intricate wooden carvings, colorful stained glass windows, and ornate details that reflect the opulence of the era. The centerpiece of the Hippodrome is the vintage carousel, which features hand-carved wooden horses and chariots, each one a work of art. This carousel is one of the few remaining original Looff carousels in the world, making it a rare and treasured piece of Americana.The best time to visit the Looff Hippodrome is during the day when the carousel is in operation, allowing visitors to enjoy a ride on this historic attraction. The Hippodrome is open year-round, and while there is no fee to enter the building, there is a small charge for riding the carousel. The experience is well worth it, as the carousel still plays its original band organ music, transporting riders back to the early 1900s.The Looff Hippodrome is not only a historic landmark but also a cultural icon that has appeared in various films and television shows. It has been featured in movies like The Sting (1973) and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969), both of which used the location to evoke the nostalgic ambiance of early amusement parks. The building’s unique architecture and picturesque setting have made it a favorite filming location for productions looking to capture a slice of Americana.Adding to its allure are the local legends and ghost stories that have become part of the Hippodrome’s lore. Some say that the spirits of those who once enjoyed the carousel still linger, with reports of mysterious sounds and sights occurring late at night.In summary, the Looff Hippodrome is a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience a piece of Santa Monica’s storied past. Whether you’re riding the carousel, taking in the historic architecture, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the Santa Monica Pier, the Looff Hippodrome offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Looff Hippodrome

Palisades Park, stretching along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California, is a breathtaking coastal park that offers visitors stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Spanning 26 acres from Colorado Avenue to Adelaide Drive, the park is perched on a bluff, providing panoramic vistas of the Santa Monica Bay, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and the distant mountains.What makes Palisades Park truly unique is its blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural landmarks. The park is lined with palm trees, vibrant flower beds, and winding walking paths that invite visitors to take leisurely strolls or find a quiet spot to relax. The gentle ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore create a serene ambiance that draws both locals and tourists alike. The park is dotted with public art installations, historic monuments, and benches where visitors can sit and take in the view.One of the park’s most famous features is the Camera Obscura Art Lab, a quirky and historic attraction that dates back to 1898. This fascinating device uses light and mirrors to project a 360-degree live image of the surrounding area onto a viewing table inside a small building. It’s a must-see for those interested in old-world technology and offers a unique perspective of Santa Monica.The best time to visit Palisades Park is during the day, particularly around sunrise or sunset when the lighting is at its most magical. The sunsets here are legendary, with the sky often ablaze in shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. The park is open year-round, and there is no entrance fee, making it an accessible and affordable destination for everyone.Palisades Park has also made its mark in popular culture, serving as a picturesque setting in various films and television shows. Its scenic beauty and quintessential Southern California vibe have been captured in productions such as La La Land (2016) and Forrest Gump (1994), adding to its allure as a destination for movie buffs.In addition to its cinematic history, Palisades Park is steeped in local legends. One of the most enduring tales is that of the “Lady in White,” a ghostly figure said to wander the park at night, particularly near the statue of Saint Monica, the city’s namesake. Though the legend adds a touch of mystery, the park is generally considered a safe and tranquil place to visit.Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to meditate, a scenic spot for photography, or simply a beautiful location to enjoy a walk, Palisades Park offers something for everyone. With its spectacular ocean views, historical attractions, and serene atmosphere, it’s a quintessential part of the Santa Monica experience.

Palisades Park

See Santa Monica with a self-guided walking tour game. Follow clues, unlock stories, and explore charming streets and secret corners on foot.

Outdoor Things to Do in Santa Monica: Self-Guided Quest Game

Los Angeles

Superhero Support Team: Santa Monica

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The Oz Escape in Santa Monica

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Marie

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Brad Simanski

Burbank

Torrance

Glendale, CA

Downey

Pasadena

United Kingdom

London

About the London Transport Museum

The Royal Opera House

The National Gallery of London

Chinatown London

Trafalgar Square in London

Palace Theater

The Ten Bells Spitalfields

Truman Brewery

The Tabernacle

Notting Hill Bookshop

Green Park

Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace

St Paul's Cathedral

Kensington Palace

New York City

Rockefeller Center

Grand Central Station

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bow Bridge

Cherry Lane Theatre

Washington Square Arch

Chrysler Building

New York Public Library

NYU Elmer Holmes Bobst Library

Fiorello H. LaGuardia Monument

Strawberry Fields

American Museum of Natural History

Hans Christian Andersen Monument

 Bethesda Terrace

Central Park

Central Prk W

Belvedere Castle

Oak Bridge

 Borough Hall

Columbus Park

Romania

Bucharest

Stavropoleos Monastery

Macca-Villacroise Passage

Muzeul Satului Dimitrie Gusti Bucuresti (Village Museum)

Muzeul de Stiinte Naturale Grigore Antipa (Museum of Natural Sciences)

Australia

Sydney

Hyde Park Barracks

Robert Brough Memorial Fountain

Forgotten Songs art installation

Tank Stream Plaque

Brown Bear Lane Mural 

Cockatoo Island Ferry Wharf

Coal Bunker

Sutherland Dock

Dog Leg Tunnel

Historic Residence Precinct

Customs House

Tank Stream Fountain

Cadmans Cottage

Campbell's Stores

Observatory Hill

Hickson Rd

Sydney Cove Map

Jack Mundey Sculpture

Foundation Park

First Impressions Sculpture 

Hyde Park

Matthew Flinders Statue

Il Porcellino

Dobell Memorial Sculpture

Lloyd Rees Fountain

Richard Johnson Obelisk

Il Porcellino 

Lloyd Rees Fountain 

Thomas Sutcliff Mort

Lloyd Rees Fountain Sydney

St James’s Square Sydney

Cenotaph

Royal Clock

Queen Victoria Statue

Cupid Statue

The Wishing Tree

Folly for Mrs Macquarie

Commissioner’s Steps Circular Quay

Campbells Cove

Girra Girra Steps

Washington D.C.

United States Capitol

Supreme Court of the United States

Library of Congress

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

International Spy Museum

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

National Museum of the American Indian

The Washington Monument

National Gallery of Art

Connecticut Avenue Overlook Park

Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown

Melbourne

Flinders Street Station

Parliament House

The Princess Theatre

Her Majesty's Theatre

Hotel Windsor

AC/DC Lane Graffiti

Meyers Place

Coles Fountain

Cook's Cottage

The Faeries Tree

St Paul's Cathedral 

Chinatown 

Larry La Trobe

Cashmore On Collins

St Paul’s Cathedral

Federation Square

Chinatown

Queen Victoria Market

La Mama HQ

MCC Museum and MCG Tours

Sir Donald Bradman Statue

Philadelphia

Liberty Bell

Benjamin Franklin's Grave

Christ Church

Elfreth's Alley

Penn's Landing

National Constitution Center

The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Dorrance H. Hamilton Bulding

Philadelphia Muses Mural

Forrest Theatre

Lubert Plaza

Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago

Crown Fountain

Cloud Gate

BP Pedestrian Bridge

Chicago History Museum

Lincoln Park Zoo

 Ping Tom Memorial Park

Tribune Tower

DuSable Bridge

Old Chicago Water Tower District

Holy Name Cathedral Rectory

Flying Dragon

Founders Wall

Oz Park

N Lincoln Park W

Metro Theater

The Riviera Theatre

Wrigley Field

Farm in the Zoo

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Santa Monica Detective Mystery: Infiltrate a Secret Society!

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Explore 12 Santa Monica landmarks: The best way to discover Santa Monica

Looff Hippodrome

Santa Monica Pier

Palisades Park

About Santa Monica