The Ultimate End-of-Summer Girls’ Trip in Santa Monica

There is no better way to end your summer than with a girls' trip.

If you’ve been craving a trip with your girls that includes sunshine, a beach, amazing food, but doesn’t completely wreck your wellness routine, Santa Monica is your dream destination. My girlfriends and I spent a few dreamy days at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, and honestly, it was everything.

Here’s my full guide to planning the perfect girls’ trip to Santa Monica: where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and even what to pack so you can make the most of every moment.

Where to Stay: Santa Monica Proper Hotel

The Proper isn’t just a hotel, it’s a whole vibe. Designed by Kelly Wearstler (my idol), it’s the kind of place that feels luxurious but also super easy to settle into.

Why I loved it:

• Health & wellness-focused with an in-house Ayurvedic spa (Surya Spa) plus recovery rooms (complete with an Ammortal Chamber) for the ultimate recharge.

• Rooftop pool + Calabra restaurant - sunsets here are magical.

• Complimentary bikes to cruise the beach path.

• Walkability - you’re minutes from the beach, shops, Erewhon, and some of the best restaurants.

Pro Tip: Book with your Amex Platinum through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program to unlock perks like a room upgrade, late checkout, $80 daily breakfast credit, and a $100 property credit.

What to Do: Wellness, Adventure & Shopping

Here’s how we balanced the trip, some movement, some shopping, and plenty of downtime.

• Erewhon Runs – Yes, Erewhon is a destination. It became our daily morning ritual. We'd walk over for a smootie (the Hailey Bieber smoothie is overpriced, but somehow still worth it), grab wellness shots, and people-watch

• Workout Options – The hotel gym is super nice, and it even has a reformer for Pilates fans. If you want something more dynamic, take a CorePower class nearby to sweat, stretch, and feel energized for the rest of the day.

• Rooftop Pool Day – eserve a lounger at Calabra, order some food, and sip on an Aperol Spritz while taking in the ocean views. Pro tip: lather on sunscreen (we underestimated the California sun and got seriously sunburned the first day).

• Bike to Venice Beach –  In the afternoon, hop on the hotel bikes and cruise the beach path down to Venice for lunch and shopping. Don’t miss watching the skaters at the legendary skate park or wandering through the Venice Canals for a quieter, picture-perfect vibe.

• Shopping – Malibu Country Mart for chic boutiques, Great Labels for luxe consignment finds, plus Montana Ave and Abbot Kinney for unique local spots.

• Spa Day at Surya Spa – This is not your average spa visit. Surya Spa offers Ayurvedic treatments that feel more like rituals than massages. Afterward, head to the recovery suite for cold plunges, sauna time, red light therapy, compression boots, and even the futuristic Ammortal Chamber. It’s the ultimate reset.

• Dirty Martinis at Hillstone – One night, make your way to Hillstone for dirty martinis. It’s the perfect low-key but elevated nightcap spot.

Where to Eat: The Highlights

We made food the centerpiece of this trip, and every spot delivered. Here’s what made the list (and what you have to order):

Lunch & Midday Bites

• Nobu Malibu – An icon for a reason. Go for lunch so you can actually see the ocean views while you eat sushi. Book way in advance.

• Gjelina – Venice classic. Must-orders: the smoked trout salad and mushroom pizza. You’ll want to share a bunch of plates here.

Dinner & Sunset Vibes

• Elephante – Rooftop, fun energy, and Mediterranean plates that are perfect for sharing. Whatever you do, get the eggplant dip, it’s unreal (take a lactaid before and after).

• Birdie G’s – Comfort food but elevated. The pickle chick cutlet is a must, and pairing it with one of their dirty martinis is basically peak happiness.

• Calabra (at the Proper) – We loved doing dinner here one night. Sunset views, Aperol spritzes, and a menu that feels fancy but still relaxed.

• Bavel (DTLA) – Worth the drive for some of the best modern Middle Eastern food in California.

Breakfast & Brunch

• PetitGrain Boulangerie – The pastries are amazing, but the cinnamon roll? Game over. It’s like if a croissant and a cinnamon roll had the most perfect baby.

• Palma (at the Proper) – Chill breakfast spot with fresh California-style plates and really good coffee. Perfect way to ease into the day.

What to Pack: Stylish Meets Functional

Packing for Santa Monica is all about effortless style. Here’s what was in our suitcases:

• Comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking and biking a lot. Sneaker, comfy sandals, and a pair of heels.

• Athletic wear – For Erewhon runs, spa lounging, and morning walks.

• Linen sets – Easy, breezy, and perfect for day-to-night dressing.

• Silk coords – For your fancier dinners like Nobu or Elephante.

• Swimsuit + cover-up – Rooftop pool days are a must.

• Light jacket or oversized blazer – Evenings can get cool by the ocean.

Travel Hacks & Insider Tips

• Use Amex Platinum to book your hotel for VIP perks

• Reserve all popular restaurants 2–3 weeks in advance using Resy or OpenTable

• Midweek trips (Monday–Thursday) mean lighter crowds and better availability

• Pack light – You’ll want extra space for shopping finds

• Uber or walk – Everything is close enough that you don’t need a rental car

Final Thoughts

This trip was the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, wellness, and fun. Santa Monica has just the right balance of city energy and beach-town chill, making it ideal for a girls’ getaway. By the end of our stay, we genuinely felt relaxed, at ease, and recharged, and more connected with each other than ever. If you’ve been looking for a sign to plan that girls’ trip, this is it. Book it, pack your linen sets, and get ready to make memories and reconnect with your girls.