Best day trip from Andaz West Hollywood: Santa Monica & Venice
From Andaz West Hollywood, the easiest full-day trip is a drive or rideshare to Santa Monica and Venice — both beaches are roughly an 11–12 mile drive (about 15–20 minutes outside of peak traffic). Plan to start at Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade in the morning, then spend the afternoon walking the Venice Boardwalk and the nearby canals before returning to relax at The Sundeck or Riot House Restaurant.
In this guide
Plan your timing
Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach are about 11–12 miles from Andaz West Hollywood; without heavy traffic the drive can take roughly 15–20 minutes, but peak-hour travel will take longer. Allow extra time for parking or for finding a rideshare pickup/drop-off on Sunset Boulevard.
If you want quieter streets and cooler temperatures, aim to leave mid- to late-morning. Spend about 2–3 hours in Santa Monica and 2–3 hours exploring Venice for a comfortable full-day outing.
- Morning: Santa Monica Pier, beach time, Third Street Promenade
- Afternoon: Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, Venice Canals
- Evening: Return to Andaz West Hollywood for dinner or drinks
| Activity | Suggested time |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica Pier & beach | 2–3 hours |
| Third Street Promenade shopping/lunch | 1–2 hours |
| Venice Boardwalk & canals | 2–3 hours |
Getting there from Andaz West Hollywood
Driving or rideshare is the most direct option. The hotel does not operate a complimentary airport shuttle; the front desk can help arrange private transfers, taxis, or rideshare if you want help organizing pickup and drop-off.
Public transit is possible but slower: several Metro bus lines serve routes that can reach Santa Monica with transfers (for example, Line 2 or transfers to Rapid 720 or Line 4). Expect substantially longer travel times than driving.
- Rideshare/taxi: easiest door-to-door option from 8401 W Sunset Blvd
- Driving: allow extra time for traffic and parking near the pier/boardwalk
- Transit: requires transfers and more travel time; check current schedules
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rideshare/Taxi | Direct; door-to-door | Surge pricing possible in peak hours |
| Driving | Control over schedule; trunk for beach gear | Parking fees and limited spaces |
| Public transit | Lowest cost | Longer travel time and transfers |
Morning: Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade
Start at the Santa Monica Pier to take in the ocean views and stroll the boardwalk. The Pier has classic attractions, casual food stalls, and open views of the water — it’s a good place to orient yourself and take photos.
Walk east or west along the sand, then head inland to the Third Street Promenade for pedestrian shopping and lunch options. The Promenade is an open-air shopping district with street performers and several casual dining choices.
- Pier: ocean views and boardwalk atmosphere
- Beach: sun, sand, walking along the shoreline
- Third Street Promenade: shopping and restaurants
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive earlier on weekends | Fewer crowds near the pier and easier parking |
| Bring sunscreen and water | Limited shaded seating along the beach |
| Wear comfortable shoes | Promenade and pier surfaces are best explored on foot |
Afternoon: Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach & Canals
From Santa Monica, head south to Venice Beach to experience the boardwalk’s eclectic mix of performers, vendors, and muscle-gym culture at Muscle Beach. The energy is different from Santa Monica—more bohemian and street-oriented.
If you want something quieter, walk or take a short ride inland to the Venice Canals Historic District for tree-lined waterways and residential architecture. The canals provide a calm contrast to the busy beachfront.
- Venice Boardwalk: street performers, shops, and casual bites
- Muscle Beach: outdoor gym and people-watching
- Venice Canals: a quieter, picturesque neighborhood walk
| Area | Vibe |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk | Loud, busy, street-performance oriented |
| Muscle Beach | Fitness-focused, open-air gym scene |
| Canals | Quiet, residential, photo-friendly |
Food and drink recommendations
For casual beachside meals, both Santa Monica and Venice have walk-up stands, cafés, and sit-down restaurants near the Pier and along the boardwalk. If you prefer a restaurant back in West Hollywood after your day at the beach, Riot House Restaurant at Andaz West Hollywood serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with market-fresh California dishes.
If you want drinks with a view after you return, The Sundeck rooftop bar provides poolside drinks and panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip; bar hours vary seasonally, so check with the concierge.
- Riot House Restaurant: on-site option for dinner (serves breakfast and dinner; reservations accepted)
- The Sundeck: rooftop pool bar for cocktails and light fare (hours vary; pool open daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM)
- Riot House Market: grab-and-go coffee and pastries for a morning start
| On-site venue | Serves |
|---|---|
| Riot House Restaurant | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (reservations accepted) |
| Riot House Bar | Cocktails, California wines, microbrews (Tue–Sat 4:00 PM–10:00 PM) |
| The Sundeck | Poolside cocktails & light fare (hours vary) |
Return and unwind at Andaz West Hollywood
After a day on the coast, return to the hotel to freshen up — many room types offer city or hillside views; examples of room names you can book include Room (Sunset Boulevard View), Room (Hollywood Hills View), Suite, City View, Penthouse (Suite), and Andaz, Suite. Housekeeping and room service hours are listed on the hotel site if you need a late refresh.
If you’d rather keep the day going casually, The Sundeck and Riot House Bar let you trade beach views for city views. The hotel’s heated rooftop pool is open daily and can be a good place to relax before dinner.
- Room service runs daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM from the Riot House Market menu
- The rooftop pool is heated and open daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM (no lifeguard on duty; loungers first-come, first-served)
- Front desk can arrange transfers, give directions, and help with dining reservations
| Hotel amenity | Note |
|---|---|
| Heated rooftop pool | Open year-round 7:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| 24-hour fitness center | Complimentary for guests |
| Riot House Market | Grab-and-go coffee and snacks |
Practical tips and accessibility
Parking at beach areas can be limited and often requires a fee; if you plan to drive, budget extra time to find parking. Valet and self-parking at Andaz West Hollywood are available for a surcharge with in/out privileges for overnight guests.
Andaz West Hollywood provides complimentary Wi‑Fi property-wide and a 24-hour front desk that can help with maps, current transit information, and any arrangements for cab or rideshare pickups.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen for the beaches
- Check current traffic before you leave — LA travel times vary widely by hour
- If you need help planning, the hotel's front desk offers tours and ticket assistance
| Accessibility note | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Wheelchair-accessible routes, fitness center, and pool access per hotel listings |
| Beaches | Public access ramps in many locations; check local signage |
| Transit | Buses require boarding at curbside stops; not a direct rail option from West Hollywood |
