A  California getaway would be incomplete without soaking up the sun, sand and sights of its fabled beaches. Whether you’re taking the family to Disneyland or star-spotting in Hollywood, supplement your LA stay, by heading west for a night or two on the sun-bleached sands of Santa Monica.  Conjuring images of Baywatch and the strains of the Beach Boys playing on my mind, and just 30 minutes away from LAX,  it’s the ideal pit-stop, for a pre or post long-haul flight across the Pacific.

It was Vasco Nunez de Balboa who first laid European eyes on the southern Californian coastline in 1513. Ever since then, the world has continued to admire this 50km stretch of golden sand, and the photogenic backdrop of the Santa Monica mountains. From exclusive Malibu in the north to the self-explanatory South Bay, this golden expanse is one great playground, below the bluffs.

Santa Monica is such a disarming seaside city, with a pedestrian-friendly town centre, Third Street Promenade, a carefree melting-pot for street theatre, strollers, al fresco cafes and vibrant retail. Andean flute music intermingles with string quartets. Every Wednesday and Saturday, Arizona Ave plays host to the feverishly popular farmers market, first established nearly 35 years ago.

Some recent openings that tickled my fancy? Yogurtland on Santa Monica Boulevard; Larissa Love Cosmetics, a stunning new unisex bath and body products boutique on Montana Ave; XCVI in Santa Monica Place, a new bazaar-style pop-up store with a bohemian aesthetic. Santa Monica Pier is the oldest in California and is an atmospheric place to soak up the rays and the welcome ocean breeze.

The prime attraction, Pacific Park, boasts all manner of amusement rides including the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. The Carousel is the pier’s grand old resident, which has been merrily hosting ride-on children since 1922. Plus the hands-on Santa Monica Aquarium remains a gold-star family favourite. At the foot of the pier, the original Muscle Beach (now located in Venice Beach), where Southern California introduced to the world the exercise craze in the 1950s.

To the north, the palm-fringed Pacific Coast Highway winds its way through Pacific Palisades and Malibu. These tight-knit communities have long been associated with surfing, celebrities and exclusivity. For a taster, an easy way to soak up the scenery is to jump on a metro bus from Santa Monica. Enjoy an unpretentious, affordable bite at the charismatic Malibu Farm Café, at the ocean end of the pier, as you admire the surfers riding the crystal-tipped waves. South of Santa Monica, take the beach walk and bike trail to the hedonistic, shabby-chic hot-bed of Venice Beach and Muscle Beach, where beauty and the buff jostle with whimsy and the wacky.

 Kermit would be so content at the Shore Hotel, living it up in the lap of green-conscious luxury, with a celestial view across the road to Santa Monica Pier and the golden Californian beach scene.  www.shorehotel.com

From the moment I checked in, it fast become self-evident why this three year old beachside hotel and its exceptionally charming staff have deservedly been showered with so many accolades. Not only does it enjoy a prime position on Ocean Avenue, just a short stroll away from the landmark sights, but the Shore’s eco-minded ethos transcends all aspects to the stylish property.

Enjoy a fruit-infused glass of water or champagne on arrival as you marvel the giant windows fronting the hotel, maximising the solar rays. Guestrooms revel in beach hues of turquoise and orange, with aqua throws, sand-colour curtains, rich teakwood furnishings and your own private balcony. On-site amenities include free WiFi, a state-of-the-art gym, solar-heated pool and delightful hot tub, cocktail bar, and a farm-to-table restaurant. Blue Plate Taco serves inexpensive, delicious meals and the sangria is stunning. Santa Monica’s most energy-efficient, environmentally-advanced hotel walks the talk.

For example, after your first night, receive $10 off your room bill each day for not utilising housekeeping, over an extended stay. Another thoughtful touch is the hotel’s embrace of the wider community, with inventive shared spaces, like the blurring of the line between the footpath and hotel entrance, outfitted with park benches for public use. Take advantage of the hotel’s hire bikes, to soak up the magnificence of the Santa Monica bike path. 

By Mike Yardley, Newstalk ZB’s Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturdays. 11.20am

A  California getaway would be incomplete without soaking up the sun, sand and sights of its fabled beaches. Whether you’re taking the family to Disneyland or star-spotting in Hollywood, supplement your LA stay, by heading west for a night or two on the sun-bleached sands of Santa Monica.  Conjuring images of Baywatch and the strains of the Beach Boys playing on my mind, and just 30 minutes away from LAX,  it’s the ideal pit-stop, for a pre or post long-haul flight across the Pacific. It was Vasco Nunez de Balboa who first laid European eyes on the southern Californian coastline in 1513. Ever since then, the world has continued to admire this 50km stretch of golden sand, and the photogenic backdrop of the Santa Monica mountains. From exclusive Malibu in the north to the self-explanatory South Bay, this golden expanse is one great playground, below the bluffs. Santa Monica is such a disarming seaside city, with a pedestrian-friendly town centre, Third Street Promenade, a carefree melting-pot for street theatre, strollers, al fresco cafes and vibrant retail. Andean flute music intermingles with string quartets. Every Wednesday and Saturday, Arizona Ave plays host to the feverishly popular farmers market, first established nearly 35 years ago. Some recent openings that tickled my fancy? Yogurtland on Santa Monica Boulevard; Larissa Love Cosmetics, a stunning new unisex bath and body products boutique on Montana Ave; XCVI in Santa Monica Place, a new bazaar-style pop-up store with a bohemian aesthetic. Santa Monica Pier is the oldest in California and is an atmospheric place to soak up the rays and the welcome ocean breeze. The prime attraction, Pacific Park, boasts all manner of amusement rides including the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. The Carousel is the pier’s grand old resident, which has been merrily hosting ride-on children since 1922. Plus the hands-on Santa Monica Aquarium remains a gold-star family favourite. At the foot of the pier, the original Muscle Beach (now located in Venice Beach), where Southern California introduced to the world the exercise craze in the 1950s. To the north, the palm-fringed Pacific Coast Highway winds its way through Pacific Palisades and Malibu. These tight-knit communities have long been associated with surfing, celebrities and exclusivity. For a taster, an easy way to soak up the scenery is to jump on a metro bus from Santa Monica. Enjoy an unpretentious, affordable bite at the charismatic Malibu Farm Café, at the ocean end of the pier, as you admire the surfers riding the crystal-tipped waves. South of Santa Monica, take the beach walk and bike trail to the hedonistic, shabby-chic hot-bed of Venice Beach and Muscle Beach, where beauty and the buff jostle with whimsy and the wacky. Kermit would be so content at the Shore Hotel, living it up in the lap of green-conscious luxury, with a celestial view across the road to Santa Monica Pier and the golden Californian beach scene.  www.shorehotel.comFrom the moment I checked in, it fast become self-evident why this three year old beachside hotel and its exceptionally charming staff have deservedly been showered with so many accolades. Not only does it enjoy a prime position on Ocean Avenue, just a short stroll away from the landmark sights, but the Shore’s eco-minded ethos transcends all aspects to the stylish property. Enjoy a fruit-infused glass of water or champagne on arrival as you marvel the giant windows fronting the hotel, maximising the solar rays. Guestrooms revel in beach hues of turquoise and orange, with aqua throws, sand-colour curtains, rich teakwood furnishings and your own private balcony. On-site amenities include free WiFi, a state-of-the-art gym, solar-heated pool and delightful hot tub, cocktail bar, and a farm-to-table restaurant. Blue Plate Taco serves inexpensive, delicious meals and the sangria is stunning. Santa Monica’s most energy-efficient, environmentally-advanced hotel walks the talk. For example, after your first night, receive $10 off your room bill each day for not utilising housekeeping, over an extended stay. Another thoughtful touch is the hotel’s embrace of the wider community, with inventive shared spaces, like the blurring of the line between the footpath and hotel entrance, outfitted with park benches for public use. Take advantage of the hotel’s hire bikes, to soak up the magnificence of the Santa Monica bike path.  By Mike Yardley, Newstalk ZB’s Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturdays. 11.20am