Santa Monica has a homey vibrancy about it that’s energising, exciting and fun. It’s my second home and offers the perfect balance of beach side charm, history and buzzing atmosphere. Whether it’s enjoying a crimson salty sunset, a stroll along the pier, fresh produce at the farmers markets or a night out making new memories, Santa Monica really delivers and has something for everyone.

The Santa Monica farmers markets are, in my opinion, some of the best markets in the world and the heart-beat of Santa Monica’s food movement. With four weekly farmers markets in different neighbourhoods, there are loads of forward-thinking small farmers showcasing weird and wonderful heirloom fruit and vegetables you never leave empty handed or uninspired.

One of the newest and hottest restaurants in Santa Monica and the go-to place for breezy sunset drinks and no fuss flavour packed food. Grab yourself an Aperol Spritz, the lobster spaghetti and porchetta and your set for a night to remember.

We’ve been in Santa Monica for close to three years now, flying the Aussie flag. We were one of the first Aussie cafes to bring our famous style of coffee and produce-led wholefood breaky and lunch to Santa Monica’s shores.

The vibe is super cool here with rustic wooden beams, exposed bricks, old-school ship-inspired lighting and, in my opinion, some of the best cocktails in town…

Santa Monica is the leading the wellness trend, Erewhon is the place to pick up all your organic produce, healthfood supplements and natural remedies. It’s also known as the supermarket of the stars.

Nothing says California and Santa Monica like a long, leisurely ride along the iconic oceanside path known to locals as “The Strand.” Hire a bike and take in the salty vibes and beach breeze.

Get down to the food truck lot on Main Street Tuesday evenings for a quick, cheap and delicious feed. I usually grab a little of everything then take it to the beach to watch the sunset.

Huckleberry Café has been a country-style breakfast and baked goods staple in Santa Monica for years. All organic, GMO-free, sourced local and made in house, Huckleberry’s freshly baked buttery pastries are to die for.

How could you come to Santa Monica and not walk down and explore the Santa Monica Pier? If you’re after the perfect Santa Monica photo, head to the end of the pier for uninterrupted views down the beach and back towards stunning Santa Monica.

If you’re a sport fan, making the pilgrimage to the Staples Centre down town is a must. With the new metro rail line leaving from Santa Monica, it’s now super simple and cheap to make a trip down town. You can have a day at the beach then finish with a game of basketball – no fuss no traffic.

Santa Monica’s the perfect centre location to hire a car from and take a daytrip. My top three favourite day trips have to be hiking in the Malibu Hills, Griffith Observatory Sunset and a Long Beach surf check.