There’s something transformative about traveling alone. When the day is yours to shape, even simple moments take on new meaning—a morning walk to the café, a seat by the ocean, the joy of following your curiosity without a timeline. In Santa Monica, solo travel feels less like escape and more like arrival. And tucked into one of its most peaceful neighborhoods, The Ambrose Hotel offers a place to land softly and explore deeply at your own pace.
Morning Moments: Your Time, Your Way
Wake slowly. Pull on a plush robe, move through the morning light, and step outside—perhaps onto a private terrace or patio, where the breeze already carries the scent of eucalyptus and salt air.
This is where your solo Santa Monica story begins: in a guest room that feels more like a serene guesthouse than a hotel. Natural textures, luxury linens, and oversized showerheads invite everyday indulgence. Whether you linger with a journal or stretch into a few yoga poses, the space itself encourages a calm start.
Breakfast can be enjoyed in the hotel’s cozy, living-room-style lounge—or delivered to your door. California classics like avocado toast and acai bowls are on offer. Or stroll to Tartine or Sidecar Doughnuts for something sweet.
Ready to explore? Hop on a complimentary bike and ride the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, skimming the edge of the Pacific. Just a few minutes inland, the Santa Monica Farmers Market awaits. Taste berries, smell sun-warmed citrus, and linger at a flower stand—no rush, no need to be anywhere else.
Afternoons for Wandering and Wonder
By midday, Santa Monica hums with energy. Solo afternoons here are made for following your instincts.
Art lovers can start at Bergamot Station, a sprawling hub of contemporary galleries. Or take a ride up the coast to the Getty Villa, where ocean views meet ancient Roman and Greek antiquities.
Prefer something more intimate? Browse the curated shelves of Zibby’s Bookshop or Angel City Books. If shopping calls, explore the open-air charm of 3rd Street Promenade, the boutiques of Montana Avenue, or the clean-lined elegance of Santa Monica Place.
When you’re ready to slow down again, Palisades Park stretches along the bluffs with some of the best views in town. Or make your way to the sand, kick off your shoes, and walk the shoreline, barefoot and unbound.
Evenings That Unwind With You
As the sun sinks low and the ocean slips into shadow, the city softens. It’s a beautiful time to simply take it in, from a blufftop bench or the iconic Santa Monica Pier as the lights begin to cast their glow.
Dinner means no compromise. Grab a table at Élephante, where coastal Italian dishes and ocean air set the tone for an easy, golden-hour kind of evening. Or treat yourself to something special at Pasjoli—a refined take on French cuisine that feels both indulgent and entirely earned. And if connection calls, come for our daily Santa Monica Sips tasting, or settle into a cozy corner of the lounge, surrounded by books, botanicals, local art, and the low flicker of the fireplace.
In the mood for a nightcap? Head to The Misfit for a well-made cocktail in a vintage-inspired space, or try Rustic Canyon for a thoughtful glass of wine and a cozy corner table.
Back at The Ambrose, the day winds down gently. Curl up for a favorite film, or savor a still moment with a book and a calming tea from the lobby. However you unwind, it’s easy to feel at home here.
Come As You Are
Solo travel is often less about being alone and more about returning to yourself. In Santa Monica, that kind of connection happens naturally. And at The Ambrose, it’s honored in every detail.
Here, stillness is easy, self-care is intuitive, and the pace is entirely your own. This is a place that meets you where you are.
Travel your way. Stay with intention. Leave restored. Your room awaits.