One Perfect Day in Santa Monica with 5-hour ENERGY®

Summer is here! And I’m so excited to partner with the makers of 5-hour ENERGY® and Travel Mindset to share “One Perfect Day” in my hometown of Santa Monica, California. The best part about living in Los Angeles for the past twelve years is the endless amount of (free) outdoor adventures right in my own backyard. With the help of 5-hour ENERGY® shots, let’s power up and get moving!

SURFING SANTA MONICA BEACH

Nothing beats starting my day like the Pacific Ocean splashing in my face during morning surf. Santa Monica Beach offers a 3.5 mile stretch of water with the iconic backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pier. The size of the waves are perfect for those with beginner to intermediate skills. If you’re in need of a board, check out Poseidon Paddle and Surf for all your rental needs.

ENJOYING AN ACAI BOWL

In addition to powering up my perfect day with a 5-hour ENERGY® shot to feel alert and energized, hands down my favorite breakfast is a yummy acai bowl. My go-to is Dogtown on Main Street. This local hot spot with a surfer vibe serves up delicious health conscious breakfast all day.

WORKING OUT AT MUSCLE BEACH

Next up, a quick and free workout at Muscle Beach. Contrary to popular belief, the “Original” Muscle Beach was located just south of the Santa Monica Pier since the 1930s, not Venice! I love working out here to the crash of the waves, fresh ocean air and non-traditional gym equipment like climbing ropes and rings.

Before moving to Santa Monica I had never heard of omusubi. I’m now OBSESSED! Omusubi are Japanese rice balls with different fillings inside wrapped in seaweed. Sunny Blue is the first and only omusubi joint in Southern California and has perfected these grab and go healthy substitutes for a traditional lunch sandwich. My finger-licking trifecta is Miso Beef, Tokyo Tori (chicken) and Wasabi Tsukudani.

HIKING TEMESCAL CANYON

A perfect day in Los Angeles would be incomplete without hiking! After refueling with a tasty 5-hour ENERGY® shot (my favorites regular berry and extra strength peach mango), my go-to trail close to Santa Monica is the Temescal Canyon loop. This popular hike (ranging from 2.6 to over 5 miles) through the Santa Monica Mountains offers coastline and city views, rugged terrain and even waterfalls.


FEASTING ON MEXICAN

To wrap up my one perfect day in Santa Monica, it’s a no brainer for me – Lula’s! The restaurant’s loud and vibrant decor, fun and wacky artwork, friendly staff that knows me by name, and delicious Mexican cuisine makes it my most frequented dinner spot. iMe encanta Lula’s! I can always count on leaving Lula’s with a smile on my face and a full belly. Watch out for the unlimited chips and salsa so you save enough room for your actual meal!

WIN AN ADVENTURE TRIP

That’s my one perfect day in Santa Monica with 5-hour ENERGY® shots! If you want to spend a few perfect days in a new destination enter the Power Up Your Summer sweepstakes by July 15, 2019. You could win 1 of 5 adventure trips to California, Arizona, Nevada or Florida. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Msg & Data Rates may apply. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. / D.C., age 18+ Void outside 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Ends 7/15/19. For full Official Rules and how to enter without purchase, visit www.5hewin.com.

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About justin

Welcome to Your Bucket List Guide, an inspirational travel brand founded by me, Justin Walter. I am an on-camera travel host, expert, journalist, producer, writer and content creator with over 17+ years of experience in the travel and entertainment industries.

I fell in love with the idea of traveling the world through the TV show Survivor. It inspired me to live and work in Australia at the age of 21 where I took my first ever solo backpacking trip to the Australian Outback. There I vowed to build a life and career prioritizing connection and adventure through travel.

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