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TAKE A CAR-LESS VACATION WITH KATE SPADE!

07.19.11

By Joanne Tucker and Sheryll Alexander

For a car-less vacation par excellence, head to Santa Monica’s charming and uber hip Shutters on the Beach, which has recently rolled out a fleet of shiny green kate spade new york signature beach cruisers.

Yes, head over to the hotel’s beach activity center to rent these delightfully colorful handmade Italian cruisers by Adeline Adeline for $10 an hour or $25 for a full day. (Bikes are complimentary for guests in premier rooms and suites.)

Located right on the beach of Santa Monica Bay, Shutters on the Beach is within easy bike riding distance of the Santa Monica Pier and the auto-free Third Street Promenade, which is a rider’s paradise known for its movie theaters, restaurants, art galleries and animated street performers.

When it’s time to get on your bike, follow the kate spade new york neighborhood bike map, which is a customized list of local recommendations . Go where the locals go: the Oyster Shack on Ocean Avenue to down some salty bivalves, Sundae Best on Montana Avenue for frozen yogurt at 41 cents an ounce, A+R for cool and affordable designer finds.

After your invigorating ride, relax on Shutters pool deck with spectacular oven views, go to a beachside spa or take yoga lessons on the sand. Private pool cabanas with TV and mini-fridge is available. For those who are more energetic, you can surf, play beach volleyball or follow the beach path with local walkers and joggers.

Not only can you ride in style at Shutters on the Beach, each guest room and suite offers an upscale and low key feeling from the John Robshaw comforters on the beds to a Tibetan rug that sits atop hardwood floors. Bookcases are stocked with library and keepsakes, and the entertainment center contains a flat screen TV and iPod docks. All suites are equipped with iPads. Marble bathrooms feature flat screen TVs and whirlpool tubs.

Shutters on the Beach Hotel, One Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405, 310-458-0030, www.shuttersonthebeach.com

Santa Monica Place Opens

Re-opened just last year, Santa Monica Place is located two blocks from Shutters on the Beach and steps from Third Street Promenade. This three-level, open-air shopping and dining destination features Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Nike, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Burberry, among many others. The third-level “dining deck” has killer ocean views and six, chef-driven restaurants. Become a fan of Santa Monica Place on Facebook and you can pick up a complimentary tote bag at the center's level 1 concierge through Aug. 31 (filled with summer swag while supplies last). Visit facebook.com/SantaMonicaPlace.

Joanne Tucker and Sheryll Alexander are a mother-daughter writing and editing team based in Costa Mesa, California.

Travel

TAKE A CAR-LESS VACATION WITH KATE SPADE!

07.19.11

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