Santa Marta is a coastal city near the sea known for its palm trees and beaches. It has a warm climate between 30 to 38 degrees Celsius, though temperatures can drop to 22 degrees due to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Some of Santa Marta's top tourist destinations include El Rodadero beach, El Parque Tayrona, and La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro. The author recounts visiting these places with their family and enjoying the beaches as one of their best experiences in Santa Marta.