Guidebook for Santa Monica
Drinks & Nightlife
Josie
2424 Pico BoulevardFine dining. Check out the wine bar , Josie's 'Next Door'.
I love Hillstone for contemporary fusion American fare with impeccable service, and an amazing rainbow roll! Everything is superior, even the cole slaw. Great wines, dark and hopping!
50 locals recommend
Hillstone
202 Wilshire BlvdI love Hillstone for contemporary fusion American fare with impeccable service, and an amazing rainbow roll! Everything is superior, even the cole slaw. Great wines, dark and hopping!
Food Scene
Super fresh organic brunch and coffee in an outdoor cafe setting. Excellent lox plate.
26 locals recommend
Lazy Daisy Cafe
2300 Pico BlvdSuper fresh organic brunch and coffee in an outdoor cafe setting. Excellent lox plate.
Grey Block Pizza
1811 Pico BlvdAward wining pizza. No table service.
Classic homemade customizable Italian style menu, huge servings... totally bohemian. Always super busy, worth the wait. No reservations.
76 locals recommend
Fritto Misto
620 Santa Monica BlvdClassic homemade customizable Italian style menu, huge servings... totally bohemian. Always super busy, worth the wait. No reservations.
European style indoor- outdoor cafe, organic coffee, homemade treats and sandwiches. Awesome spicy tuna sandwich. No wifi, not open sunday.
16 locals recommend
18th Street Coffee House
1677 BroadwayEuropean style indoor- outdoor cafe, organic coffee, homemade treats and sandwiches. Awesome spicy tuna sandwich. No wifi, not open sunday.
Cafe Bolivar
1741 Ocean Park Blvd3 block walk. Superior handmade coffees and ethnic treats.
Delicious home-made Mediterranean meats and salads. I love the half-chicken. Informal dine in.
14 locals recommend
Z Garden Mediterranean Cuisine
2350 Pico BlvdDelicious home-made Mediterranean meats and salads. I love the half-chicken. Informal dine in.
Starbucks
12100 Santa Monica BlvdYes, of course… can't survive without it?
Subway
1801 Pico Blvd friendly service
Small family owned restaurant. Nice atmosphere, table service. Try any of the customizable bowls. I like the rainbow roll.
Cafe Doma Sushi
2200 Colorado AveSmall family owned restaurant. Nice atmosphere, table service. Try any of the customizable bowls. I like the rainbow roll.
Traditional American fare in a casual, low key atmosphere favored by celebrities. Reminds me of Jack Rabbits from Pulp Fiction.
116 locals recommend
Swingers
8020 Beverly BlvdTraditional American fare in a casual, low key atmosphere favored by celebrities. Reminds me of Jack Rabbits from Pulp Fiction.
La Sandía is dialed up Mexican and WAY too many tequila choices! The chips are piping hot, the salsa is homemade, the entrees are unexpectedly creative and complex. Next to rooftop views of the ocean.
7 locals recommend
La Sandia Santa Monica
395 Santa Monica PlLa Sandía is dialed up Mexican and WAY too many tequila choices! The chips are piping hot, the salsa is homemade, the entrees are unexpectedly creative and complex. Next to rooftop views of the ocean.
Everything Else
Andy's Cleaners
1302 Pico BlvdSweet mom and pop service.
Ralphs
1644 Cloverfield BlvdBasic grocery, also has fresh sushi, salad bar, deli.
Rite Aid
888 Lincoln BlvdAll the basics
Yummy.com
1308 Pico BlvdBoutique grocery, deli salads. They deliver.
With a day-pass you can get a great workout in a boutique high-end gym. They have excellent trainers.
IRON Fitness Gym Brentwood
11601 Wilshire BlvdWith a day-pass you can get a great workout in a boutique high-end gym. They have excellent trainers.
This is a multi-site location for a variety of exciting art displays, shows and gatherings.
102 locals recommend
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan AveThis is a multi-site location for a variety of exciting art displays, shows and gatherings.
Big name and local talent theater shows in a modern venue.
26 locals recommend
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
1310 11th StBig name and local talent theater shows in a modern venue.
By far the largest, most diverse farmer's market you will ever see! Don't try to drive and park. Take the bus, or a cab.
819 locals recommend
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd StBy far the largest, most diverse farmer's market you will ever see! Don't try to drive and park. Take the bus, or a cab.
This hotel is great for classic LA mingling by the bar or outdoors on the expansive terrace by the pool. It's dressy and classy. Valet only, but worth it! Go alone or go with friends.
35 locals recommend
Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean AveThis hotel is great for classic LA mingling by the bar or outdoors on the expansive terrace by the pool. It's dressy and classy. Valet only, but worth it! Go alone or go with friends.
Some people only dream about someday seeing the Pacific Ocean from atop the Santa Monica pier Ferris wheel. Recently it was replaced by a modernized hi tech LED light display... Do this at sunset!
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierSome people only dream about someday seeing the Pacific Ocean from atop the Santa Monica pier Ferris wheel. Recently it was replaced by a modernized hi tech LED light display... Do this at sunset!
This is a playful street full of your favorite retail stores plus a few surprises ( especially if you love shoes) AND performance art daily in the street. I have seen celebrities shopping here.
1595 locals recommend
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeThis is a playful street full of your favorite retail stores plus a few surprises ( especially if you love shoes) AND performance art daily in the street. I have seen celebrities shopping here.
This is a mid-challenge up and down full circle hike through the chaparral native to southern CA. 360 views at mid hike. $7 parking fee in the lot. Exp hikers = 45 m, not exp = 1.5 hours
62 locals recommend
Temescal Canyon Trail
Temescal Canyon TrailThis is a mid-challenge up and down full circle hike through the chaparral native to southern CA. 360 views at mid hike. $7 parking fee in the lot. Exp hikers = 45 m, not exp = 1.5 hours