Twilight Dance Series. n the Santa Monica Pier. hursday evenings in summer, starting at 7:30PM. ree!. ttp://www.twilightdance.org/. The Twilight Dance Series is a free concert series that has been running since 1983. Acts range from rock to reggae to folk and have included artists such as the Indigo Girls, Patti Smith, Los Lobos, Dick Dale and others. There is no organized seating, so arrive early to stake out a spot and bring something soft to sit on since the pier can be hard (note that once concerts start most people end up standing).
Buy
Santa Monica like the rest of the LA area is very cosmopolitan and attracts a lot of tourist shopping dollars, they are primarily spent in the three main shopping areas:
'''Montana Avenue''' [http://www.montanaave.com/] Located on Montana between 7 and 17th streets, this area is relatively free of major national chains but is full of quaint but expensive local boutiques and cafes.
'''Third Street Promenade''' is a completely pedestrianized street that is the region's most popular shopping destination. Though chain stores have pushed out independent ones, it is the vibrant street life that distinguishes Third Street from the rest.
'''Santa Monica Place''' is an indoor mall that lies at the south end of the Third Street Promenade and houses several boutiques and an array of eateries on the first floor. The mall is currently undergoing renovation, however, but will feature outside patios and breezeways once renovation is complete.
'''Main Street''' [http://www.mainstreetsm.com] From Pico Blvd to Navy Street, Main Street shopping is similar to Montana Ave in that it celebrates the independent retailer. Main Street also has its fair share of excellent restaurants and bars. Heritage Square on Main Street is home to the widely popular, family-friendly Sunday Farmer's Market [http://www.smgov.net/farmers_market/sunday.htm].
Trapeze School New York. SNY. anta Monica Pier. 310) 394-5800. ttp://losangeles.trapezeschool.com/contactus.php. days a week. 47-$65. Trapeze School New York at Santa Monica Pier is a school of flying trapeze and aerial arts open to the public and for all skill levels and ages. Also offered are corporate workshops, events and parties, birthday parties and performance workshops.
Eat
Very diverse food selection, from high-end cuisine to burgers and tacos.
Budget
'''Bay Cities Italian Deli''', 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica. The best sandwiches on the west side. There will be a long wait during peak hours, so browse the authentic Italian market after you take your number.
'''Pradeep's''', 1405 Montana Ave, (310) 395-6675. Offers Indian Cuisine with a California consciousness. Emphasis is on healthy, so sauces are lighter, but flavor is still great.
'''Snug Harbor''', 2323 Wilshire Blvd, (310) 828-2991. A great breakfast place! A small "hole in the wall" with a relaxed atmosphere and competent service, you'll find many locals trying to wake up on Saturdays and Sundays. Offering up traditional bacon and eggs with a twist the food is fresh and good. Meat lovers should try Uncle Zeke's scramble.
'''Tacos Por Favor''', 1406 Olympic Blvd., Mon-Sat 8am to 8pm closed Sundays. Fresh, cooked to order Mexican food in a taqueria atmosphere. It features good tacos and an excellent chicken mole burrito. Don't miss the pickled carrots and jalepenos in the salsa bar.
Mid-Range
'''Blue Plate''',1415 Montana Ave, (310) 260-8877. Blue Plate is a small, cozy neighborhood eatery that serves great American comfort food. Located in the heart of Montana Avenue, Blue Plate is close to many hip boutiques and is a great rest stop after a day of shopping. An added plus: the menu is kid-friendly, offering healthy items for kids as well as organic baby food. The turkey meatballs and mac _en_f cheese are a must-try. Menu items range from $10-15.
'''Fathers Office''', 1018 Montana Ave. (310) 323 BEER (2337), [http://www.fathersoffice.com]. Best Burgers in Santa Monica in this tiny and wildly popular pub. Some days you'll have to wait a while to get in, and you can't change any of the items on the burger--it's their way or the highway.
'''El Cholo''', 11th and Wilshire. A Los Angeles institution and this Santa Monica branch offers great margaritas and wonderful traditional Mexican food. The green corn tamales, available from May to October each year, are a specialty.
'''The Hump''', 3221 Donald Douglas Loop S., Third Fl., ''+1'' 310-313-0977. With a fireplace and warm colors highlighting a cozy interior, The Hump resembles a stylish cabin somewhere in Aspen. Alas, this sushi/Japanese restaurant overlooks the tiny Santa Monica Airport and serves arguably the finest sushi in town. The Asian-inspired bar/restaurant Typhoon is located just downstairs.
'''Juliano's Planet Raw''', 6th Street and Colorado Ave. in Santa Monica. Uber-California raw food vegan restaurant. Juliano has succeeded in making vegan cuisine actually taste like food! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and totally lacks the sanctimonious, elitist attitude that so many ultra-liberals have. A bit pricey considering the portions are on the small side. Try the avocado sandwich on flax seed "bread."
Typhoon. 221 Donald Douglas Loop S. (Santa Monica Airport). 310) 390-6565. Best known for its exotic fried insects, this pan-asian restaurant also serves dim sum and sushi, Malasian and Thai, in a unique setting with a view of the runway. Window tables have great views of the runway activity. Try the steamed whole fish (bass or catfish). Adventurous eaters can try tasty appetizers of crickets, scorpions, sea worms and ants. MSG used, so be sure to ask for your food without it if it disagrees with you. Upstairs is '''The Hump''', a less exotic (but still good!) sushi bar.
'''Warszawa Restaurant''', 1414 Lincoln Blvd, (310) 393-8831) [http://www.warszawarestaurant.com/]Authentic Polish food can be found on Lincoln with a signature dish of roast duck. They have a fantastic outdoor patio in the back where you can get a great vodka martini.
Splurge
'''The Lobster''', (''Colorado Blvd & the Santa Monica Pier''), (310) 458-9294, [http://www.thelobster.com/]. One of the few restaurants in Santa Monica that actually has a view of the Pacific Ocean. Located at the Eastern end of the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster provides good seafood dishes, great cocktails and a little bit of a scene. While a little noisy and on the expensive side ($120+ for two with alcohol), the food, fun and view can make it worthwhile.
'''Michael's''', [http://www.michaelssantamonica.com/]. Along with Chez Panisse in Berkeley, lead the nouvelle cuisine movement. Using fresh vegetables from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, locally caught fish and excellent meats every dish is sublime. While not cheap, a meal at Michael's does not disappoint.
'''Melisse''', (''1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401''), (310) 395-0881, [http://www.melisse.com/]. Also featuring organic, locally grown produce and two tasting menus (including a vegetarian version), Melisse is Chef Josiah Citrin latest world class restaurant. The food is outstanding and gets the highest marks in Zagat and Michelin. Very pricey: expect $100 per person at a minimum.
Ocean and Vine. 700 Ocean Avenue. ttp://www.oceanandvine.com. Chic restaurant and lounge at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. "farm-to-table" approach, California cuisine.
'''3 on Fourth''' ("1432a 4th St"), (310-395-6765) [http://www.3onfourth.com/]This imaginative restaurant serves French-, Asian- and American-inspired food in a fresh, unpretentious atmosphere. Great wine, beer and sake list. An extensive cheese menu is available for turophiles. A must try: the sashimi with Himalayan salt, the steak frites and the blueberry pie. A great place to take a date, or any special occasion dinner. Meals are from $31-50.
'''The Penthouse''', 1111 Second St, (310) 393-8080 [http://www.thehuntleyhotel.com/penthouse-restaurant.php] A rooftop Santa Monica restaurant located on the 18th floor of The Huntley Hotel. Offers a bar and lounge and panoramic ocean views. Menu features contemporary American cuisine with global influences from Asia and Brazil. Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm. Also available for private events.
Drink
Unfortunately since LA and specifically the west side of LA is famous the world over for its night life going out and drinking in Santa Monica is expensive, normal prices for a domestic beer are $5 and martini's frequently range over $15. To that end the bars listed below are sorted by type and not price:
'''Father's Office''', 1018 Montana Ave. (''near 10th & Montana''), [http://www.fathersoffice.com/html/fathersOffice.html]. Offers beers from over 20 different micro-breweries, a nice wine selection, but alas no full bar. The other downside is that its a small space and very popular so long lines quickly spring up.
'''Britannia Pub''', 318 Santa Monica Boulevard, near 3rd Street Promenade. Small but very friendly Brit style pub, popular with locals and budget travelers. Good and cheap snacks and meals.
'''Etoile''', 1111 2nd St. (''top floor of the Huntley Hotel''), (310) 393-8080. Located in a newly remodeled space on the top floor of the Huntly Hotel, decent selection of margaritas and martinis, good view of the beach.
'''Circle Bar'''- Located on Main st at 2926, this is a deep dark space that as you would imagine has a circular bar, popular with the twenty-something I drink too much crowd.
'''Mor Bar''' [http://www.themorbar.com/] Located just a few doors down on the other side of Main St. Mor Bar is a larger space than Circle Bar and is a popular dance spot. According to their website, the Mor Bar moved to a "bigger and better space" in November 2007. However, it is not indicated what and where is the new venue.
'''Main on Main''' [http://www.mainonmain.com/] is now where Mor Bar was. Self proclaimed "The premier night club in Santa Monica featuring great music, chill atmosphere and outstanding drinks." located next door to '''Obrien's Pub''' [http://www.obriensonmain.com/] This cozy neighborhood pub has been around since 1995, proudly serving a great range of brews, whiskeys and spirits as well as fine Irish and American cuisine.
'''Renee's Courtyard Cafe''', 522 Wilshire Blvd. Tel. +1 310-451-9341 This is a great bar. One of the few you can still smoke in, technically. Its entrance way is a patio, with tables, so its outside, and ashtrays abound. There are lots of little nooks and cranny's here, each room with its own feel. Mellow during the weekend, a total meet market on the weekends!
'''O'Brien's Irish Pub''', 2941 Main St, Santa Monica Tel. +1 310-396-4725 This is your typical irish pub, but BIG! IT has 4 parts really. The outside patio, the front seating area, the bar, and the back room with the stage. There is almost always live music on the stage, ranging from punk rock bands to acoustic sing-alongs.
'''Cock N Bull Pub''', 2947 Lincoln Blvd, Tel. +1 310-399-9696. Referred to as "the most OG English bar in LA" by espn's page 2, the Cock and Bull Serves typical British pub fair, has a wide array of bear on tap, and authentic British bar tenders. Although it can be quiet on the week nights this bar rapidly fills up when ever a quality soccer (football to the rest of the world) match or rugby game is on the TV, regardless of what time it is on, during the World Cup lines started forming at 4AM.
'''Hidden on Main''', 3110 Main St Tel. +1 310 399-4800 At the location of the old Schatzi, this restaurant and lounge opened in the spring of 2008. Lots of outdoor seating areas and a crowd which is generally in their late 20s and 30s.
Wakano. 413 5th St. Centrally located near Third Street, Wakano offers indoor and outdoors seating in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Sleep
Budget
Bayside Hotel. 001 Ocean Ave.. 310) 396-6000 or 1-800-525-4447. 75-140. ttp://www.baysidehotel.com.
Ocean Park Inn. 452 Lincoln Blvd.. 310) 392-3966 or 1-800-605-5005. 310) 399-0502. 70-85. ttp://www.oceanparkinn-sm.com.
Holiday Inn Express West LA. 1250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
phone="+1-800-843-6551" email="Reservations@dknhotels.com" fax="+1-310-478-1400" url="http://www.HieWestLA.com"></sleep>
Pacific Sands Motel. 515 Ocean Ave.. 310) 395-6133. 310) 395-7206. 55-125.
Palm Motel. 020 14th St.. 310) 452-3861. 310) 450-8635. 65-95. ttp://www.palmmotel.homestead.com.
Mid-range
Best Western Gateway Hotel. 920 Santa Monica Blvd.. 310) 829-9100. 310) 829-9211. 90-160. ttp://www.gatewayhotel.com.
Ocean View Hotel Santa Monica. 447 Ocean Ave.. 310) 458-4888 or 1-800-452-4888. 310) 458-0848. 100-250. ttp://www.oceanviewsantamonica.com.
Holiday Inn Santa Monica. 20 Colorado Ave.. 310) 451-0676 or 1-800-947-9175. ttp://www.hisantamonicahotel.com. 180-280. 310) 393-7145. Fantastic location, just steps away from the Santa Monica Pier. Hotel is quaint, comfortable and some rooms have a partial ocean view.
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Hotel Carmel. 01 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90401. ttp://www.hotelcarmel.com.
Inn by the Harbor. 33 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ttp://www.innbytheharbor.com/. Spanish Colonial adobe inn just a short walk from Santa Barbara's golden beaches, yacht harbor, and oceanfront restaurants.
Splurge
Ambrose Hotel. 255 20th St.. 310) 315-1555. 175+. ttp://www.ambrosehotel.com. While 20 blocks from the beach, the Ambrose Hotel offers great style and comfort for less than the large beach-front hotels. Very convenient if visiting someone at St. John's Santa Monica Hospital.
Casa del Mar. 910 Ocean Way. 310) 581-5533 or 1-800-898-6999. eservations@hotelcasadelmar.com. 10-581-5503. ttp://www.hotelcasadelmar.com. One of the only hotels in Santa Monica that is directly on the Beach and has prices that reflect this rare amenity. Share pools, spas, etc. with Shutters.
The Fairmont. 01 Wilshire Blvd.. 310) 576-7777 or 1-800-866-5577. 310) 458-7912. 290-730. ttp://www.fairmont.com. A great hotel, but it only has ocean views.
'''The Huntley''', 1111 Second Street Phone: 310.394.5454, [http://www.thehuntleyhotel.com/]. A luxury hotel in Santa Monica, where the ocean meets the city. This chic Southern California hotel features a business center, fitness facilities, concierge service, and fine dining at The Penthouse.
Le Merigot (Marriott). 740 Ocean Ave.. 310) 395-9700 or 1-877-637-446. 310) 395-9200. 300-1200. ttp://www.lemerigothotel.com.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. 700 Ocean Avenue. ttp://www.santamonicaloewshotel.com/. A beachfront resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Around the corner from Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade.
Viceroy Hotel. 819 Ocean Ave.. 310) 260-7500 or 1-800-670-6185. 300+. ttp://www.viceroysantamonica.com. The Viceroy Hotel is perfect for travellers who are seeking an ultra-hip experience and don't have any budget restrictions. One block from the beach, and few blocks south of the main part of downtown Santa Monica, the Viceroy still is able to command $300+ per night because of its status as "One of the 50 hottest hotels in the world".
Georgian Hotel. 415 Ocean Aven.. 310) 395-9945 or 1-800-538-8147. 200-400. ttp://www.georgianhotel.com. The Georgian Hotel is an Art Deco classic that dates back to the 1920s. Located right on Ocean Avenue and in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, it is in the thick of the action. Rooms are smaller and prices are not cheap, but it is a great place to stay.
Shangri-la Hotel. 301 Ocean Ave.. 310) 394-2791. The Shangri-la Hotel has huge rooms, ocean views, and free parking for guests.
Shutters. ne Pico Blvd.. 310) 458-0030 or 1-800-334-9000. 310) 899-1652. 450+. ttp://www.shuttersonthebeach.com. One of the only hotels in Santa Monica that is directly on the beach. Share pools, spas, etc. with Casa del Mar.
Stay Safe
Crime rates in and around the tourist areas are relatively low, thanks to an increased police presence and "neighborhood watch" campaign by business owners. However, Santa Monica is considered to be Southern California's "Home of the Homeless"; the city has the highest per-capita homeless population in Los Angeles county, and you will probably be asked for spare change when travelling by foot. A suitable response would be "nothing today," or nothing at all depending on the temperament of the one making the petition. You shouldn't be bothered further. Use common sense, and stay in the main tourist areas (3rd St Promenade, the Pier, Main St, Ocean Avenue, Wilshire from Ocean Ave. to about 4th St...) if you decide to go out at night.
Get out
'''Malibu'''. Located just a few miles to the northwest and accessible via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Malibu is a beach town that is home to many entertainment stars and offers great beaches, surfing and restaurants for visitors.
'''Pacific Palisades'''. A neighboring town that is home to multi-million dollar homes set amongst the hills overlooking the ocean, as well as the J. Paul Getty Villa which features classical sculpture.
'''Culver City'''. A neighboring city and the home of Sony Studios that in recent years has been undergoing a rebirth and now has an increasing number of food, shopping and entertainment options.
'''Venice'''. The neighboring beach town offers miles of sand, an eclectic nightlife, and the infamous Muscle Beach.
'''Marina del Rey'''. The "marina of the king" is home to a vast number of restaurants, hotels, and the largest man-made pleasure craft harbor in th world; not as touristy as some of the neighboring beach cities is nonetheless a fun spot to spend an evening.
'''Beverly Hills''' and its fabled shopping is accessed by driving east on Santa Monica or Wilshire Boulevards.