Best of Santa Monica, CA
The Gateway to the Pacific
About Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a coastal city in Los Angeles County situated along Santa Monica Bay on California's South Coast. This popular resort town features a diverse economy that hosts the headquarters of companies such as Hulu, Activision Blizzard, and The Recording Academy.
📣 What's going on in Santa Monica
- 📅 BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN LOS ANGELES — Tue, Sep 1 · 8:00 PM · SoFi Stadium, 1001 S. Stadium Dr
- 📅 Blake Whiten — Wed, Sep 2 · 7:00 PM · Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd.
- 📅 Fair Warning (Tribute to Van Halen), Dream Warriors (Tribute to Dokken), Vertical Challenges, ElishevaLilla Sabbah, Regi — Thu, Sep 3 · 6:00 PM · Whisky A Go Go, 8901 W Sunset Boulevard
Museum of Flying
The Museum of Flying showcases aviation history with a focus on Donald Douglas and the Douglas Aircraft Company. It opened its new facility in 2012 after closing in 2002.
founded in 1974
View details →The best of Santa Monica
Best Hotels in Santa Monica
70 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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Best Western Royal Palace Inn & Suites
Best Western Royal Palace Inn & Suites is a hotel located in the Rancho Park neighborhood. It offers comfortable rooms and convenient amenities for travelers.
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Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows
The Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows is a historic five‑star hotel located in Downtown Santa Monica, near the beach and the Santa Monica Pier.
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Found Hotel
Found Hotel is a lodging option located in the Sawtelle neighborhood.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica is a hotel located in Downtown Santa Monica.
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Hotel Erwin
Hotel Erwin is a hotel located in the Venice Canal Historic District.
Best Restaurants in Santa Monica
118 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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Alisa: Wine & Friends
Alisa: Wine & Friends is a Greek restaurant located in the Venice neighborhood.
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Art's Table
Art's Table in Downtown Santa Monica offers American dishes with an emphasis on seafood and fresh salads.
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Azulé Taqueria
Azulé Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant located in Downtown Santa Monica, offering authentic tacos and traditional dishes.
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Bay Cities Italian Deli
Bay Cities Italian Deli serves deli and bakery fare in Downtown Santa Monica.
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Blue Plate Taco
Blue Plate Taco is a Mexican restaurant located in Downtown Santa Monica.
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Bruno's Italian Restaurant
Bruno's Italian Restaurant serves classic Italian dishes in Downtown Santa Monica.
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Cabo Cantina
Cabo Cantina is a Mexican restaurant located in the Venice Canal Historic District.
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California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen offers pizza in the Downtown Santa Monica area.
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Chinchikurin
Chinchikurin serves Japanese cuisine, including okonomiyaki, in Sawtelle Japantown.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Santa Monica
104 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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10 Speed Coffee
10 Speed Coffee is a café in Sawtelle Japantown that serves coffee.
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Alana's Coffee Roasters
Alana's Coffee Roasters is a café located in Mar Vista, offering a variety of coffee drinks.
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Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee is a café located in Venice that specializes in coffee shop offerings.
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Capital One Cafe
Capital One Cafe is a coffee shop located in Downtown Santa Monica. It offers a selection of coffee and tea drinks.
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Castanea Sicilian Cafe
Castanea Sicilian Cafe is a café in the Venice Canal Historic District serving Italian and Sicilian cuisine.
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Churros Calientes
Churros Calientes is a Mexican café located in the Sawtelle neighborhood.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Santa Monica
51 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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Ashland Hill
Ashland Hill is a bar located in the Ocean Park neighborhood that offers a Californian-inspired menu. The venue features a relaxed atmosphere with a selection of drinks and light bites.
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Jameson's Pub
Jameson's Pub offers Irish cuisine in the Ocean Park neighborhood.
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Santa Monica Brew Works
Santa Monica Brew Works is a bar located in Downtown Santa Monica.
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SoCal Vibes Co. Surf Club
SoCal Vibes Co. Surf Club is a bar located in Downtown Santa Monica.
Best Things to Do in Santa Monica
40 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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California Heritage Museum
California Heritage Museum is an attraction located in Ocean Park.
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Mosaic Tile House
Mosaic Tile House is an attraction located in the neighborhood of Venice.
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Museum of Flying
The Museum of Flying showcases aviation history with a focus on Donald Douglas and the Douglas Aircraft Company. It opened its new facility in 2012 after closing in 2002.
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Pacific Park
Pacific Park is an oceanfront amusement park in Downtown Santa Monica, featuring twelve rides including a solar‑powered ferris wheel and a roller coaster.
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Eames House
The Eames House sits on 203 North Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. Built in 1949 by Charles and Ray Eames, it now serves as a historic house museum run by the Eames Foundation.
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Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier stands at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Downtown Santa Monica, offering a small amusement park and fishing spots.
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Bruce Lurie Gallery
Bruce Lurie Gallery is a local attraction located in Pacific Palisades.
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Case Study House #9
Case Study House #9 is an architectural attraction located in Pacific Palisades.
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Longboard Dancing Plaza
Longboard Dancing Plaza is a public attraction located in the Ocean Park neighborhood.
Best Shops in Santa Monica
110 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Intimate Lifestyles
Intimate Lifestyles is a shop located in the Venice Canal Historic District.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Santa Monica
62 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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Ocean View Park
Ocean View Park is a public park located in the Ocean Park neighborhood.
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Park Drive Park
Park Drive Park is a public park located in the Brentwood neighborhood.
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Chess Park
Chess Park is a park located in the neighborhood of Downtown Santa Monica.
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Marine Park Community Garden
Marine Park Community Garden is a park located in the neighborhood of Venice.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Santa Monica.
- Topanga, CA 28 places
- El Segundo, CA 61 places
- Inglewood, CA 268 places
- Lennox, CA 5 places
- Del Aire, CA 157 places
- Manhattan Beach, CA 6 places
- Hermosa Beach, CA 38 places
- Lawndale, CA 3 places