This charming beachside city offers a perfect balance of relaxation, entertainment, and culture, making it an ideal destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious meal, a day at the beach, or some retail therapy, Santa Monica has something for everyone.

Within Santa Monica there are several unique neighborhoods to explore, each with their own vibe. My personal favorite areas have always been the Ocean Park and Sunset Park neighborhoods. These areas, south of the 10 freeway, have the benefit of easier access to the beach (without the PCH in the way!) They also have a bit more of a laid back / under the radar feel than the more touristy Downtown area or prestigious North of Montana neighborhood. 

No matter what area of Santa Monica you find yourself in, there will be some great things to see and places to visit. Here are a few of my favorites!

 

Restaurants / Bars

 

Tar & Roses:

This was a favorite date spot of ours pre-kids but we hadn’t been in ages. I recently had the chance to go back with a girlfriend and it was as delicious as ever! Get the fried whole red snapper, you won’t regret it! 

 

The Santa Monica Proper:

Designed by the fabulous Kelly Wearstler, this hotel is the ultimate eye candy and has the most gorgeous backdrop. Whether you’re in the stunning lobby or the fabulous rooftop, it’s an awesome place to grab a drink or a meal.

 

Lunetta All Day:

Love, love, love this place. Great for brunch, perfect spot for a coffee / lunch / breakfast meeting. It’s where one of my regular agent networking groups meets, and I’ve even been to events they’ve catered. 

 

Vito Restaurant:

Not to be confused with Vito’s pizza. This is the perfect, authentic, old school Italian restaurant. The table-side caesar salad and the spaghetti de la casa are my favorite dishes, but you really can’t go wrong. The service and ambiance are great, but we also like to order it for take-out / delivery.

 

Shunji:

Full disclosure, I have not eaten here since they moved from their original West LA location (in what was LA’s last Chili Bowl building) to their new location in Sunset Park, Santa Monica. They always specialized in omakase menus, but now that is the only option. Some of the best sushi I have ever had and their “tomato tofu” was out of this world.

 

Lazy Daisy Cafe:

Super casual, not at all fussy, totally delicious, classic diner-style / American restaurant on Pico Blvd in Sunset Park.

 

BayCities:

As a New Yorker married to a Philadelphian, I know a good sandwich (aka sub, aka hoagie) when I taste one. BayCities is a cult classic for a reason. Delicious sandwiches on yummy Italian style bread.

 

Cassia:

This award-winning restaurant offers a unique fusion of French and Southeast Asian cuisine, as well as an impressive wine list and delicious cocktails. It’s unique and it’s delicious, one of our favorite spots. Warning, a lot of the dishes are on the spicy side!

 

The Bungalow:

A beachside bar and lounge with a laid-back vibe, The Bungalow is a great place to grab a drink and socialize with friends. At least it was when I was in my 20s ;)! It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it always reminded me of partying in the Hamptons.

 

The Misfit:

This popular spot offers a modern take on classic American cuisine, as well as an extensive list of craft cocktails and beers.

 

Elephante:

Enjoy Italian-inspired coastal cuisine and stunning ocean views at this rooftop restaurant and bar. It’s a scene.

 

The Lobster:

A Santa Monica institution since 1923, The Lobster serves up fresh seafood dishes and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

 

The Cloverfield:

Super family friendly spot for weekend brunch. It’s right by the Santa Monica Museum of Flying and there’s a playground across the street, so you can make a day of it with the little ones.

 

 

 

Coffee Shops / Cafes

 

Dogtown Coffee:

This local coffee chain offers expertly-crafted espresso drinks and a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and snacks.

 

Caffe Luxxe:

With multiple locations throughout LA, Caffe Luxxe is known for its high-quality espresso drinks and minimalist decor.

 

Urth Caffe:

This organic coffee shop chain offers a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries, as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu.

 

Sidecar Doughnuts:

Indulge in delicious gourmet doughnuts made with fresh, high-quality ingredients at this popular Santa Monica spot.

 

Groundwork Coffee Co.:

This sustainable coffee roaster and cafe offers a variety of organic coffee drinks and snacks, as well as outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere.

 

Thyme Cafe:

Thyme Cafe is not only a great place to grab a coffee, pastry or lunch, but we LOVE the prepared foods for those nights where you want something that feels / taste homemade but can't bring yourself to cook. The lasagna, meatloaf and chicken paillard are some of our go-to's. 

 

Jyan Isaac Bread: 

Just a couple doors down from Thyme Cade on Ocean Park Blvd is the most amazing bakery selling fresh and delicious bread!

Shopping

 

Third Street Promenade:

This outdoor shopping center features a variety of stores, including major retailers like Apple and Nike, as well as local boutiques and specialty shops. You can also catch some street performers! It’s definitely a bit of a tourist attraction and gets busy on the weekend.

 

Santa Monica Place:

At the end of the promenade is this upscale mall with over 80 stores, including popular brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

 

Bergamot Station:

This former trolley stop turned art complex features galleries and studios showcasing contemporary art and design.

 

Montana Avenue:

This charming street in one of Santa Monica's most desirable neighborhoods is lined with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. 

 

Main Street:

A bit more laid back and with easy beach access, Main St. in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is also lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. If you walk all the way south, you’ll cross the border into Venice. 

 

 

Activities

 

Santa Monica Beach:

With over 3 miles of sandy shoreline, Santa Monica Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. My favorite spot to spend the day is at Ocean Park. There is plenty of parking, lots of restaurants to walk to for lunch, and there’s a playground. 

 

Santa Monica Pier:

This iconic landmark features an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and shops, all with ocean views.

 

Cayton Children's Museum:

In the Santa Monica Place, Cayton is a fun outing for younger kids. My girls LOVE the play grocery store! They do birthday parties there as well.

 

Annenberg Beach House:

This site has a ton of history, once home to an opulent private estate by Willam Randolph Hirst. After various private and public developments on the site, the current facilities were funded by a grant from the Annenberg Foundation and are operated by the city. The facilities include a splash pad, playground, view deck, sport courts, wifi, rentals and a pool!

 

Clover Park and Marine Park:

Two of our favorite playgrounds are in Santa Monica! Both also offer space for picnics, tennis courts and sports fields.

 

 

Health / Wellness

 

Exhale:

This wellness spa offers a variety of fitness classes, spa treatments, and holistic therapies to help you relax and rejuvenate.

 

Santa Monica Stairs:

These famous outdoor stairs are a popular spot for locals to get a workout in while enjoying the beautiful views of the city and ocean.

 

The Now:

Easy and affordable spot to get a massage. They also offer acupuncture and cupping!