Guidebook for Santa Monica
Sightseeing
Education-oriented marine center with over 100 local species & hands-on exhibits like touch tanks.
36 locals recommend
Heal the Bay Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front WalkEducation-oriented marine center with over 100 local species & hands-on exhibits like touch tanks.
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierBeautiful drive down the coast. Take a drive at sunset and stop along the way at any of the great restaurants you will see on your drive.
37 locals recommend
Pacific Coast Highway
2186 CA-1Beautiful drive down the coast. Take a drive at sunset and stop along the way at any of the great restaurants you will see on your drive.
Parks & Nature
Landmark beach next to the Pier featuring a 3-mile coastline, mountain views & walking/biking paths.
169 locals recommend
Santa Monica State Beach
Landmark beach next to the Pier featuring a 3-mile coastline, mountain views & walking/biking paths.
Topanga State Park
20828 Entrada RdWonderful hiking trails with stunning views!
Food Scene
Creams & Dreams
Ice Cream Shop
Celebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls & sake in a chic, intimate space.
115 locals recommend
SUGARFISH
1345 2nd StCelebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls & sake in a chic, intimate space.
Cafeteria-style chain serving a seasonal comfort-food menu paired with many types of lemonade.
Lemonade Restaurant
301 Arizona AvenueCafeteria-style chain serving a seasonal comfort-food menu paired with many types of lemonade.
Creative comfort food, health-conscious fare & handcrafted cocktails star at this hip gastropub.
199 locals recommend
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
225 Santa Monica BlvdCreative comfort food, health-conscious fare & handcrafted cocktails star at this hip gastropub.
Featuring artisanal roasters, this industrial-chic cafe serves espresso & pour-overs.
12 locals recommend
The Refinery
413 Santa Monica BlvdFeaturing artisanal roasters, this industrial-chic cafe serves espresso & pour-overs.
1212 3rd Street Promenade
1212 3rd Street PromenadeWonderful food and cocktails!
Philz Coffee
525 Santa Monica BlvdThe best coffee and chai tea around!
Wonderful breakfast and happy hour spot. You must try their zucchini hash browns!
26 locals recommend
Blue Daisy
609 BroadwayWonderful breakfast and happy hour spot. You must try their zucchini hash browns!
Great happy hour! Try the Laurel Canyon. Also has an amazing brunch menu on weekends with bottomless mimosas.
14 locals recommend
The Independence
205 BroadwayGreat happy hour! Try the Laurel Canyon. Also has an amazing brunch menu on weekends with bottomless mimosas.
Arts & Culture
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrWorth it just for the architecture.
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdThe Broad
221 S Grand AveWonderfully original! A must see when you're in LA!
Shopping
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street Promenade
Grand Central Market
317 S Broadway
The Grove
189 The Grove DrBeautiful outdoor mall with an amazing farmers market next door.
Essentials
It's a smaller Whole Foods location, but the staff is great! Not great for large shopping trips, but perfect for a quick shopping trip.
124 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
500 Wilshire BoulevardIt's a smaller Whole Foods location, but the staff is great! Not great for large shopping trips, but perfect for a quick shopping trip.
Entertainment & Activities
ArcLight Cinemas - Santa Monica
395 3rd Street Promenade