Guidebook for Santa Monica
Food Scene
Great modern Mexican food, with healthy salads, and delicious margaritas. Don't miss the flan - it is wonderful!
193 locals recommend
Mercado
7910 W 3rd StGreat modern Mexican food, with healthy salads, and delicious margaritas. Don't miss the flan - it is wonderful!
Great variety of breakfast items and daily breakfast special before 11 AM. Also open late if you need something late in the evening.
116 locals recommend
Swingers
8020 Beverly BlvdGreat variety of breakfast items and daily breakfast special before 11 AM. Also open late if you need something late in the evening.
Lovely bakery that serves unique and locally inspired breakfast items as well as fresh baked pastries.
141 locals recommend
Huckleberry Cafe
1014 Wilshire BlvdLovely bakery that serves unique and locally inspired breakfast items as well as fresh baked pastries.
Great for a quick meal of fresh seafood items. Also includes a small market which sells fresh fish and a variety of produce and wine.
53 locals recommend
Santa Monica Seafood Co
1000 Wilshire BlvdGreat for a quick meal of fresh seafood items. Also includes a small market which sells fresh fish and a variety of produce and wine.
A classic LA burger spot, tucked in the corner of Fred Segal store.
42 locals recommend
Umami Burger Santa Monica
525 BroadwayA classic LA burger spot, tucked in the corner of Fred Segal store.
Specialty, high-end coffee and tea. It is close to the cottage and has great beverages, but be warned it is pricier than Starbucks!
27 locals recommend
Funnel Mill Rare Coffee & Tea
1506 BroadwaySpecialty, high-end coffee and tea. It is close to the cottage and has great beverages, but be warned it is pricier than Starbucks!
A good burger on this block of 9th street using locally sourced ingredients. The chefs specials are always great. You can order takeout online from their website as well.
28 locals recommend
Pono Burger
829 BroadwayA good burger on this block of 9th street using locally sourced ingredients. The chefs specials are always great. You can order takeout online from their website as well.
Earthbar
201 Santa Monica BlvdJuice and smoothie bar located inside of Equinox sports club. Has good green juices.
Bar Pintxo
109 Santa Monica BlvdSpanish Tapas restaurant with good sangria!
Drinks & Nightlife
Delicious $5 lunch specials at the bar Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 4 PM. Happy hour drinks Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 7 PM.
199 locals recommend
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
225 Santa Monica BlvdDelicious $5 lunch specials at the bar Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 4 PM. Happy hour drinks Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 7 PM.
Arts & Culture
A great spot to go and read a book or magazine if you want to relax.
26 locals recommend
Santa Monica Public Library
601 Santa Monica BlvdA great spot to go and read a book or magazine if you want to relax.
Essentials
The closest grocery store, but has a bit less of a selection than the Ralph's up the street.
226 locals recommend
Vons
4030 S Centinela AveThe closest grocery store, but has a bit less of a selection than the Ralph's up the street.
A larger grocery store with a larger selection, but it is about a mile or two farther away than the Vons.
503 locals recommend
Ralphs
1644 Cloverfield BlvdA larger grocery store with a larger selection, but it is about a mile or two farther away than the Vons.
Locally owned food co-op with a large selection of all organic produce and bulk bin products. Also carries organic body and lotion products. Prices are higher than your average grocery store.
73 locals recommend
Co-opportunity
1525 BroadwayLocally owned food co-op with a large selection of all organic produce and bulk bin products. Also carries organic body and lotion products. Prices are higher than your average grocery store.
Shopping
REI
402 Santa Monica BlvdCarries active wear and sporting goods.
RadioShack
520 Santa Monica PierThe closest place to go if you forgot a charger or either electronic item.
Everything Else
The place to go for a free pool - just walk right in. But be warned, there are often a lot of kids around.
18 locals recommend
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean AveThe place to go for a free pool - just walk right in. But be warned, there are often a lot of kids around.
A pier full of stores, restaurants, small roller coasters and arcade games. Usually crowded with lots of people. It is fun to go and explore, but it is touristy, so avoid the food!
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierA pier full of stores, restaurants, small roller coasters and arcade games. Usually crowded with lots of people. It is fun to go and explore, but it is touristy, so avoid the food!
Sightseeing
A great place to go for a walk, there are paved trails running all along the beach/ocean.
130 locals recommend
Palisades Park
Ocean AvenueA great place to go for a walk, there are paved trails running all along the beach/ocean.