Guidebook for Santa Monica
Food Scene
My favorite restaurant, and pretty much my living room. Great food, great drinks, great ambience, great people. Don't miss out on this place!
152 abantu bendawo batusa
R+D Kitchen
1323 Montana AveMy favorite restaurant, and pretty much my living room. Great food, great drinks, great ambience, great people. Don't miss out on this place!
Great Italian food. They're famous for their Cacio e Pepe, but all their pasta is great, and you pretty much can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
31 abantu bendawo batusa
Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar
1610 Montana AveGreat Italian food. They're famous for their Cacio e Pepe, but all their pasta is great, and you pretty much can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
I love their cherry pie, but there is so much choice here… It's open until 10pm, but lots of people like to go here for breakfast, too.
107 abantu bendawo batusa
Sweet Lady Jane Bakery
1631 Montana AveI love their cherry pie, but there is so much choice here… It's open until 10pm, but lots of people like to go here for breakfast, too.
Entertainment & Activities
The Aero is a historic movie theatre, managed by the American Cinematheque, who also manage the famous Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The sometimes show newer films, but also a lot of classics, and they'll often have celebrity appearances. Best to check out their website ahead of time, to make sure you get tickets for one of those nights.
57 abantu bendawo batusa
Aero Theatre
1328 Montana AveThe Aero is a historic movie theatre, managed by the American Cinematheque, who also manage the famous Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The sometimes show newer films, but also a lot of classics, and they'll often have celebrity appearances. Best to check out their website ahead of time, to make sure you get tickets for one of those nights.
Drinks & Nightlife
Take the glass elevator to the top and enjoy the amazing views of the ocean on one side and of Los Angeles on the other.
95 abantu bendawo batusa
The Penthouse
1111 2nd StTake the glass elevator to the top and enjoy the amazing views of the ocean on one side and of Los Angeles on the other.
The food and drinks are not bad, but what you're really coming for is the great view of the sunset. It can get a bit chilly up there, so you might want to bring a jacket. Also make sure to bring photo ID!
18 abantu bendawo batusa
ONYX Rooftop Bar
1301 Ocean AveThe food and drinks are not bad, but what you're really coming for is the great view of the sunset. It can get a bit chilly up there, so you might want to bring a jacket. Also make sure to bring photo ID!
Feels like you've been invited to somebody's gigantic house party, with lots of nice open air areas, cozy seats around the fire place, a pool table, and multiple bars.
525 abantu bendawo batusa
The Bungalow
101 Wilshire BlvdFeels like you've been invited to somebody's gigantic house party, with lots of nice open air areas, cozy seats around the fire place, a pool table, and multiple bars.
Sightseeing
It's usually packed with tourists, but worth checking out.
2744 abantu bendawo batusa
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierIt's usually packed with tourists, but worth checking out.
Arts & Culture
If you like modern art, you will not want to miss The Broad. While admission is free, if there's a popular exhibit or exhibition going on (research the infinity room), make sure to do your research as early as possible on tickets.
1555 abantu bendawo batusa
The Broad
221 S Grand AveIf you like modern art, you will not want to miss The Broad. While admission is free, if there's a popular exhibit or exhibition going on (research the infinity room), make sure to do your research as early as possible on tickets.
Even if you're not interested in the art, it's worth going just for the architecture and setting.
2309 abantu bendawo batusa
IGetty
1200 Getty Center DrEven if you're not interested in the art, it's worth going just for the architecture and setting.
Shopping
Lots of big stores here, including Apple, Tesla, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, etc.
1595 abantu bendawo batusa
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeLots of big stores here, including Apple, Tesla, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, etc.
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
225 Lincoln BlvdClosest grocery store that has all the essentials.
Bigger than the Wholefoods higher up on Montana, but a bit further away.
154 abantu bendawo batusa
Pavilions
820 Montana AveBigger than the Wholefoods higher up on Montana, but a bit further away.
Fairly large grocery store within walking distance, also has a Rite Aid pharmacy next door.
103 abantu bendawo batusa
Vons
17380 Sunset BlvdFairly large grocery store within walking distance, also has a Rite Aid pharmacy next door.