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Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles, CA

Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles, CA

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Where historic Route 66 hits the bluffs overlooking the glistening Pacific Ocean sits the scenic city of Santa Monica that, along with much of LA’s Westside, has a relaxed and affluent vibe that starkly contrasts to the more hectic areas to the east.

By day there’s no shortage of outdoor activities, as the area’s wide, sandy beaches and adjacent bike paths are full of fitness-minded locals swimming, jogging, and playing volleyball. Tourists and families crowd the iconic Santa Monica pier and the popular weekly Farmers Market, while many of the city’s homeless laze along the grassy paths bordering Ocean Drive.

The shopping district centering around the Third Street Promenade bustles day and night with restaurants, fashionable stores, chill bars, a movie theater, and plenty of street performers to entertain the masses.

Much of Santa Monica’s nightlife caters to a preppier yuppie clientele that prefers more casual evenings of drinking and dining at the many seafront restaurants and hotel bars.

Those who want a livelier scene in this part of Los Angeles, however, will find a number of rowdy sports bars along Wilshire Boulevard that draw college students from nearby UCLA, as well as several “meat markets” on Main Street that fill up on weekends with a tipsier and flirtier crowd.

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What to Do in Santa Monica / Westside

Cafe Boogaloo

Bar / Blues Club / Café

Reviewed by Nicole S.

"My Take: Cafe Boogaloo is a fun bar and restaurant for all adults, and even children during the daytime. Whether you are there to try their fresh and ..." more

1238 Hermosa Avenue
Hermosa Beach, CA 90245

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Yankee Doodle's

Restaurant / Sports Bar

Reviewed by Chad F.

"My Take Even when it’s crowded, it’s not really that crowded. Yankee Doodles is your standard sports bar with no surprises, other than it actually be ..." more

1410 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Literati Café

Café / Restaurant

Reviewed by Kristen D.

"I love coming here!!! it is just so pretty and cozy inside. It is a wonderful place to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. The atmosphere is unpara ..." more

12081 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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Hamasaku

Asian Restaurant

Reviewed by Lauren A.

"Hamasaku is hands down one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Los Angeles. The location on Santa Monica Boulevard leaves a little less to be desired ..." more

11043 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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Huckleberry

Bakery / Café / Restaurant

Reviewed by Kristen D.

"This place is absolutely amazing! Although it is a bit pricey, the food is amazing and all from local farmers. I stumbled upon this gem one day when l ..." more

1014 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Joe's Pizza

Pizza Place

Reviewed by Lauren G.

"My Take: This hole-in-the-wall pizzeria is located right by Santa Monica beach, so it's a great place to go after a relaxing day in the sun or walki ..." more

111 Broadway Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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The Penthouse

Hotel Bar / Lounge / Restaurant

Party Earth Review Perched high atop the swank Huntley Hotel is The Penthouse, a dazzling, ultra-mod restaurant/lounge where a slightly older clientele of affluent Westsiders meets and mingles. Expansive ... more

The Huntley Hotel, 1111 2nd Street, 18th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90403

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Seasons 52

Restaurant / Café

Reviewed by Jackie D.

"My Take: Seasons 52 really pushes the low calorie menu, which, I'll admit, made me a bit skeptical of the food quality initially, once I tasted their ..." more

1501 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Sonoma Wine Garden

New American Restaurant

Reviewed by rachel b.

"Sonoma Wine Garden is located on the roofdeck of the shopping mall in Santa Monica. It has white Christmas lights, couches, a fireplace, a beautiful v ..." more

395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

American Restaurant / Bar

Reviewed by Stephanie K.

"Such a cute little spot with a solid happy hour vibe. The four of us went around 8pm on a Tuesday night and were seated right away, although the place ..." more

225 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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South

Restaurant / Sports Bar

Party Earth Review Popular with preppy jocks and groups of single gals, South brings a touch of Old Dixie to Santa Monica. Patrons seeking refuge from the noise on busy Wilshire Boulevard will find a ... more

3001 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403

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Basement Tavern

Speakeasy

Party Earth Review Buried beneath the beautiful mansion/event space The Victorian, Basement Tavern is a casual speakeasy, so hidden that visitors would have to be profoundly lost to stumble upon it ... more

2640 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405

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Top Upcoming Events in Santa Monica / Westside

May 2013

May 25 Sat

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium - Concert Venue | Event Space in Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra

Concert / Classical

7:30pm

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra

Add to Calendar

June 2013

Jun 8 Sat		4th Annual SM Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival Festival / Outdoor Event / Concerts / Food / Surfers 7:00am Santa Monica Pier	Add to Calendar
Jun 23 Sun		Drink:Eat:Play Wine Festival Wine Festival / Wine Tasting / Wine / Wine Lovers 5:00pm Santa Monica Pier	Add to Calendar