Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles, CA

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Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles.
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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

20s and up / 40s / Bar Food / Beer

Sonny McLean's Irish Pub - Irish Pub | Sports Bar in Los Angeles.
Frankie T.

Reviewed by Frankie T.

"While Sonny McLean’s remains a Santa Monica neighborhood staple, it has evolved from the traditional dumpy Irish pub that was known for an odd stench, ..." more

2615 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403

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20s / 30s / 40s / Asian Restaurant

Hamasaku - Asian Restaurant | Japanese Restaurant | Sushi Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Gerard Nash G.

Reviewed by Gerard Nash G.

"If you haven't tried Japanese food, then this is the perfect place to try it. All the sushi are great, and although the prices are quite pricey, they ..." more

11043 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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20s / 30s / Bar Food / Burgers / Lunch

Hooters - Restaurant | Sports Bar in Los Angeles.
Anthony James B.

Reviewed by Anthony James B.

"This place is usually fun and the food is what is to be expected of a Hooters restaurant. There was one time in particular this past summer that the s ..." more

321 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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20s / 30s / 40s / ATM / Asian / Cash Only

Hide Sushi - Asian Restaurant | Japanese Restaurant | Sushi Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Gerard Nash G.

Reviewed by Gerard Nash G.

"Despite it's name, you wouldn't want to hide your sushi once you get it from this place. I was touring Sawtelle with my friends and since we couldn't ..." more

2040 Sawtelle Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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30s / 40s / Affluent / Blazers / Chic

One Pico - American Restaurant | Hotel Bar | Lounge | Mediterranean Restaurant | Seafood Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Shelby G.

Reviewed by Shelby G.

"My Advice/My Take: One Pico at Shutters on the Beach provides the perfect beach getaway for those looking to spend a few hours in tranquilizing bliss, ..." more

Shutters on the Beach Hotel
1 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405

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20s / American Restaurant / Deli

Fat Sal's Deli - American Restaurant | Burger Joint | Deli in Los Angeles.
Leland F.

Reviewed by Leland F.

"Fat Sal's is a great place to eat if you're stoned, drunk, or just so insanely hungry that you need to eating something NOW GODDAMNIT! Located on the ..." more

972 Gayley Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024

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20s / 30s / 40s / After Work / Ambient

Sonoma Wine Garden - New American Restaurant | Rooftop Bar | Wine Bar in Los Angeles.
Lani D.

Reviewed by Lani D.

"This charming rooftop getaway is a diamond in the rough, tucked away high in the corner of the Santa Monica Place shopping mall. Unbeknownst to most m ..." more

395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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20s / 30s / 40s / All Ages / All Types

Huckleberry - Bakery | Café | Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Kristen D.

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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20s / 30s / 90s Music / Beer / Crowded

Barcopa - Bar | Lounge | Club in Los Angeles.

2810 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405

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Asian Food / Asian Restaurant

Hara Sushi - Asian Restaurant | Japanese Restaurant | Sushi Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Jenny L.

Reviewed by Jenny L.

"My boyfriend took me here one night. The sushi is super fresh. I got salmon sashimi and baked lobster roll. It was reallllly good. The fish is super f ..." more

12222 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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Blouses / Bluegrass / Chill / Steak

Basement Tavern - Speakeasy in Los Angeles.

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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20s / 30s / 40s / All Ages / All Types

Earth Wind & Flour - Bar | Italian Restaurant | Pizza Place in Los Angeles.
Gerard Nash G.

Reviewed by Gerard Nash G.

"Don't let the restaurant's appearance fool you because this place serves really delicious food. I honestly thought I was walking into a shack when I e ..." more

2222 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403

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Where to Go in Santa Monica / Westside

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