Jason’s guidebook
Food scene
Urth is one of the best spots for lunch nearby. A few favorites of mine are the green tea boba, Urth salad, prosciutto pizza and tuna sandwich - but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
you order/pay first at the counter then grab a seat and they bring your food out - so Urth is also a really easy place to go if you want to split the bill with someone/have everyone pay for their own order.
Most of the seating is on the back patio and is in the shade - you might want to bring a light jacket/wrap etc if you get cold easily.
256 Einheimische empfehlen
Urth Caffe Santa Monica
2327 Main StUrth is one of the best spots for lunch nearby. A few favorites of mine are the green tea boba, Urth salad, prosciutto pizza and tuna sandwich - but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
you order/pay first at the counter then grab a seat and they bring your food out - so Urth is also a really easy place to go if you want to split the bill with someone/have everyone pay for their own order.
Most of the seating is on the back patio and is in the shade - you might want to bring a light jacket/wrap etc if you get cold easily.
Spanish Tapas - the Rioja is so good, as is the goat cheese & fig tostado.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Manchego
2518 Main StSpanish Tapas - the Rioja is so good, as is the goat cheese & fig tostado.
Great margarita bar, huge booths if you want to meet up with a group of people, kids love the quesadilla.
28 Einheimische empfehlen
Lula Cocina Mexicana
2720 Main StGreat margarita bar, huge booths if you want to meet up with a group of people, kids love the quesadilla.
Cool nightlife spot, and on warm nights you can also get drinks on the patio of the Victorian which is a bit quieter than the basement, which when live music is going - is not an easy spot for a conversation.
83 Einheimische empfehlen
Basement Tavern
2640 Main StCool nightlife spot, and on warm nights you can also get drinks on the patio of the Victorian which is a bit quieter than the basement, which when live music is going - is not an easy spot for a conversation.
Sightseeing
Ride the ferris wheel and the roller coaster - super fun!
Younger kids love the carousel
the pier is a little over a mile from our place walking on the bike path by the beach, so if you have younger kids, you'll want to use the stroller.
94 Einheimische empfehlen
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierRide the ferris wheel and the roller coaster - super fun!
Younger kids love the carousel
the pier is a little over a mile from our place walking on the bike path by the beach, so if you have younger kids, you'll want to use the stroller.
You don't have to stay at the Loews to get a comfy table overlooking the beach-- you just need to order some drinks (and maybe an appetizer).
This is a great way to spend the afternoon getting sun by the beach because they've got glass walls that block the wind - comfortable chairs, and the food/drinks are good.
It's rarely that crowded either.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean AveYou don't have to stay at the Loews to get a comfy table overlooking the beach-- you just need to order some drinks (and maybe an appetizer).
This is a great way to spend the afternoon getting sun by the beach because they've got glass walls that block the wind - comfortable chairs, and the food/drinks are good.
It's rarely that crowded either.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Ebikes & scooters - Bird, Jump, Lime don't run on Bike Path
Ebikes and scooters are the fastest, funest and easiest way to get anywhere around Santa Monica - but they do not work/do not go full speed on the Bike Path by the beach.