HIDDEN GEMS OF SANTA MONICA
How to Live Like a Local in Southern California’s Premier Beach City
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (December 9, 2024) – With 8.3 square miles of urban spaces, 3.5 miles of coastline and eight unique neighborhoods to explore, Santa Monica has an abundance to discover. While attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and end of Route 66 are globally known, there are also many hidden gems for visitors to uncover to experience the city like a local. From boutique hotel stays to neighborhood favorite shops, Santa Monica’s local businesses welcome visitors to explore a unique side of the city during their stay.
Unique Stays
Santa Monica is home to 40 hotels, all offering their own unique experience and character. With one-of-a-kind properties throughout the destination, visitors can settle in at their perfect home base and live the dream beach city lifestyle.
The Cottage Santa Monica (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Experience the charm of The Cottage, a historic beach landmark with breathtaking ocean views and luxury amenities offering visitors the opportunity to truly live like a local with their very own cottage space. This unique 4 bedroom, 4 bath villa on Ocean Avenue offers a heavenly vacation retreat with historic charm and includes a daily maid service, breakfast, a sauna and a jacuzzi. Just steps away from Santa Monica’s world-famous beach and bike path known as The Strand, The Cottage provides the perfect balance of relaxation and exciting activities that create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Santa Monica Hotel (Main Street) – Experience a stay at the Santa Monica Hotel, where beachside charm meets value and sustainability. Centrally located near the beach, Santa Monica Pier and other popular attractions, their newly remodeled rooms boast both comfort and convenience. As a Sustainable Quality Awards recipient and Green Certified hotel, the property prioritizes environmentally friendly practices and encourages guests to do the same. Santa Monica Hotel provides a stress-free coastal getaway with complimentary parking, vibrant design and refreshing amenities at an affordable price point.
The Ambrose Hotel (Mid-City) – At The Ambrose Hotel, enjoy a restorative stay with serene common spaces and amenities that ensure maximum comfort. The Ambrose Hotel is a luxurious retreat, offering guests delicious on-property dining, e-bikes to explore, local beer and wine tastings and much more for an elevated getaway. Located in a peaceful enclave of Santa Monica, The Ambrose Hotel welcomes guests to escape the hustle and bustle, and experience another side of the city like a local while remaining minutes away from the popular attractions.
Palihouse Santa Monica (Downtown) – Palihouse Santa Monica offers a blend of historic charm and modern sophistication, perfect for travelers seeking a unique stay. Established in 1927, this Santa Monica historic landmark combines elegant design with boutique hotel charm and is renowned for its Moorish-influenced Mediterranean Revival architecture. Palihouse Santa Monica is the perfect choice for embracing sophisticated style and local culture.
Hidden Gem Shops
Santa Monica is the ultimate shopping haven, with inviting businesses and unique goods to be discovered throughout the city.
Divine Vintage (Montana Ave.) – Discover Divine Vintage, a charming boutique on Montana Avenue where passion for wine, vintage clothing and jewelry converges in a beautiful classic bungalow. Founded by Santa Monica native Jennifer Rush, this shop offers an eclectic ambiance and features a carefully curated selection of organic and rare wines suited for every budget and taste. Visit this treasure chest of a space to find rare vintage pieces from around the world, each with its own story to tell.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop (Pico Blvd.) – Since 1958, McCabe’s Guitar Shop has been the go-to spot for musical instruments in Santa Monica, from basses and amps to guitars and other instruments hailing from all around the world. This welcoming music store offers expert repairs and music lessons for every skill level. Visitors are invited to browse their extensive selection of instruments, or even catch a show in their highly regarded 150-seat listening room venue.
Sunset Park Provisions (Ocean Park) – Stop by Sunset Park Provisions, a locally owned bookstore and gift shop dedicated to nurturing community and mindful living. Nestled in the heart of Ocean Park, the shop provides a tranquil and quirky shopping space where visitors can learn about plant medicine and holistic well-being. Experience the inclusivity and community-focused spirit of Santa Monica by attending one of their workshops on mindfulness or open conversations about plant medicines.
Leelanau Goods (Main Street) – Travelers are invited to visit Leelanau Goods for eco-conscious fashion and artisan craftsmanship. Described as a “tiny jewel box of a shop,” Leelanau Goods features a selection of independent designers and brands that offer nostalgic, feminine designs crafted with sustainable materials. Guests are met with style, luxury and excellent customer service when entering this charming boutique.
Local Experiences for Lasting Memories
Unforgettable experiences abound in Santa Monica, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in local art, fascinating history, creative workshops and much more.
Annenberg Community Beach House (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – The Annenberg Community Beach House is a unique, inclusive destination offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities for families, friends and events. The only public beach club in the United States, the Annenberg Community Beach House is a true local gem inviting visitors and residents to gather and enjoy the beautiful Santa Monica coastline. Visitors will experience unforgettable views, a splash pad, playground, open seating, free Wi-Fi, beach courts, cultural events, the Marion Davies Guest House and the historic pool during the summer season.
Bergamot Station Arts Center (Mid-City) – The largest arts and culture complex of its kind on the West Coast, Bergamot Station Arts Center is home to over 25 individual galleries and creative venues showcasing works ranging from photography and paintings to sculpture and architectural design. Bergamot Station has over 100 years of history, serving as a railroad station and a factory before transforming into a beloved creative campus.
M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater (Downtown) – For some laughs, stop by the Westside Comedy Theater in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. This intimate comedy club and bar offers a variety of improv classes, open mic nights and stand-up performances that are sure to get audiences chuckling. Owned by performers from Mission IMPROVable, this theatre provides a fun-filled atmosphere for comedy-lovers to enjoy.
The Museum of Flying (Ocean Park) – Enjoy a look into aviation history at the Museum of Flying, a family-favorite museum located at the Santa Monica Airport. The Museum of Flying displays impressive aircrafts including a Douglas World Cruiser, a U.S. Navy Skyhawk and replicas of iconic planes such as Orville and Wilbur Wright’s biplane and the Lockheed Vega, famous for Amelia Earhart’s journey as the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.
ARTime Barro (Pico Blvd.) – Pottery and wellness combine at ARTime Barro in workshops and classes designed to nurture creativity and inner peace in people of all ages. Whether you are a new learner or an experienced ceramist, their studio is dedicated to helping visitors make one-of-a-kind works of art through self-discovery and empowerment.
Singing Beach Chairs (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Sitting just south of the Santa Monica Pier, “Singing Beach Chairs” by artist Douglas Hollis is a beloved piece of public art on Santa Monica’s sands. Created in 1987, “Singing Beach Chairs” are whimsically large chairs equipped with stainless steel tubes that produce musical tones as the ocean breeze blows. Beachgoers are invited to take a rest on the “Singing Beach Chairs,” and enjoy the melodic sounds nature creates through art.
Local Culinary Treasures
With over 400 restaurants, Santa Monica is home to dining experiences of all cuisines, price points and ambiances. From cozy spots in bustling neighborhoods to longstanding local favorites, culinary treasures abound in Santa Monica.
Casa Martin (Downtown & Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Dine at Casa Martin, a family-owned Mexican restaurant with two locations in Santa Monica. Their menu offers an authentic taste of Tepatitlan, Jalisco, with classic dishes crafted from fresh, traditional ingredients influenced by family recipes and cooking techniques. With a welcoming atmosphere, traditional décor and exceptional customer service, this cherished spot is perfect for lunch, dinner or any special celebration.
Forma (Montana Ave.) – Forma is a chic, modern Italian restaurant located in Santa Monica’s historic Montana Avenue neighborhood, a favorite destination amongst locals. Created by hospitality veterans Executive Chef Piero Topputo and General Manager Mario Sabatini, Forma is named after its star ingredient, formaggio, and highlights its special Dalla Forma preparation method where freshly cooked pasta is served directly from large cheese wheels. Enjoy their contemporary Italian menu featuring small plates and entrees, wine, beer and cheese tastings.
The Curious Palate (Downtown) – Find The Curious Palate on the dining deck of Santa Monica Place, where their cozy dining room and spacious patio invites families, friends and even dogs to gather for a locally sourced meal. Savor 20 taps of craft beer, cider and kombucha, or choose from their curated selection of global wines while indulging in handcrafted dishes made from fresh, sustainable ingredients from Santa Monica’s local farmers markets. Created by best friends Elliot Rubin and Mark Cannon, The Curious Palate is a beloved gathering spot for connecting with loved ones over creative, well-prepared meals.
Z Garden (Pico Blvd.) – Welcome to Z Garden, a modern counter-service café in the heart of Santa Monica serving homemade Mediterranean classics. Enjoy succulent chicken shawarma, flavorful falafel, creamy hummus and crisp Greek salad, all crafted to deliver authentic, delicious flavors. Z Garden’s warm atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect laid-back spot for any meal or event and guarantees a healthy, satisfying dining experience for all.
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Media Contact
Emily Ohara
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