Ocean Park Boulevard/Santa Monica Airport Area

Ocean Park Boulevard boasts an authentic local vibe, a crop of talked-about restaurants and “Where did you get that?!” boutiques and shops. Accentuated by spacious Clover Park, the neighborhood is also home to Barker Hangar, which has hosted many awards shows like the Kids’ Choice Awards, People’s Choice Awards and more; the Santa Monica Airport and Ruskin Group Theatre Co.; and the Museum of Flying as well as neighboring Spitfire Grill. The airport’s observation decks, eco-friendly gardens and twice-monthly antiques market are also big draws.

Ocean Park Restaurants

The self-described “Mediterranean cookhouse,” Crimson, takes pride in the nutritional value of its Middle Eastern cuisine, from kabobs and wraps to salads and sides. All meats are free of hormones and antibiotics, produce is seasonal and organic when possible, and spices are authentic and preservative-free.

At Love Coffee Bar it’s all about the love—for partners, pals, puppies and, of course, artisanal coffees and teas. Savor an inventive espresso drink like the rosemary latte while you make new friends of the two- and four-legged variety.

Ocean Park Ramen scores high with locals for its surprisingly sophisticated sushi rolls, elevated pork buns and the fragrant and creamy, rich broth in its variety of ramen and rice bowls—all served fresh and at refreshingly affordable prices.

A local “special occasion” fixture for over 40 years, the family-owned Italian restaurant, Vito Restaurant, elicits oohs and aahs for meticulously prepared dishes such as vitello alla piccata and medaglioni al cognac and old-school martinis, all expertly served up by tuxedo-clad waiters.

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Ocean Park Shops

Contemporary art lovers will enjoy bG Gallery which is dedicated to the postmodern era. The gallery prides itself on eschewing market trends and bringing “authentic art with elements of the human spirit” to the public via exhibits, prints, books and catalogs.

Influenced by its owner’s chic-yet-relaxed point of view, Brooke Rodd Boutique (and its sister shop, FUN by Brooke Rodd, just next door) has its finger on the pulse of Santa Monica style, with an eclectic collection of apparel and accessories.

Goods is packed with carefully curated, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind fair-trade goods from around the world. Choose a treasure for that discerning loved one, whether it’s a leather-strapped garden bag from Bolivia or a set of volcano stone earrings made right here in L.A.

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Ocean Park Attractions

Keep your little ones safe, near and engaged while you finish that big project at Big and Tiny. A trained staff, including preschool teachers, keeps your child active and stimulated, while you use the business amenities and soundproof areas to get your work done in this charming and well-appointed facility. Bonus: There’s a small boutique in the front as well.

If you don’t feel dressed until your lashes are on, BlinkBar may become a habit. BlinkBar prides itself on skilled techs who are trained in European application technique, and a wide selection of lashes including the cruelty-free, 100-percent Siberian mink variety.

The brainchild of a former Douglas Aircraft Company president, the Museum of Flying displays artifacts from the company’s founder alongside vintage aircraft, a monument to the iconic Douglas DC-3 and a variety of related exhibits and artworks.

Currently spanning four acres (with plans for an additional 12 acres pending), Santa Monica Airport Park features a playground, synthetic turf sports field with lights, 17 picnic tables and six barbecue grills, plus bike racks, plenty of parking and free city Wi-Fi.

Explore the street art murals located throughout the Ocean Park Blvd/Santa Monica Airport Area neighborhood.