Guidebook for Santa Monica
Arts & Culture
The Getty houses quite a collection of styles and eras. The buildings and sprawling grounds are beautiful as well. Take a mid museum break and grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at their outdoor cafe.
2309 locals recommend
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrThe Getty houses quite a collection of styles and eras. The buildings and sprawling grounds are beautiful as well. Take a mid museum break and grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at their outdoor cafe.
The Getty Villa houses an exceptional collection of statuary from Greco-Roman to Degas. Nice views of the ocean along the PCH Hwy make a great drive to the museum.
883 locals recommend
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast HwyThe Getty Villa houses an exceptional collection of statuary from Greco-Roman to Degas. Nice views of the ocean along the PCH Hwy make a great drive to the museum.
The original Los Angeles Japanese community. It's small but cool and close to the MOCA Museum. Definitely stop in the Mochi ice cream shop.
435 locals recommend
Little Tokyo
The original Los Angeles Japanese community. It's small but cool and close to the MOCA Museum. Definitely stop in the Mochi ice cream shop.
Check out some great contemporary art here and then grab some grub in Little Tokyo a few blocks away.
695 locals recommend
The Museum of Contemporary Art
250 S Grand AveCheck out some great contemporary art here and then grab some grub in Little Tokyo a few blocks away.
K-Town is a happenin' place in LA. They've got food, art, culture, bars, you name it. Anthony Bourdain did an episode on it and there are great write-ups in the LA Weekly and the NY Times. http://www.laweekly.com/arts/15-great-things-to-do-in-koreatown-5113357
230 locals recommend
Koreatown
K-Town is a happenin' place in LA. They've got food, art, culture, bars, you name it. Anthony Bourdain did an episode on it and there are great write-ups in the LA Weekly and the NY Times. http://www.laweekly.com/arts/15-great-things-to-do-in-koreatown-5113357
"Old Los Angeles" Historic landmark. This is the first street in LA, where it all started. It's a Mexican marketplace with traditional everything and lots of great food and margaritas. Take the metro rail to Union Station. Walk to Chinatown and Little Tokyo.
412 locals recommend
Olvera Street
Olvera Street"Old Los Angeles" Historic landmark. This is the first street in LA, where it all started. It's a Mexican marketplace with traditional everything and lots of great food and margaritas. Take the metro rail to Union Station. Walk to Chinatown and Little Tokyo.
Parks & Nature
This pretty little park sits on the cliffs along the ocean, has a walking path, and a wonderful rose garden. It is 3 miles from the house and is a good destination for a walk, run, or cycle.
130 locals recommend
Palisades Park
Ocean AvenueThis pretty little park sits on the cliffs along the ocean, has a walking path, and a wonderful rose garden. It is 3 miles from the house and is a good destination for a walk, run, or cycle.
This is a great place to head for a hike. There are several miles of trails, some overlooking the ocean. Take a picnic.
277 locals recommend
Topanga State Park
20828 Entrada RdThis is a great place to head for a hike. There are several miles of trails, some overlooking the ocean. Take a picnic.
Shopping
Take a walk down Montana Ave and check out the funky high-end boutique shops, or grab something to eat in one of the nice restaurants.
141 locals recommend
Montana Avenue
Montana AvenueTake a walk down Montana Ave and check out the funky high-end boutique shops, or grab something to eat in one of the nice restaurants.
Outdoor shopping mall with movie theaters, restaurants, the Apple store, Barnes & Noble, Levi's and much much more. Also a great place to see street performers.
1595 locals recommend
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeOutdoor shopping mall with movie theaters, restaurants, the Apple store, Barnes & Noble, Levi's and much much more. Also a great place to see street performers.
Essentials
High-end grocery store. Everything from sushi to sandwiches, baked goods and groceries.
53 locals recommend
Bristol Farms
3105 Wilshire BlvdHigh-end grocery store. Everything from sushi to sandwiches, baked goods and groceries.
Fox Coin Laundry
2439 Santa Monica BlvdLaundry mat close to the house.
Ralphs
12057 Wilshire BlvdGood regular grocery store with a deli and sandwich shop.
CVS
3202 Wilshire BlvdClosest CVS Pharmacy. It's small but just a few blocks away.
Getting Around
This is the closest stop for the Metro Rail Expo Line. From here you can take the train to anywhere in Los Angeles. You can take a public bike or bus down here, or you can walk.
102 locals recommend
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan AveThis is the closest stop for the Metro Rail Expo Line. From here you can take the train to anywhere in Los Angeles. You can take a public bike or bus down here, or you can walk.
Entertainment & Activities
It's a blast to see favorite silver screen classics in this iconic theatre.
57 locals recommend
Aero Theatre
1328 Montana AveIt's a blast to see favorite silver screen classics in this iconic theatre.
Drinks & Nightlife
Monday nights this little restaurant has the best swing bands and big bands around! They always put on a stellar show! Dine next to the Santa Monica airport runway with some great Pan Asian cuisine and cocktails. There are menu items for the daring as well. Bring earplugs, it can get loud.
11 locals recommend
Typhoon
3221 Donald Douglas Loop SMonday nights this little restaurant has the best swing bands and big bands around! They always put on a stellar show! Dine next to the Santa Monica airport runway with some great Pan Asian cuisine and cocktails. There are menu items for the daring as well. Bring earplugs, it can get loud.
This little blues joint has been around for decades and draws the best in the business. Check the schedule though because they also do a burlesque show some nights. Cocktails and a small dance floor.
99 locals recommend
Harvelle's Blues Club
1432 4th StThis little blues joint has been around for decades and draws the best in the business. Check the schedule though because they also do a burlesque show some nights. Cocktails and a small dance floor.
Awesome jazz and blues club in Studio City. Music every night of the week. It's worth the drive and the stuffed baked potatoes are amazing!
47 locals recommend
The Baked Potato
3787 Cahuenga BlvdAwesome jazz and blues club in Studio City. Music every night of the week. It's worth the drive and the stuffed baked potatoes are amazing!
The local watering hole. They have great food and are just a short walk down the road.
15 locals recommend
Sonny McLean's Irish Pub
2615 Wilshire BlvdThe local watering hole. They have great food and are just a short walk down the road.