Guidebook for Santa Monica
Essentials
Highest quality organic & natural products. The food is free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated fats. Wide selection of pre-made foods to take-in.
1701 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
225 Lincoln BlvdHighest quality organic & natural products. The food is free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated fats. Wide selection of pre-made foods to take-in.
A grocery store, sure, but really so much more. They have all the basics plus more exotic fare like imported cheeses, organic produce and hand-tossed pizza from Italy. A true value!
881 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
6150 Slauson AveA grocery store, sure, but really so much more. They have all the basics plus more exotic fare like imported cheeses, organic produce and hand-tossed pizza from Italy. A true value!
Just 4 blocks from the Loft House, Gelson's is a major supermarket carrying everything you could need. Gelson's Market is recognized as one of the nation's premier supermarket chains, known for superior produce, highest quality meat, seafood and deli, an unmatched selection of wine and liquor, and exceptional service. Services available include a Bakery, Carving Station, Soup & Salad Bar, Coffee Bar, Full Service Deli, Olive Cart, Gourmet Cheese section, Fresh Sushi Prepared Daily, Extensive Floral Department and more!
108 locals recommend
Gelson's Market
2627 Lincoln BlvdJust 4 blocks from the Loft House, Gelson's is a major supermarket carrying everything you could need. Gelson's Market is recognized as one of the nation's premier supermarket chains, known for superior produce, highest quality meat, seafood and deli, an unmatched selection of wine and liquor, and exceptional service. Services available include a Bakery, Carving Station, Soup & Salad Bar, Coffee Bar, Full Service Deli, Olive Cart, Gourmet Cheese section, Fresh Sushi Prepared Daily, Extensive Floral Department and more!
Food scene
Local favorite for breakfast and lunch, tons of outdoor seating, always a line, great food. On Main Street, a block from the beach, directly west of The Loft House.
256 locals recommend
Urth Caffe Santa Monica
2327 Main StLocal favorite for breakfast and lunch, tons of outdoor seating, always a line, great food. On Main Street, a block from the beach, directly west of The Loft House.
Great breakfast spot on Montana with lots of my favorite offerings, including vegan options. Lots of outdoor seating. Take in breakfast, then stroll down Montana for upscale boutique shopping with tony local Santa Monica folk.
38 locals recommend
Bardonna
1601 Montana AveGreat breakfast spot on Montana with lots of my favorite offerings, including vegan options. Lots of outdoor seating. Take in breakfast, then stroll down Montana for upscale boutique shopping with tony local Santa Monica folk.
The view says it all. At the top of the Huntley Hotel on 2nd Street near Downtown Santa Monica. Upscale dining and fun bar scene too.
95 locals recommend
The Penthouse
1111 2nd StThe view says it all. At the top of the Huntley Hotel on 2nd Street near Downtown Santa Monica. Upscale dining and fun bar scene too.
Delicious. Popular. Poolside but indoor restaurant at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.
37 locals recommend
FIG
101 Wilshire BlvdDelicious. Popular. Poolside but indoor restaurant at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.
Heavy Handed
GREAT burgers.
Calabra
Rooftop, next to the pool, this bustling hotel restaurant has a fun vibe and delicious food.
Farm to table from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, crafted cocktails, great wine, inventive California cuisine.
63 locals recommend
Rustic Canyon
1119 Wilshire BlvdFarm to table from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, crafted cocktails, great wine, inventive California cuisine.
Crudo e Nudo
My go-to Italian restaurant on Main Street when I want to go out for Italian. Delicious food, bar, outdoor seating too.
71 locals recommend
La Vecchia Cucina
2654 Main StMy go-to Italian restaurant on Main Street when I want to go out for Italian. Delicious food, bar, outdoor seating too.
Cobi's
Michelin-rated Indian food. Be sure to make a reservation several days or weeks ahead.
Family-owned, down-home Mexican food. My family's restaurant of choice for chicken tacos and delicious enchiladas and all other traditional favorites. They have these marinated carrots that they serve with the crispy hot corn chips while you wait for your meal to be served.
29 locals recommend
Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant
2526 Pico BlvdFamily-owned, down-home Mexican food. My family's restaurant of choice for chicken tacos and delicious enchiladas and all other traditional favorites. They have these marinated carrots that they serve with the crispy hot corn chips while you wait for your meal to be served.
A Los Angeles tradition - been around since the 1920's. Great margaritas and bar area. Excited they opened up a Santa Monica location (original El Cholo is in the mid-Wilshire area).
56 locals recommend
El Cholo
1025 Wilshire BlvdA Los Angeles tradition - been around since the 1920's. Great margaritas and bar area. Excited they opened up a Santa Monica location (original El Cholo is in the mid-Wilshire area).
Amazing deck right over the water with big fat cushions, great drinks, great seafood, gorgeous views. DJ sometimes at cocktail hour/ sunset time. One of my favorite places.
247 locals recommend
Moonshadows
20356 Pacific Coast HighwayAmazing deck right over the water with big fat cushions, great drinks, great seafood, gorgeous views. DJ sometimes at cocktail hour/ sunset time. One of my favorite places.
Fresh grilled fish, optional to get it cajun, with generous sides of rice and/or potatoes and/or salad. Very relaxed, sawdust on the floor. Tons of outdoor seating with heat lamps. Across the street from the beach.
90 locals recommend
Reel Inn Malibu
18661 Pacific Coast HwyFresh grilled fish, optional to get it cajun, with generous sides of rice and/or potatoes and/or salad. Very relaxed, sawdust on the floor. Tons of outdoor seating with heat lamps. Across the street from the beach.
Steak, lobster, and all else fine dining. Tables right over the ocean. Simply excellent in every way. They also have a location in Beverly Hills if you feel like venturing there.
130 locals recommend
Mastro's Ocean Club
18412 Pacific Coast HwySteak, lobster, and all else fine dining. Tables right over the ocean. Simply excellent in every way. They also have a location in Beverly Hills if you feel like venturing there.
Best bagels on the Westside. Very very popular. A quick walk from The Loft House. Next to Ghisallo, Jyan Isaac Bread and Thyme Cafe.
Layla Bagels
Best bagels on the Westside. Very very popular. A quick walk from The Loft House. Next to Ghisallo, Jyan Isaac Bread and Thyme Cafe.
Best bakery! GREAT seeded sourdough and marbled rye. Also have bagel sandwiches. Quick walk from The Loft House, next to Layla's Bagels and Ghisallo and Thyme Cafe.
8 locals recommend
Jyan Isaac Bread
1620 Ocean Park BlvdBest bakery! GREAT seeded sourdough and marbled rye. Also have bagel sandwiches. Quick walk from The Loft House, next to Layla's Bagels and Ghisallo and Thyme Cafe.
Pizza to die for, amazing patio outside, a special lunch Thursday - Saturday. Walking distance from The Loft House!
Ghisallo
Pizza to die for, amazing patio outside, a special lunch Thursday - Saturday. Walking distance from The Loft House!
Bustling, hugely popular. Breakfast / bakery near Rose Avenue in Venice beach. Huge outdoor patio. A must try.
447 locals recommend
Gjusta
320 Sunset AveBustling, hugely popular. Breakfast / bakery near Rose Avenue in Venice beach. Huge outdoor patio. A must try.
Best breakfast; known for their "Millionaire's Bacon". A Sillicon Valley brunch spot that brought its quiet luxury to Santa Monica.
Sweet Maple
Best breakfast; known for their "Millionaire's Bacon". A Sillicon Valley brunch spot that brought its quiet luxury to Santa Monica.
Plant-based HEAVEN! A must try if you choose to eat vegan (but you wouldn't know it was plant-based!). Great vibe and outdoor seating too. In West Hollywood on Melrose.
88 locals recommend
Crossroads Kitchen
8284 Melrose AvePlant-based HEAVEN! A must try if you choose to eat vegan (but you wouldn't know it was plant-based!). Great vibe and outdoor seating too. In West Hollywood on Melrose.
"Local is a casual dining experience in Santa Monica pairing small seasonal plates and handcrafted pizza with exceptional wines and small batch cocktails." Walking distance from The Loft House.
44 locals recommend
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar
1736 Ocean Park Blvd"Local is a casual dining experience in Santa Monica pairing small seasonal plates and handcrafted pizza with exceptional wines and small batch cocktails." Walking distance from The Loft House.
I love breakfast and lunch here -"Unfussy European-style deli & grocer offering soup, sandwiches & some breakfast dishes all day." Lots of outdoor seating for people watching.
29 locals recommend
Shoop's Delicatessen
2400 Main StI love breakfast and lunch here -"Unfussy European-style deli & grocer offering soup, sandwiches & some breakfast dishes all day." Lots of outdoor seating for people watching.
Water Grill
Great fish restaurant on Ocean Avenue in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica
Another "go-to" for me for delicious breakfast or lunch, and a neighborhood Favorite: pancakes, egg scrambles, avocado toast, etc, farmer's market inspired salads, gourmet sandwiches. Prepared fresh food to go and market place.
89 locals recommend
Thyme Cafe and Market
1630 Ocean Park BlvdAnother "go-to" for me for delicious breakfast or lunch, and a neighborhood Favorite: pancakes, egg scrambles, avocado toast, etc, farmer's market inspired salads, gourmet sandwiches. Prepared fresh food to go and market place.
Trendy, hip, very very good. Good to make a reservation. On Abbot Kinney in Venice. "Serving locally-sourced, produce-forward food".
85 locals recommend
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney BlvdTrendy, hip, very very good. Good to make a reservation. On Abbot Kinney in Venice. "Serving locally-sourced, produce-forward food".
Drinks & Nightlife
Floor to ceiling open windows to the sidewalk, deep couches enclose coffee tables, great vibe and spot to grab some drinks and a little food.
59 locals recommend
Bodega Wine Bar Santa Monica
814 BroadwayFloor to ceiling open windows to the sidewalk, deep couches enclose coffee tables, great vibe and spot to grab some drinks and a little food.
Jameson’s Pub
Hip cocktail lounge on lower level of an old house providing retro drinks, light bites & live jazz. Happy hour is every night from 5pm to 8pm, featuring $5 wines, well drinks and $3 beers. Once a restaurant, then a jazz club, then a wine cellar (wine barrels and a wine press remain), the space, true to its title, feels like an old tavern adorned with a long, worn wooden bar, unusually wide and cushioned stools, sunken regal love seats, taxidermy on the walls and an elegant mish-mash of chandeliers. Early on, a more subdued atmosphere of couples and close friends talk intimately on love seats, while groups gather at tables with cocktails, bottled beer and typical gastropub fare. Live music takes over after 10pm, when a line forms out the door and Angelenos of all walks don their beach bum-casual best and can be seen scoping out the scene from basement to rooftop, drink in hand.
83 locals recommend
Basement Tavern
2640 Main StHip cocktail lounge on lower level of an old house providing retro drinks, light bites & live jazz. Happy hour is every night from 5pm to 8pm, featuring $5 wines, well drinks and $3 beers. Once a restaurant, then a jazz club, then a wine cellar (wine barrels and a wine press remain), the space, true to its title, feels like an old tavern adorned with a long, worn wooden bar, unusually wide and cushioned stools, sunken regal love seats, taxidermy on the walls and an elegant mish-mash of chandeliers. Early on, a more subdued atmosphere of couples and close friends talk intimately on love seats, while groups gather at tables with cocktails, bottled beer and typical gastropub fare. Live music takes over after 10pm, when a line forms out the door and Angelenos of all walks don their beach bum-casual best and can be seen scoping out the scene from basement to rooftop, drink in hand.
Father's Office
1018 Montana AveSightseeing
The Loft House is about a mile to the Santa Monica Pier, famous for its breathtaking sunsets, people watching and opportunities for fun! The pier is home to a 1922 carousel and amusement park
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierThe Loft House is about a mile to the Santa Monica Pier, famous for its breathtaking sunsets, people watching and opportunities for fun! The pier is home to a 1922 carousel and amusement park
We are located just 10 blocks from the white sandy beaches. Sunbathe or splash in the waves with our complimentary beach towels and chairs. Or take a leisurely walk, rent a bike or rollerblades!
169 locals recommend
Santa Monica State Beach
We are located just 10 blocks from the white sandy beaches. Sunbathe or splash in the waves with our complimentary beach towels and chairs. Or take a leisurely walk, rent a bike or rollerblades!
8 blocks away is Main Street, one of the area’s most popular destinations for upscale eateries and hip boutiques. Grab a cup of coffee, take in a yoga class, or have sushi or your favorite cocktails!
207 locals recommend
Main Street
Main Street8 blocks away is Main Street, one of the area’s most popular destinations for upscale eateries and hip boutiques. Grab a cup of coffee, take in a yoga class, or have sushi or your favorite cocktails!
The world-famous Venice Boardwalk is not to be missed! Restaurants, street vendors, street performers, local bohemians... you will find it all on this iconic beach-side stroll, just a mile and half from the Loft House. On the west side of the “walk” are hundreds of street vendors and performers. You can see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking. Mimes to musicians, jugglers to jesters and everything in between make up the human landscape. You can have your fortune read, get a temporary tattoo or have your name written on a grain of rice. If souvenirs is what you are after then the boardwalk is the place to go. The Westside offers unique arts and crafts, odds and ends and one of kinds only obtainable here. Paintings, photos, rocks of various sorts and sculptures are among the popular offerings. On the Eastside are the store fronts of the boardwalk. Here you will find every sort of t-shirt under the sun. From the politically motivated to sexually charged to the plain old Venice Beach t-shirt there is sure to be one for everybody. In addition, there are tattoo and piercing stores, skate and surf shops, medical marijuana dispensaries and more. You can buy sun glasses, vaporizers, beer and shoes. This is all in addition to the large selection of restaurants, juice spots and bars. In summary, packed into its one and a half mile, the boardwalk has more diversity in demographics and retail then probably anywhere else in the world. There is reason it so famous.
815 locals recommend
Venice Beach Boardwalk
517 Ocean Front WalkThe world-famous Venice Boardwalk is not to be missed! Restaurants, street vendors, street performers, local bohemians... you will find it all on this iconic beach-side stroll, just a mile and half from the Loft House. On the west side of the “walk” are hundreds of street vendors and performers. You can see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking. Mimes to musicians, jugglers to jesters and everything in between make up the human landscape. You can have your fortune read, get a temporary tattoo or have your name written on a grain of rice. If souvenirs is what you are after then the boardwalk is the place to go. The Westside offers unique arts and crafts, odds and ends and one of kinds only obtainable here. Paintings, photos, rocks of various sorts and sculptures are among the popular offerings. On the Eastside are the store fronts of the boardwalk. Here you will find every sort of t-shirt under the sun. From the politically motivated to sexually charged to the plain old Venice Beach t-shirt there is sure to be one for everybody. In addition, there are tattoo and piercing stores, skate and surf shops, medical marijuana dispensaries and more. You can buy sun glasses, vaporizers, beer and shoes. This is all in addition to the large selection of restaurants, juice spots and bars. In summary, packed into its one and a half mile, the boardwalk has more diversity in demographics and retail then probably anywhere else in the world. There is reason it so famous.
Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA, USA
Shopping
A little over a mile away from The Loft House is the 3rd Street Promenade, drawing locals and world travelers alike. Known for its Wednesday morning Farmers’ Markets, movie theaters & engaging street performers
1595 locals recommend
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeA little over a mile away from The Loft House is the 3rd Street Promenade, drawing locals and world travelers alike. Known for its Wednesday morning Farmers’ Markets, movie theaters & engaging street performers
Just 8 blocks from The Loft House, Main Street hosts an eclectic collection of restaurants, boutiques, cafe's, salons, gift and home decor stores. Stretching for about a mile from Pico south to the Santa Monica border, Main Street is a charming neighborhood district - not the Mall! Historic, unique and going Green, Main Street is known for its Sunday Farmers' Markets at Heritage Square and its annual Summer Soulstice and Holiday events.
105 locals recommend
Main Street Santa Monica
Main StreetJust 8 blocks from The Loft House, Main Street hosts an eclectic collection of restaurants, boutiques, cafe's, salons, gift and home decor stores. Stretching for about a mile from Pico south to the Santa Monica border, Main Street is a charming neighborhood district - not the Mall! Historic, unique and going Green, Main Street is known for its Sunday Farmers' Markets at Heritage Square and its annual Summer Soulstice and Holiday events.
With some of the best restaurants, unique art galleries, and exciting nightlife, Abbot Kinney attracts the hip, bohemian and/or trendy Los Angelinos. Food trucks line the street on the first Friday of the month and it is the scene to be at!
1065 locals recommend
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney BoulevardWith some of the best restaurants, unique art galleries, and exciting nightlife, Abbot Kinney attracts the hip, bohemian and/or trendy Los Angelinos. Food trucks line the street on the first Friday of the month and it is the scene to be at!
Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA, USA
Arts & Culture
Located along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the Getty Villa is a sight to behold! The Villa is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house, with breathtaking gardens filled with species from the ancient world. The museum itself houses 7000 years of ancient art, from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire. Enjoy High Tea in their rooftop restaurant.
883 locals recommend
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast HwyLocated along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the Getty Villa is a sight to behold! The Villa is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house, with breathtaking gardens filled with species from the ancient world. The museum itself houses 7000 years of ancient art, from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire. Enjoy High Tea in their rooftop restaurant.
The Broad Stage is a 499-seat theater at the Santa Monica College featuring drama, music, dance & family shows.
26 locals recommend
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
1310 11th StThe Broad Stage is a 499-seat theater at the Santa Monica College featuring drama, music, dance & family shows.
Entertainment & Activities
The Santa Monica Pier has it all: an amusement park featuring a solar-powered Ferris Wheel (try riding at sunset!) and 1920's carousel; a gaming arcade, Santa Monica Bay Aquarium run by Heal the Bay, street performers, a trapeze school as well as several restaurants and bars with live music. Best yet are the free concerts every Thursday evening throughout the summer featuring well known (as well as lesser known) musicians and bands.
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierThe Santa Monica Pier has it all: an amusement park featuring a solar-powered Ferris Wheel (try riding at sunset!) and 1920's carousel; a gaming arcade, Santa Monica Bay Aquarium run by Heal the Bay, street performers, a trapeze school as well as several restaurants and bars with live music. Best yet are the free concerts every Thursday evening throughout the summer featuring well known (as well as lesser known) musicians and bands.