Santa Monica Vacation & Tourism Guide
photo by Andy & Meg
Santa Monica Beach symbolizes Southern California Beach lifestyle. Located near the cultural heart of Los Angeles, Santa Monica offers virtually any attraction a traveler could want when visiting southern California. If there is only time to choose one beach in the Los Angeles area during your visit, it should definitely be Santa Monica Beach. With the amusement park on the pier and the Third Street Promenade for shopping, there is so much for every traveler in Santa Monica.
Great Recommendations from Real Travelers
1. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Real Traveler Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 180 reviews from 5 sources
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" The hotel is lovely and the staff is superb." — source Travelocity
" The grounds are immaculate and have gorgeous landscaping." — source Expedia
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1. Santa Monica Pier
Perched over the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, \"The Pier\" feels more like a carnival than a place to ... more
Real Travelers who've been to Santa Monica Pier
KC-Girl in Goodnight to Hollywood Boulevard... said
…. To Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica pier and shopping, to Venice Beach, apple mojitos… continue reading »
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2. Air Conditioned
... you enter AIR CONDITIONED's Wine, Champagne and Cold Beer Lounge you will experience the ultimate signature sleek haven of urban chic, you'll understand why life can seem so very good. Soulful beats cling to the air as newl... more
Real Travelers who've been to Air Conditioned
Malcolm in The City of Angels said
… Los Angeles is great if you like the heat (or Air Conditioning) and if you have heaps of money to spend on all… continue reading »
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3. Bergamot Station Arts Center
Bergamot Station houses the single greatest concentration of art galleries in Santa Monica more
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4. Yankee Doodles
... Citysearch users as, "The most unique sports bar in North America," Yankee Doodles features all major amateur and professional sporting events 365 days a year. They also feature two tiers of 28 pool tables, games, an arcade... more
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5. Angelato Cafe
... known for its large variety of gelato flavors, is a trendy gelateria that rivals anything found in Italy. The gelatos are made by a fourth-generation Italian gelato expert. With over 100 amazing and exotic flavors of Italia... more
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6. Third Street Promenade
... alfresco 3rd Street Promenade shopping experience includes national stores, name brand clothing, boutiques, all in the ... more
Real Travelers who've been to Third Street Promenade
Ben and Gini in Not such a bad place to transit! said
… wide sandy beach, busy with sunbathers. Then we went to the shops on Third Street promenade. Loads of shops to choose from… continue reading »
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7. Capo
Visit Capo if you're in the neighborhood. Don't let the crowded ambience, rustic decor ... more
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8. Chollo (El)
Yes, the restaurant's truly great, but the bar's deserving and gets some major heat of ... more
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9. Babalu
... waitstaff glides from table to table, casually serving stylish Montana Avenue shoppers and neighborhood families. Brunch favorites include pancake and omelette specials, as well as a creative eggs Benedict on corn cakes wit... more
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10. Harvelle's
... best blues acts in Los Angeles just a few blocks from the beach at the ever-popular Harvelle's Blues Club. ... more
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1. Border Grill
Vibrant and festive, Border Grill restaurant serves innovative, gourmet ... more
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2. BOA Steakhouse
... the Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade & the beach. Our menu includes traditional cuts prepared with the Boa's signature sauces, plus an expanded selection of seafood and wines by the glass. BOA Steakhouse transforms t... more
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3. Ocean Avenue Seafood
... our seafood selection as well as the quality and freshness of our dishes. Our restaurant has LA's largest oyster bar, also featuring the Oyster and Wine Sampler. Come and enjoy our delicious meals in the comfort of the casu... more
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4. Melisse
This 4 Star recipient (Mobil Travel Guide in 2004) has also been termed by the Zagat survey as the 'Number One' for American-French cuisine in Los Angeles. “Chef Josiah ... more
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5. Locanda Del Lago
... identity as having perhaps the only menu in Los Angeles to focus on the cuisine of Northern Italy's Lombardy region. Featuring specialties from Milano and Bellagio on Lake Como, the restaurant attracts an eclectic crowd of... more
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6. JiRaffe Restaurant
... stately chateau dining room--but with more tables--all done up in crystal chandeliers, dark woods and velvet tapestries. An equally done-up crowd of coolly fashionable Westsiders and savvy diners crowd the bi-level space.;T... more
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7. i Cugini
... to a fountain and order the small folk the cheese pizza - the delicate crust is the best in town. Children are very welcome at this swanky grown-up restaurant and the staff are always warm. Kids will like the murals inside... more
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8. Josie
... :Located on a quiet corner in Santa Monica, Josie draws a distinguished crowd. The look is pure elegance--starched white tablecloths and luxurious banquettes--with smooth service to match.;The Food :Chef-owner Josie Le Balc... more
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9. Michael's
... owner Michael McCarty opened his namesake establishment in 1979, it was like a whirlwind through the city's restaurant scene. The chefs in his kitchen were pioneers of what came to be known as California cuisine. Walk throu... more
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10. Forno Caffe (Il)
This is a very popular, friendly and casual two-roomed spot on the Westside. Here the friendly staff serves ... more
Top Rated Santa Monica Trips
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Santa Monica | Nov 14 08'
""Help me!!""
Well I'm here in Auckland updating the Santa Monica bit of the trip so already the enthusiasm for blog writing is waning! We had a great week in Sa... Continue reading »
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Muscle Beach | Mar 16 09'
"We´d sit on the lifeguards station drink the beer, listen to music, chillout and watch the sunset! beautiful!"
After Kieran (Yoda from our hollywood hostel) gave us sketchy directions to Santa Monica we eventually arrived there (3 bus rides later)We checked... Continue reading »
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Hanging out in venice beach | Jul 05 07'
"It’s like the biggest collection of drop-outs, stoners, acid casualties, hippies and odd-balls in the world."
With the exception of one person, we were told by anyone who had been to L.A. that it was rubbish & not to bother. As we were flying out of L.A. we... Continue reading »
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Santa Monica for the Fourth! | Jul 03 08'
"Look what the wind blew in....."
After we left our hostel this morning, we headed down to Avila Beach for a visit. Nice beach, pretty, small, and not... Continue reading »
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Settling in in Santa Monica | Jul 04 08'
"The Power of Now"
All is well with our roomates and sleeping eight to a room. I actually got a good night's sleep and everyone was ver... Continue reading »
