Santa Monica

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Fun & Sun in Santa Monica

A travel journal to Santa Monica by Go Girl! Best of IgoUgo

Broadway DeliMore Photos

Santa Monica has it all -- great food, interesign night life perfect for people watching.

  • 9 reviews
  • 1 photo

Fun & Sun in Santa MonicaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

During the day take in 3rd street for some shopping, to take in a movie or simply to sip on a coffee as you watch all the street performers. Stroll along the Pier, enjoy the arcades or simply lay on the beach. At night, take in one of the many amazing restaurants and clubs.

Quick Tips:

Santa Monica has some world reknown hotels (President Clinton often stays at Lowes) but they generally are expensive.

Best Way To Get Around:

If you don't plan on exploring other parts of LA, you can get around Santa Monica by walking. But if you want to venture into Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood and other neighborhoods you'll need a rental car.

Shutters On The BeachBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Shutters"

This top of the line hotel sits on the beach and has amazing views of the ocean. Many celbrities stay here and for good reason -- it's one of the nicest hotels in the Los Angeles area (and one of the most expensive). The main restaurant is reknown but is a little on the stuffy side. Instead I prefer the cafe -- it's a great place for breakfast.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Shutters On The Beach
ONE PICO BLVD Santa Monica, California 90405
310-458-0030

Ethiopian CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This little dive is located in a food court along the 3rd Street Promenade and offers some of the best Ethopian Food in the entire Los Angeles area. It's cheaper than cheap as well. Usually I order and sit on a bench on the promenade and people watch. One of the few things I miss about LA since I've moved!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Ethiopian Cafe
1437 3rd Street Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 576-0536

ChayaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Chai Brassiere"

There are two of these restaurants in LA -- Chia Hollywood and Chia Venice. Both have weathered the test of time and are now considered LA institutions. Great place to people watch (may spot a celebrity or two) full of beautiful people and good food. The happy hour is good time for all.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Chaya
110 Navy Street Venice, California 90291
(310) 396-1179

Broadway DeliBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Broadway Deli
Anchoring one end of the Third Street Promenade, this cavernous, high-tech space is filled with roomy booths, a long, open kitchen fronted by a dining counter and a cappuccino/espresso bar, and a continual crush of people. Jewish deli standards are available, but the best dishes are those you'd find in a French bistro or an American mom's kitchen: macaroni and cheese; a meaty, savory lamb shank on a bed of garlicky white beans; salty but satisfying French onion soup; a tangy Caesar salad, and crisp, salty fries. Things get more contemporary with the extraordinary crab coleslaw and the charred turkey steak. The fresh-baked breads are super, the bagels divine and the desserts very good.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Broadway Deli
1457 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 451-0616

Third Street PromenadeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "3rd Street Promenade"

The three blocks of 3rd Street that strech from Wilshire until it dead-ends at the Santa Monica mall, is closed to cars and is full of pedistrians, street performers and booths with colorful goods. While I lived in Los Angeles, this was one of my favorite weekend spots. It's a huge toursit attraction so you'll hear several languages spoken as you stroll down the street. There aren't many places where one walks in LA, so it's nice to be outside and stroll around leisurally. Some of my favorite stores can be found on this strech such as Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and a few local boutiques. There are several movie theatres along this street as well.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Third Street Promenade
1351 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 393-8355

Santa Monica BeachBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The beach is a wonderful place for sunbathing, picnicing, volleyball, rollerblading and picking up on the opposite sex. However, the water leaves a bit to be desired. They post daily the contamination level of the water and if it's safe to enter the water. You see die-hard surfers in the water wven when it's not reccomended, but I stay away from the water, but it doesn't stop me from having a good time on the beach.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica PierBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Pier"

You can't make a trip to Santa Monica without visiting it's famed pier, especially you have kids or are married to one. The Roller Coaster at the end of the Pier is worth the nearly $10 price ticket. The slew of arcades are irresitable to pass up. If you love to fish, come early in the morning to secure your spot. The Carosel at the beginning of the Pier is an orginal and one of the most ornate I've ever seen. All in all, the pier is a great way to spend an afternoon.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 458-8900

Gotham HallBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Want to play pool while dressed to the nines? Then Gotham Hall is for you. Located above the heart of the Third Street Promenade, this pool hall/restaurant recently turned supper club now has a little something for everyone. While waiting for your table -- pool table that is -- you can mingle amongst the five bars; martini lounge, cigar bar or dance club. While Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, especially with locals, during the week they still draw a crowd.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Go Girl! on October 17, 2000

Gotham Hall
1431 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 394-8865

About the Writer

Go Girl!
Go Girl!
Los Angeles, California

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