How to Live Like a Local in Santa Monica
Coffee Spot
If you're looking for quality, small batch coffee and tea that is sourced directly from local villages all over the world - and you don't want to deal with a scene or touristy vibe - this is THE local spot to check out!!
The people at Funnel Mill are serious about ambiance: There are live plants, couches, communal tables, window seating, and a strict no-phones-allowed policy if you want to hang—all good things for getting stuff done in peace. Most drinks are made to order using ancient techniques, which require various beakers, siphons, and crazy-looking butane systems. Yes, you'll have to wait a bit for your single-estate organic or biodynamic coffee, Indian chai, or personal pot of white, green, or red tea. Feeling baller? Try the $75 Esmeralda Especial.
27 íbúar mæla með
Funnel Mill Rare Coffee & Tea
1506 BroadwayIf you're looking for quality, small batch coffee and tea that is sourced directly from local villages all over the world - and you don't want to deal with a scene or touristy vibe - this is THE local spot to check out!!
The people at Funnel Mill are serious about ambiance: There are live plants, couches, communal tables, window seating, and a strict no-phones-allowed policy if you want to hang—all good things for getting stuff done in peace. Most drinks are made to order using ancient techniques, which require various beakers, siphons, and crazy-looking butane systems. Yes, you'll have to wait a bit for your single-estate organic or biodynamic coffee, Indian chai, or personal pot of white, green, or red tea. Feeling baller? Try the $75 Esmeralda Especial.
This sweet little spot is tucked into a cute alleyway right around the corner from my home. Look for the sign so you don't miss it!
With 55+ cafés and coffee shops across the country, Bluestone Lane is bringing Aussie café culture (and better coffee) to the USA. They make the best flat whites in the world—and pride themselves on ethically sourced, meticulously-roasted, sustainably-packaged coffee—for a perfect cup, every time.
*If you download their app, your first coffee is free!
Bluestone Lane Colorado Avenue
2041 Colorado AvenueThis sweet little spot is tucked into a cute alleyway right around the corner from my home. Look for the sign so you don't miss it!
With 55+ cafés and coffee shops across the country, Bluestone Lane is bringing Aussie café culture (and better coffee) to the USA. They make the best flat whites in the world—and pride themselves on ethically sourced, meticulously-roasted, sustainably-packaged coffee—for a perfect cup, every time.
*If you download their app, your first coffee is free!
In the heart of the Abbot Kinney strip, this place is very hip - this coffee is cooler than I am and a VERY popular local spot so there can often be a line. They make a Spanish latte that is to die for!
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Intelligentsia Coffee Venice Coffeebar
1331 Abbot Kinney Blvd In the heart of the Abbot Kinney strip, this place is very hip - this coffee is cooler than I am and a VERY popular local spot so there can often be a line. They make a Spanish latte that is to die for!
Great local spot with cute outdoor seating in the back and front if you like to people watch. They make a great Chagaccino (adaptogenic mushrooms with coffee) with some great vegan pastries and avocado toast.
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Lo/Cal Coffee & Market - Santa Monica
2214 Pico BlvdGreat local spot with cute outdoor seating in the back and front if you like to people watch. They make a great Chagaccino (adaptogenic mushrooms with coffee) with some great vegan pastries and avocado toast.
Neighborhoods
Everyone knows about Third Street Promenade - and they come from all over the world to check it out - so imagine the crowds. For a much more authentic SaMo vibe lined with great local restaurants, cafes, art galleries, shops, bars, pubs, and more, head over to Main Street. The north end starts in Santa Monica at Bay Street and the Southern tip ends in Venice at Rose.
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Main Street
Main StreetEveryone knows about Third Street Promenade - and they come from all over the world to check it out - so imagine the crowds. For a much more authentic SaMo vibe lined with great local restaurants, cafes, art galleries, shops, bars, pubs, and more, head over to Main Street. The north end starts in Santa Monica at Bay Street and the Southern tip ends in Venice at Rose.
This strip is to Venice what Main Street is to Santa Monica. Everyone goes to Venice for the boardwalk, this is where the locals go. Trendy local shops, restaurants, hip bars, and quirky plant shops behind every door. In the summer months, they shut down the street and turn it into a block party!
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Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney BoulevardThis strip is to Venice what Main Street is to Santa Monica. Everyone goes to Venice for the boardwalk, this is where the locals go. Trendy local shops, restaurants, hip bars, and quirky plant shops behind every door. In the summer months, they shut down the street and turn it into a block party!
This is a nice strip to walk, although it is known for its price tag. Lots of cute cafes, trendy restaurants, and pricey boutiques with the latest fashions.
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Montana Avenue
Montana AvenueThis is a nice strip to walk, although it is known for its price tag. Lots of cute cafes, trendy restaurants, and pricey boutiques with the latest fashions.
Between 17th and 23rd, this super cute and charming up-and-coming shopping district is walkable and lined with cute little coffee shops, markets, galleries, restaurants, and more. It also boasts a wide bike path that will take you straight to the beach.
Ocean Park Boulevard
Ocean Park BoulevardBetween 17th and 23rd, this super cute and charming up-and-coming shopping district is walkable and lined with cute little coffee shops, markets, galleries, restaurants, and more. It also boasts a wide bike path that will take you straight to the beach.
Outdoor Fitness
Looking for a workout but wanna save some cash? Head on over to the famous Santa Monica Stairs! There are two sets on Adelaide - the wooden ones at 7th are straight and the cement ones at 4th are switchbacks. They both have about 200 steps and the regulars are super friendly. The guy doing them every day upside down on his hands is Woody Harrelson's brother, Brett ;-)
After your workout, take a walk around the neighborhood to see some incredible home architecture - you can't beat the sunset view over the ocean!
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Santa Monica Stairs
699 Adelaide DrLooking for a workout but wanna save some cash? Head on over to the famous Santa Monica Stairs! There are two sets on Adelaide - the wooden ones at 7th are straight and the cement ones at 4th are switchbacks. They both have about 200 steps and the regulars are super friendly. The guy doing them every day upside down on his hands is Woody Harrelson's brother, Brett ;-)
After your workout, take a walk around the neighborhood to see some incredible home architecture - you can't beat the sunset view over the ocean!
Sightseeing
Everyone thinks Muscle Beach is in Venice, and the one made famous might be, but the ORIGINAL Muscle Beach is in Santa Monica just south of the pier.
Lots of fun things to play on and workout with including flying rings, ropes, beams, slack lines, etc.
On Sundays, the area known as The Green gets PACKED with incredible aerialists and gymnasts from all over the world practicing everything from acroyoga to fire dancing!
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Original Muscle Beach
Ocean Front WalkEveryone thinks Muscle Beach is in Venice, and the one made famous might be, but the ORIGINAL Muscle Beach is in Santa Monica just south of the pier.
Lots of fun things to play on and workout with including flying rings, ropes, beams, slack lines, etc.
On Sundays, the area known as The Green gets PACKED with incredible aerialists and gymnasts from all over the world practicing everything from acroyoga to fire dancing!
This 22 mile beachfront bike path starts in Palos Verdes and ends at Will Rogers State Beach in the Palisades. It crosses through all the fabulous beach towns this area has to offer from Santa Monica to Venice, Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach, and everything in between. Head west towards the water on Pico (turn left out of my place and you'll hit Pico in a block and a half) and you'll run right into the pathway along the sand. There are plenty of bikes to rent along the way.
Marvin Braude Bike Path
Marvin Braude Bike PathThis 22 mile beachfront bike path starts in Palos Verdes and ends at Will Rogers State Beach in the Palisades. It crosses through all the fabulous beach towns this area has to offer from Santa Monica to Venice, Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach, and everything in between. Head west towards the water on Pico (turn left out of my place and you'll hit Pico in a block and a half) and you'll run right into the pathway along the sand. There are plenty of bikes to rent along the way.
The Skull Rock Loop in local Temescal Gateway Park (part of Topanga State Park) is a 4.5-5mile loop trail with spectacular views of the mountains and ocean. The Skull Rock offshoot adds about 10 minutes up and 10 minutes back, but it is worth it - I love to meditate up there. It's also one of the many entrances to the epic 57 mile Backbone Trail.
Skull Rock
Temescal Canyon RoadThe Skull Rock Loop in local Temescal Gateway Park (part of Topanga State Park) is a 4.5-5mile loop trail with spectacular views of the mountains and ocean. The Skull Rock offshoot adds about 10 minutes up and 10 minutes back, but it is worth it - I love to meditate up there. It's also one of the many entrances to the epic 57 mile Backbone Trail.
This is an important part of the history of this neighborhood and it happens to also be a beautiful beach just south of the Pier. Take a moment to read the plaque and learn about the checkered history of this part of Santa Monica, the history of black surfers, and why it's known as "a place of celebration and pain." Reflect as you take a walk, bike, or rollerblade along the beach path and enjoy the incredible view.
“The Ink Well”
This is an important part of the history of this neighborhood and it happens to also be a beautiful beach just south of the Pier. Take a moment to read the plaque and learn about the checkered history of this part of Santa Monica, the history of black surfers, and why it's known as "a place of celebration and pain." Reflect as you take a walk, bike, or rollerblade along the beach path and enjoy the incredible view.
This brand new and beautifully maintained walking/biking path is a great option to get to the beach or head east towards Culver City. And you can hop right on it from my place - just north of Olympic! If you're really adventurous, the full route will take you all the way downtown, but that does involve some lane sharing along the way. You can check it all out on AllTrails.
Exposition Corridor Bike Path
Exposition Corridor Bike PathThis brand new and beautifully maintained walking/biking path is a great option to get to the beach or head east towards Culver City. And you can hop right on it from my place - just north of Olympic! If you're really adventurous, the full route will take you all the way downtown, but that does involve some lane sharing along the way. You can check it all out on AllTrails.
This is one of my favorite places in LA. You can park easily in the nearby In-N-Out parking lot and walk across the street to the fence which separates Lincoln Blvd. from the main landing runway at LAX. The planes come in so low it feels like you can touch them! It's a rush! If you're any kind of flight or travel nerd - you will love this!
LAX Plane Spotting
9220 South Sepulveda BoulevardThis is one of my favorite places in LA. You can park easily in the nearby In-N-Out parking lot and walk across the street to the fence which separates Lincoln Blvd. from the main landing runway at LAX. The planes come in so low it feels like you can touch them! It's a rush! If you're any kind of flight or travel nerd - you will love this!
Food scene
THE best Thai food I have ever had, it just happens to be vegan. Unlike any other Thai restaurant you've been to, everything is homemade down to the sauces and all but two items on the menu are also gluten free. The Catfish Eggplant is a standout dish as well as the Jackfruit Pate and any of the noodle dishes.
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Satdha
2218 Lincoln BlvdTHE best Thai food I have ever had, it just happens to be vegan. Unlike any other Thai restaurant you've been to, everything is homemade down to the sauces and all but two items on the menu are also gluten free. The Catfish Eggplant is a standout dish as well as the Jackfruit Pate and any of the noodle dishes.
Okay so this one isn't technically in my neighborhood, but it's THAT good that I'll fight traffic and drive across town. This is easily the best Italian food I've ever had, and that makes sense because the chef owner veganized by hand all of her grandmother's original recipes from Italy. She even makes her own cheeses! The Black Magic Lasagna is totally worth the wait, the Carbonara is creamy and delicious, and the GF dark chocolate cake is insane!
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Pura Vita
8274 Santa Monica BlvdOkay so this one isn't technically in my neighborhood, but it's THAT good that I'll fight traffic and drive across town. This is easily the best Italian food I've ever had, and that makes sense because the chef owner veganized by hand all of her grandmother's original recipes from Italy. She even makes her own cheeses! The Black Magic Lasagna is totally worth the wait, the Carbonara is creamy and delicious, and the GF dark chocolate cake is insane!
100% plant-based, organic, kosher, soy-free, and gluten-free - this is the froyo of your dreams!!! Cones, cookie sandwiches, pies, etc. SOOO good!
Yoga-urt
1700 Ocean Park Boulevard100% plant-based, organic, kosher, soy-free, and gluten-free - this is the froyo of your dreams!!! Cones, cookie sandwiches, pies, etc. SOOO good!
Delicious and high vibe plant-based cuisine with weekly live music and special tastings throughout the year. All their menu items have aspirational and inspirational names and they use whole food ingredients. Great brunch on the weekends.
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Cafe Gratitude
512 Rose AveDelicious and high vibe plant-based cuisine with weekly live music and special tastings throughout the year. All their menu items have aspirational and inspirational names and they use whole food ingredients. Great brunch on the weekends.
Vegan fine dining for the curious culinary enthusiast. Great for a business lunch meeting or fancy date night dinner.
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Crossroads Kitchen
8284 Melrose AveVegan fine dining for the curious culinary enthusiast. Great for a business lunch meeting or fancy date night dinner.
Some of the best vegan sushi and ramen - and almost everything is gluten free! Order one if their hot rolls to have it blow torched at the table!
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Shojin
12406 W Washington BlvdSome of the best vegan sushi and ramen - and almost everything is gluten free! Order one if their hot rolls to have it blow torched at the table!
Home of the vegan Sushi Boat! This is the kitchen side of the APB vegan cocktail bar. Great decor for a fun or fancy night out for nibbles and sips.
Niku Nashi Vegan Sushi
Home of the vegan Sushi Boat! This is the kitchen side of the APB vegan cocktail bar. Great decor for a fun or fancy night out for nibbles and sips.
Fitness
Our local location of this line of high-end fitness establishments boasts a eucalyptus steam room, full spa, an incredible and frequent selection of group fitness and wellness classes (everything from boxing to sound baths), and four floors of fitness equipment in the heart of downtown Santa Monica only steps from the beach.
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Equinox Santa Monica
201 Santa Monica BlvdOur local location of this line of high-end fitness establishments boasts a eucalyptus steam room, full spa, an incredible and frequent selection of group fitness and wellness classes (everything from boxing to sound baths), and four floors of fitness equipment in the heart of downtown Santa Monica only steps from the beach.
Drinks
Right down the street is this local microbrewery with a walk up tasting window! Just north of Olympic on 20th, you can grab a flight and then hit the Expo Line Bike Path to head west to the beach or east to Downtown LA.
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Santa Monica Brew Works
1920 Colorado AveRight down the street is this local microbrewery with a walk up tasting window! Just north of Olympic on 20th, you can grab a flight and then hit the Expo Line Bike Path to head west to the beach or east to Downtown LA.
The entrance to this rad little cocktail lounge is behind and underneath the restaurant Truxton's. With mixologists on hand for signature creations, ceiling-high bar options, and high brick archways - you feel like you've stepped into a local connoisseur's wine cellar. I personally don't drink very often, and therefore don't know that much about hard liquor, but these guys always take care of me based on "I like sour, not sweet" - it's something unique and delicious every time. Whether you just want to sip on your own at the bar or gather in one of their wrap around booths with friends, this place is a must visit.
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The Chestnut Club
1348 14th StThe entrance to this rad little cocktail lounge is behind and underneath the restaurant Truxton's. With mixologists on hand for signature creations, ceiling-high bar options, and high brick archways - you feel like you've stepped into a local connoisseur's wine cellar. I personally don't drink very often, and therefore don't know that much about hard liquor, but these guys always take care of me based on "I like sour, not sweet" - it's something unique and delicious every time. Whether you just want to sip on your own at the bar or gather in one of their wrap around booths with friends, this place is a must visit.
Start your day here with a juice or coffee and finish it off with a fabulous wine selection. Great spot to work from or vibe out.
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Bodega Wine Bar Santa Monica
814 BroadwayStart your day here with a juice or coffee and finish it off with a fabulous wine selection. Great spot to work from or vibe out.
The bar side of the vegan sushi spot APB. Fantastic selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic craft cocktails with a sake selection.
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The Darkroom
7302 Melrose AveThe bar side of the vegan sushi spot APB. Fantastic selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic craft cocktails with a sake selection.