I first came out to Los Angeles in 2005 when a studio wanted to hire me for work (I had been working in the film industry in Seattle and Vancouver). I was put up in a big, chain hotel downtown the night before my meeting and thought every nasty L.A. cliche there was and wondered how I could ever live here.
The meeting went well and I had to start thinking about how, a traveller who liked quieter, green spaces with laid back but sophisticated vibes in cities that were walkable, live in a smog, traffic-run, loud and big city like Los Angeles? Lucky for me, my second night was spent in Santa Monica.
Chasing down the red sky on the 10 Westbound, warm air coming through the open windows in November, I felt like I was onto something. Pulling into Santa Monica and seeing that ocean at Sunset almost had me in. But it wasn’t until I pulled up to my hotel for the night, Casa del Mar, did I literally bump shoulders with Tom Hanks who was walking out to get into his Prius, that had me sold.
Over the past five years I’ve maintained a base in Santa Monica because no matter where I go in the world, it’s always nice to come back here and re-discover all the things I’ve fallen in-love with over the years. Things such as a great, active community, award-winning bus service, famous farmers market, bike lanes, the beach, garden colour, high walking score, and it’s sense of eco-awareness. A recent poll showed that 97% of Santa Monica residents were satisfied. Count me among them.
Living here I have a constant flow of visitors who want to escape cold weather or need a little glam or want to see what I love. So here’s a list of my favourite places and things to do locally:
- I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels in Santa Monica. The Embassy Hotel Apartments has the best location for the money. It’s more of a basic, European 3 star hotel but the prices are the best and the rooms are clean, nicely decorated and perfect for living local. For something more upscale the wonderful Ambrose Hotel is perfect – in walking distance to Whole Foods, a block to Wilshire, about a 30min walk to the beach and on top the hotel is 100% eco-friendly with amazing beds, decor and breakfast from Urth (more to come on that). Staying at Casa del Mar amongst the celeb’s will have you feeling glam, especially if your room overlooks the ocean (mine did and I couldn’t. stop. staring at it). The Viceroy, Huntley Hotel (people love the top floor restaurant, I like the bedding), Hotel Oceana are also all great bets. I’ve had two different rooms at the Fairmont Santa Monica (one in the old part, one in the tower) and it’s a nice hotel but for the money, I’d stay in one of the others above. Same with Hotel Georgia (which has smaller rooms and can be quite loud during tourist season as it overlooks the beach).
- Montana Avenue. Everyone will tell you to go here and there’s a reason; it has great boutiques, relatively quiet, very pretty and has everything you can need from food to stores. My favourite stores include Shabby Chic, Planet Blue, Le Partie, Footsie, Michael Stars, El Naturalista, Ouidad, Benefit, The Wagging Tail, and Home Inc.. But take your time wandering up and down and if you get hungry, don’t worry there are a lot of great places to eat from inexpensive (Marmalade Cafe & Market) to fancy (Cafe Montana). There’s even a Whole Foods and Starbucks if you need your fix.
- For eating, my favourite (and weekly hang out) is Cafe Dana on Montana. It feels like a small, intimate European outside bistro and the food is incredible as is the value. My favourite is breakfast, especially the oatmeal – it’s an experience for $6! I also really love Real Food Daily on 6t & Santa Monica has great vegetarian food that even carnivores will love (and their weekend brunch is not to be missed), Buddhas Belly which is organic with lots of gluten free options and A Votre Sante on 26th & San Vicente feels like a traditional, quaint but oh so nice and good European restaurant (with gluten-free options). R&D Kitchen on Montana is a great meeting spot that’s always packed as is the institution Father’s Office (which has the best burgers).
- For going out at night, I love the lounge at Casa del Mar or sitting poolside at the Viceroy. Shutters on the Beach offers a Champagne tasting every Wednesday for $25 which is great for meeting up with people while relaxing beach side. For something more casual, the outdoor patio at Warszawa on Lincoln and Maccaws on Ocean are fantastic choices.
- The famous Santa Monica Farmers Market happens every Wednesday and Saturday and is not to be missed. It’s amazing with every kind of local produce you can imagine sold by the farmers who grow them. Not too sure what something is or how to cook it? They’ll be more than happy to tell you. It’s a great place to browse and pick up something for picnicing on the nearby Palisades Park.
- Urth Caffe is one of my favourite places in the world. Their Spanish Latte, Mild and Iced Green Tea Latte and berry bowl with whipped cream are my staples. I am here all. the. time. For a different coffee experience, try Intelligista on Abbott Kinney
- The 13 block long Pacific Palisades Park is perfect for strolling if you’re north of Wilshire. South of Wilshire tends to not be so great. The views either way are amazing. I like to walk along it, down ocean Avenue through Rustic Canyon and up through 7th and then walk up the large, beautiful streets north of Montana. Walking through the neighborhood and seeing the huge, beautiful homes with amazing gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon. Or jog up San Vicente like every one else. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, on 4th street just north of San Vicente are the infamous stairs. You’ll hear people panting before you get there. It’s one of the most beautiful, tough and free ways to work out in the city.
- If you’re a shopper you’ll love it here. You can do a loop walking down Montana avenue, then left on Third, down the infamous promenade and then up Broadway, over then over to Main Street. Fred Segal on 4th & Broadway is a fun albeit sometimes confusing place to shop but has all the top designers (and top prices) and latest fashions. It’s a must stop as is getting an Elixir from the cafe (in the West building). Third Street has a lot of shopping (Anthropologie, Lululemon, Apple, Zaras, H&M, Lush, Levi’s to name a few) but skip eating here (it’s too touristy). If antiques are your think or you love Shabby Chic but not their prices, then go where Rachel Ashwell goes – the Santa Monica Outdoor Market. It’s only held once a month on the last Sunday but it’s worth the $5 admission. Main street is filled with local stores from art to clothes to eco-wares.
- In need of some pampering? The Burke Williams Spa is fantastic for massages. For a cheaper alternative, try The Massage Place on Montana and 7th.
- The Santa Monica Public Library is one of the most beautiful library’s I’ve ever been to. Recently built it has an outdoor courtyard, a cafe, meeting rooms and every magazine you can think of. If you need a break from the sun, step inside, read a magazine and sip a latte.
- Don’t have the time (or the money) to join one of the exclusive Santa Monica beach clubs? Don’t worry, thanks to volunteers, donations from high-profile locals and California taxpayers, there’s a gorgeous new and free (except for the pool) beach house for everyone. Opening in May 2009, the Annenberg Community Beach House is a community spot offering tours, courts, games, refreshments, halls and swimming right on the beach. Splash in the pool while looking at the ocean, tour Marion Davies house (free) or borrow equipment that you didn’t bring on the plane (like volleyballs, tennis rackets and umbrellas).
- As a local, I’ve only been to the Santa Monica Pier twice, and that’s once more than most locals. It’s a bonafide tourist trap and I’d suggest you look at the solar-paneled Ferris Wheel from the Palisades Park than go down and visit. But if you must go, be on guard, then hit the beach and walk or bike (rentals available) down to Venice or up to the Beach house.
- And though Venice isn’t Santa Monica, its worth visiting Main street which runs through both cities and then bike, walk or drive up Abbott Kinney for great dining, local shops, great coffee bars (like the Intelligentsia Coffee) and one of my favourite little home shops, Tumbleweed and Dandilion. And of course, the Venice Canals are always worth a walk through.
- And lastly, one of my all time favourite things in Santa Monica is the Aero Theatre on Montana. In operation since 1933 it now showcases a different movie each night, from classics to special premieres and screenings. I have met so many amazing directors and actors here because there’s a lot of Q&A’s with the movies. It’s just an amazing, very much locally supported theatre. Besides, what is a trip to Santa Monica without a movie star experience? Even if it’s just on the big screen.
