what to do when in santa monica / venice

STAY

• Santa Monica Proper - 5-star hotel, really great interiors, amazing rooftop.

• Palihouse Santa Monica - 3-star hotel, rooms & bathroom are small/older but good decor (Moorish/Mediterranean style), great lobby - there is a little bit of an “eerie” vibe.

• Hilton Santa Monica - 4-star hotel, “work conference” vibes but the hotel is clean and nice

EAT

• Lunch

  • Elephante - must get: whipped eggplant, brussel sprouts salad, any of the pizzas.

  • Great White Venice

  • The Rose Venice

  • Cafe Gratitude

  • Ivy at the Shore

  • Erewhon Santa Monica / Erewhon Venice - the hot bar can’t be beat.

• Dinner

  • Giorgio Baldi

  • Gjelina

  • Felix Trattoria

  • Jon & Vinny’s - must get the spicy fusilli.

• Pickup / Takeout

  • Tocaya

  • Goop Kitchen

  • KazuNori or SUGARFISH - could also eat there.

  • Kreation Juice - the buffalo cauliflower wrap is amazing.

  • Go Greek - very overpriced, but great flavors and toppings.

• Drink

  • Calabra - rooftop at the Santa Monica Proper.

  • Wally’s

  • The Waterfront Venice

DO

• Drinks at Calabra or The Waterfront

• Runyon Canyon Hike

• Santa Monica Beach or Venice Beach (great walking trail along the beach)

  • Coastal Cleanup via Heal the Bay at the Santa Monica Beach

• Explore Beverly Hills and go to XIV Karats

• Shopping on Abbot Kinney in Venice

• Santa Monica Ocean Path Walk