Fairmont Hotel & Bungalows
Los Angeles’ beloved beachside enclaves have some of the best shopping, relaxation and more of the entire county. See below for our ultimate guide to Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades.
Where to Eat
Cassia
Website / (310) 393-6699 / 1314 7th St. 90401
Taking inspiration from unique and vibrant Southeast Asian flavors made with local, quality California farmer’s market ingredients, Cassia celebrates its founders’ roots to create a critically acclaimed and Michelin plate-recognized restaurant. With menu items ranging from seafood platters to fried rice, standouts include the Spicy Minced Duck Dan Dan Noodles and Whole Grilled Sea Bass.
Melisse
Website / (310) 395-0881 / 1104 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
Created by chef Josiah Citrin, Melisse offers guests a chef and sommelier-guided tasting experience with 14 seats offered for reservations. Chef Citrin’s studies and experience in Paris are reflected in his creations, earning his restaurant a plethora of critical acclaim, as well as two Michelin stars.
Angelini Restaurant & Bar
Website / (424) 238-5870 / 1038 N Swarthmore Ave. 90272
With a lunch, dinner and wine menu and a rich history, stop by Angelini’s Restaurant and Bar for the all-inclusive Italian experience and try its famous pasta entrees like the Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’, Tagliolini Limone or Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin along with a drink from its custom gin-and-tonic menu.
Soko
Website / (310) 899-8581 / 101 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
Soko Sushi seats a lucky eight guests who witness the culinary talents of sushi chef Masa Shimakawa. Located in the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, its menu features quality rolls and nigiri along with a six-course omakase.
Birdie G’s
Website / (310) 310-3616 / 2421 Michigan Ave. 90404
Taking inspiration from award-winning chef and co-owner Jeremy Fox’s childhood, Birdie G places an emphasis on its planet-friendly practices, making nearly everything in-house, striving for zero-waste and sourcing ingredients locally. Choose from their eccentric menu options like the Pickle Chick, a fried half chicken with gluten-free potato breading, dill pickle hot sauce, fresh dill and dill pollen.
Cobi’s
Website / (424) 238-5195 / 2104 Main St. 90405
Stop by this Southeast Asian restaurant on the weekends for brunch and enjoy one of three Banh Mi options or a Kaya jam french toast and a Pink Guava Frosé made with Soju. Alternatively, make a reservation for dinner and try a beef rendang curry or a wood-grilled Gai Yang chicken with a Thai tea pudding for dessert.
Where to Stay
Oceana
Website / (800) 777-0758 / 849 Ocean Ave. 90403
Located at the edge of the Palisades, Oceana is primely placed near all that Santa Monica has to offer, from shopping at the Promenade to bike trails, beaches and museums. With a wellness spa and unlimited exclusive amenities like oceanfront yoga and a heated swimming pool, guests enjoy comfort and adventure at the Oceana.
Santa Monica Proper
Website / (310) 620-9990 / 700 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
Known as the city’s premier luxury lifestyle hotel, the Santa Monica Proper has all that Santa Monica has to offer within walking distance, complete with the only rooftop pool deck on the Westside and a high-class spa.
Shutters on The Beach
Website / (310) 458-0030 / 1 Pico Blvd. 90401
With ocean views and beach house suites, two on-site restaurants, a bar, spa and fitness center, Shutters on The Beach offers the retreat packages and rooms awaiting guests for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Website / (310) 576-7777 / 101 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
Offering a range of bungalows and suites with stellar views Santa Monica has to offer alongside a spa, several eateries – including Soko Sushi – and a golf-course, the Fairmont Miramar is fit for any esteemed guest.
Where to Relax
Surya Spa
Website / (310) 459-7715 / 700 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
Located within the Santa Monica Proper, enjoy therapeutic massages, steam and oil treatments, personalized Doha yoga, instructional meditation, cooking classes and wellness packages along with Panchakarma and wellness retreats.
Exhale Spa
Website / (310) 319-3193 / 101 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
Placed in the Fairmont Miramar, Exhale fitness spa and gym offers the very best in massages and facials, as well as Barre, Cardio, Yoga and HIIT fitness classes. For complete tranquility, visit the steam room, sauna, zen lounge or mani-pedi bar.
Beach Yoga SoCal
Website / (424) 262-5362 / 2600 Ocean Front Walk 90405
Since 2008, Beach Yoga SoCal has been teaching yoga for people at all levels along the beach. Get in touch with nature and your own inner-peace while relaxing and meditating beside the Santa Monica sunsets.
Where to Shop
Palisades Village
Website / (310) 525-1380 / 15225 Palisades Village Ln. 90272
Visit the Palisades Village, the best destination for all things classically Southern California. From Erewhon Market to Alo Yoga, enjoy premier shopping and dining all located in the same destination as a luxury cinema, the Bay Theater.
Elyse Walker
Website / (310) 230-8882 / 15306 Antioch St. 90272
Open since 1999 with designer pieces from Tom Ford to Saint Laurent, shop luxury fashion through a curated, boutique experience at Elyse Walker. Meet all your fashion needs through a styling appointment or meeting with a jewelry concierge.
Femelle
Website / (424) 268-7260 / 1627 Montana Ave. Suite B 90403
A small family-owned-and-operated business, Femelle carries pieces that are classically Southern Californian. With styles for every occasion, its selection has something for anyone with a bohemian taste.
Third Street Promenade
Website / (310) 393-8355 / 1351 3rd Street Promenade 90401
With a range of unique boutiques, high-end retailers as well as antique stores, Third Street Promenade located in downtown Santa Monica is the one-stop location for all shopping needs. Spend the day here and try one of the many restaurants on location or nearby.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
Bar Chloe
Website/ 1449 2nd St 90401
Under mood lighting, at Bar Chloe you’ll find the intersection of sophistication and SoCal warmth. The trendy lounge serves up top-shelf cocktails, bistro eats and intimate vibes.
Esters
Website/ 1314 7th St 90401
At Esters, you’re in a prime Santa Monica location, but away from the chaos of Third Street Promenade. More importantly, here you’ll find excellent planet-friendly wines, refreshing seasonal cocktails and top-notch bites. You can also take home a bit of Esters with you— it has a shop full of wines, gift boxes and artisanal snacks.
The Chestnut Club
Website/ 1348 14th St 90404
For a cocktail lounge with a more rustic feel, opt for The Chestnut Club. With a selection of more than 400 spirits, liqueurs and wines, the craft cocktail spot is as impressive as it is inviting.
Where to Hit The Town
Shorebar
Website/ 112 W Channel Rd 90402
Helmed by purveyors of L.A. nightlife, The H.Wood Group, Shorebar coalesces the chicness of Hollywood with the coolness of beachside living. The nautical lounge is apt for both after-work drinks and late-night rendezvous when you’re looking for innovative mixed drinks and a buzzy crowd.
The Bungalow
Website/ 101 Wilshire Blvd 90401
The Bungalow is the It nightlife destination in Santa Monica. Nights made infamous through its photobooth, the Fairmont Miramar-adjacent bar features a patio, surf-themed pool room, fire pits and more.
Gaslite
Website/ 2030 Wilshire Blvd 90403
When the ultimate mission of your night out is fun, head to Gas Lite. The no frills joint is one of the city’s best spots for karaoke. Here you’ll also come across a vibrant atmosphere and solid pours that fuel your courage to get on stage.
Cultural Experiences
Eames House
Website / (310) 459-9663 / 203 Chautauqua Blvd. 90272
Rich in history and a landmark of mid-20th century modern architecture, the Eames House is an authentically artistic and stunning site along the hillside to visit. Filled with unique collections by the Eames and surrounded by a gorgeous meadow, the house is a must-see when visiting the area.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
Website / (310) 454-4114 / 17190 Sunset Blvd. 90272
Dedicated in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine has the most gorgeous and peaceful scenery, as well as a lakeside meditation garden and a hilltop temple for welcoming everyone from newcomers to practiced yogis to experience Raja Yoga.
Tr!p Santa Monica
Website / (310) 396-9010 / 2101 Lincoln Blvd. 90405
Visit Tr!p Santa Monica for weekly shows including trivia, jazz and comedy along with live music every day of the week and daily menu specials Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hidden Gems
Santa Monica Steps
699 Adelaide Dr. 90402
A well-known workout favorite for many locals, the Santa Monica Steps guides visitors from the bluffs of the city right to the Palisades over the course of around 200 stairs. Close to both the beach and Ocean Avenue, these wooden steps are a classic way to experience the lifestyle.
Will Rogers State Park Hiking Trails
Website / (310) 230-2017 / 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd. 90272
Once owned by the famous Hollywood actor, Will Rogers State Park is now a California hiking staple with various trails. In particular, Inspiration Point boasts views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and the Santa Monica Mountains.
McCall’s Meat and Fish Co.
Website / (323) 667-0674 / 2117 Hillhurst Ave. 90027
A high-quality market of fresh and specialty items sourced from the very best farmers, McCall’s Meat and Fish Co. offers a vast selection of meat, fish, produce, pastries and cheeses. Stop by Wednesday through Friday to grab a sandwich and try it out for yourself.
For exploring other parts of Los Angeles, check out our guides to Pasadena, Silver Lake, downtown, Malibu, Hollywood, Mid-City and West Adams, the Eastside and Beverly Hills.
