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Los Angeles On Your Own - Santa Monica |
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The 10 Top Things to do in Santa Monica/West L.A. |
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Santa Monica and the West Side of Los Angeles is ground zero for the beautiful people who live a good lifestyle. The weather's nice, it's where the trends begin and it's a hip place to live and play.
- Make a pilgrimage to the Getty Museum. Still the richest museum in the world, with an inspiring collection of art.
- Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. A world-class museum located next to the La Brea Tar Pits.
- Explore the chaos at Venice Beach. On weekends, the Venice Beach scene is both bizarre and idyllic, but most of all crowded with Angelenos getting away from the city.
- Enjoy a great meal. West Los Angeles has one of the best foodie scenes to be found in the country.
- Take in the shopping venues and ambiance of Beverly Hills. They take pride in being tony.
- Scratch your shopping itch at the Third Street Promenade. The pedestrian street, along with the recently-completed Santa Monica Place mall, make shopping fun in Santa Monica.
- Spend a day at the beach in Santa Monica. This is where Baywatch was filmed.
- Explore Farmer's Market and the Grove shopping Center. Located next to the CBS Television City, Farmer's Market evokes the feel of 1940s Los Angeles, while its neighbor, the Grove, is a sleek outdoors destination mall next door.
- See a movie at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this iconic theater is the collection of hand, foot, shoe and hoof prints in the cement that surrounds the theater.
- See if you can spot a movie star at Musso & Frank's in Hollywood. It's a Hollywood tradition, but even then it's an odd restaurant.
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Orientation
Spending a day or two in the Santa Monica/West Los Angeles area can be a great way to relax, shop and explore before you head off on your cruise.
Airports You really have only one option: you need to fly into Los Angeles International (LAX), rent a car and drive for about 30 minutes up the 405 Freeway to Interstate 10, and then go west to Santa Monica.
Car Rental You'll really need to rent a car if you're planning to stay in Los Angeles.
Freeways The 405 Freeway is the road that will take you up or down the coast. To get into Los Angeles, you will take Interstate 10, one of the most traveled freeways in the country. If it seems congested, it is, because I-10 always is congested.
Getting to your Cruise Ship If you are taking a Carnival cruise, your ship will depart from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. All other cruise lines will depart from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro. Both of these terminals are within a 1 hour drive from the West Los Angeles area (as long as it's not rush hour). Arrange with your car rental agency for turning in your car in either San Pedro or Long Beach. |
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See our Map of Recommended Shopping Areas: West Side for the locations of the shopping areas listed below.
Santa Monica
Third Street Promenade
Anchored by the pedestrian-friendly Third Street Promenade, downtown Santa Monica is 30 city blocks of retail stores, entertainment and dining. Within blocks of the Promenade are the beach, Palisades Park and Santa Monica Pier. Parking is available at seven public parking garages, as well as at metered street spaces. Visitors also can take the Tide Shuttle to nearby shops and hotels in the Main Street district.
Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive, internationally recognized as the intersection of fashion and entertainment, is a unique destination for both Southern California residents, as well as visitors from around the globe. The City of Beverly Hills' beautification projects, the prestigious Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award and the distinguished retailers all help create an unparalleled atmosphere only found on this famed street.
Not all of Beverly Hills shopping revolves around Rodeo Drive. Worth a visit are Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York are located nearby on Wilshire Blvd.
West Side Shopping
Farmers Market
The Farmers Market is a historic Los Angeles landmark and tourist destination which first opened in 1934. Located at the corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue in the Fairfax District, it is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the city and features a variety of dining and shopping options.
Farmers Market is a quaint place, as its character has not changed in 60 years. The Dupars restaurant still slings its pies, and there are several greengrocers, fishmongers and butchers who ply their trade. There are a lot of dining options, and it is a fun place to just sit back and do some people watching.
Author Michael Connelly has included the Farmers Market in several of his novels. His protagonist, detective Harry Bosch, enjoys the pies at Du-Pars.
Farmers Market is adjacent to The Grove, an upscale outdoor shopping mall; an electric-powered trolley runs between the two sites. CBS Television City is two blocks north of the Farmers Market locale.
Open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm,
Saturday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm,
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
6333 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-9211
Melrose Ave.
Since the early 1980s, the stretch of Melrose between Fairfax and La Brea avenues has defined hip shopping in Los Angeles. The storefronts alone are works of pop art, and the approximately dozen blocks are still packed with hipsters and fashionistas trying to score the latest cool attire.
Malls
Beverly Center
As Southern California's premier trendsetting marketplace, Beverly Center features 160 distinctive specialty boutiques and restaurants reflecting the diverse styles and tastes of Los Angeles. Located at the edge of Beverly Hills and Hollywood between La Cienega and San Vicente Boulevards, Beverly Center is anchored by Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Macy's Men's Store, a 13-screen movie theater and California's only Grand Lux Cafe. The Rooftop Terrace showcases panoramic views stretching from downtown Los Angeles to the legendary Hollywood sign.
Open Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
8500 Beverly Blvd # 501
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel: (310) 854-0070
Westside Pavillion
This Westside Mall has more than 100 places to shop and eat. Anchored by a Nordstrom store.
Open Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
10800 W. Pico Blvd, at Overland
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 474-6255
Westfield Century City Shopping Center
This clean and leisurely temple of commerce is one of the best places to shop, eat and watch a movie in West Los Angeles. From designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Thomas Pink and Theory to the more mundane (Gap, J. Crew and Bebe), as well as department stores Macy's and Bloomingdale's and a Gelson's Grocery Store, this open-air mall is a not to be missed destination. The big drawback is lousy and confusing parking.
Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 am to 7:00 pm
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Tel: (310) 553-5300
The Grove
Located adjacent to the Farmers Market complex, the Grove is a premier outdoor shopping mall featuring over 100 stores, including Abercrombie and Fitch, The Gap, and Nordstrom. Many dining options and even movie theaters can be found at the Grove.
Open Monday through Thursday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
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Recommended Restaurants
See our Map of Recommended Restaurants: West Side, Mid City & Downtown for the locations of the restaurants listed below.
Santa Monica and West Side
Chinois on Main
Asian French fusion
One of Wolfgang Puck's most popular eateries, Chinois serves exceptional fusion cuisine that has people coming back time and again on a special occasion. The dining room is noisy.
2709 Main St.
Santa Monica
Open Wednesday through Friday noon to 2:00 pm, Monday through Thursday 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Sunday 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Tel: (310) 392-9025
Apple Pan
Burgers
This Los Angeles hamburger institution has been serving hungry burger connoisseurs for over 50 years. The menu is burgers, fries, shakes and pies served at the counter (no tables). There is always a wait, but it's worth it.
10801 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles
Open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday 11:00 am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Tel: (310) 475-3585
L.A. Farm
California-French
Upscale fusion cuisine served in an interesting venue. Lots of movie industry post production people eat here. Can be pretentious at times.
3000 Olympic Blvd
Santa Monica
Open Monday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, Saturday 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Tel: (310) 449-4000
Chan Dara
Thai
The name means "Chan the movie star," but the food and the service are the stars here. Has an entertainment clientele, so you may be able to spot an occasional movie or rock star. Their chicken curry is very good try the squid appetizer. Has a well-earned reputation for sexy waitresses.
11940 W. Pico Blvd. (1/2 block east of Bundy)
West Los Angeles
Open Monday through Thursday 11:30 am to 10:30 pm, Friday 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday 12:30 to 11:00 pm, Sunday 12:30 to 10:00 pm
Tel: (310) 479-4461
Versailles
Cuban
This very popular restaurant serves authentic Cuban food. The most popular dish is the garlic chicken, which true to its name is very garlickly. Other suggestion is the roast pork.
10319 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles
Open Sunday through Thursday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Tel: (310) 558-3168
Midtown and Beverly Hills
Du-Pars
Diner
Old-fashioned American food, including great pancakes and chicken pot pies. Funky decor and waitresses with character make Du-Pars a Los Angeles institution.
6333 West 3rd St, at Farmers Market
Los Angeles
Open 24 hours
Tel: (323) 933-8446
Gaylord
Indian
Part of a world-wide chain of Indian restaurants, the Los Angeles branch is located on Restaurant Row. The atmosphere here is subdued, and the food and service are very good.
50 North La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills
Open Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 11:30 pm
Tel: (310) 652-3838
Osteria Mozza
Italian
One of the most sought-after reservations in town, Osteria Mozza is owned by Mario Batali and his partners. The dining space is casual yet elegant, dominated by the mozzarella bar, where walk-ins are served. Reservations taken 1 month in advance.
6602 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles
Open Weekdays 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tel: (323) 297-0100
Angelina Osteria
Italian
Attentive service and excellent Italian cuisine, including innovative homemade pastas and fresh baked desserts, complement a friendly, comfortable atmosphere at this restaurant.
7313 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles
Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday 12:00 am to 2:30 pm, dinner Tuesday through Sunday 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Tel: (323) 297-0070
Musso & Frank's
Hollywood institution
Dating back to 1919, eating at Musso & Frank's is like being in a time warp. Your waiter can likely be an octogenarian, while the bartender is his uncle. Everything is a la carte, and on the pricey side. Famous for their sand dabs, chicken pot pie and the movie people that frequent the place. Featured in Michael Connelley's Harry Bosch novels, and worth a visit if you're a fan.
6667 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood
Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am to 11:00 pm
Tel: (323) 467-7788
Nate 'n Al's
Deli
This Beverly Hills institution has been hailed as the best deli on the west side. One of the favorite restaurants of Hollywood types, including those before and behind the camera.
414 N. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills
Open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tel: (310) 274-0101
Lawry's the Prime Rib
Steakhouse
A favorite of tourists and locals alike, Lawry's serves excellent prime rib, along with creamed corn and Yorkshire pudding. Good salads available for the vegetarians in your group.
100 N. La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills
Open Monday through Friday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Tel: (310) 652-2827
Canter's Deli
Deli
Another classic Los Angeles eatery, Canter's is known for their pastrami, corned beef and cheesecake. The decor is very dated, but the waitresses are characters and the food is good and served in ample portions.
419 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles
Open 24 hours
Tel: (323) 651-2030
El Cholo
Mexican
One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the city, El Cholo serves classic Mexican fare in an interesting room.
1121 S Western Ave.
Los Angeles
Open Monday through Saturday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tel: (323) 734-2773
Downtown
Pacific Dining Car
American
Another classic Los Angeles eatery. Long the favorite of attorneys for dinner and breakfast meetings, the Dining Car, located just west of downtown Los Angeles, serves great steaks, breakfasts and coffee. It isn't cheap, however.
1310 W 6th St.
Los Angeles
Open 24 hours
Tel: (213) 483-6000
Water Grill
Seafood
Excellent seafood served with exceptional service in a chic space. Try the oysters and clam chowder.
544 S. Grand Ave
Los Angeles
Open Monday through Friday 11:30 am to 9:45 pm, Saturday 5:00 to 9:45 pm; Sunday 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Tel: (213) 891-0900 |
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High End/Expensive (Over $250/night)
Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica
Santa Monica
From the exquisitely manicured grounds to the casual elegance of the guest rooms and suites, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica will challenge your senses and provide you with an experience that has redefined luxury.
101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (800) 257-7544
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Santa Monica
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel provides a four diamond experience--and more! The management constantly looks for ways to delight its guests.
1700 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 458-6700
Shutters Hotel on the Beach
Santa Monica
At Shutters Hotel on the Beach, you will find the perfect blend of luxury and style.
1 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Tel: (310) 458-0030
Le Merigot, a JW Marriott Hotel
Santa Monica
Le Merigot offers luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine in the award-winning Cezanne restaurant, a luxurious spa and outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean.
1740 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 395-9700
Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel
Santa Monica
Perched four blocks above the Santa Monica shoreline, feel inspired at the Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel.
530 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90405
Tel: (310) 399-9344
Mid-Priced Hotels ($100 to $250/night)
Georgian Hotel
Santa Monica
The Georgian hotel in Santa Monica is the only historic boutique hotel by Santa Monica beach. The Georgian is one of few luxury Art Deco hotels with ocean view and in close proximity to LAX, downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Universal Studios.
1415 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 395-9945
The Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club
Redondo Beach
A haven for business and leisure travelers, the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club is located only six miles from Los Angeles Airport in the quaint beach town of Redondo Beach at King Harbor.
260 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Tel: (310) 379-8481
Ocean View Hotel
Santa Monica
The perfect hotel in Santa Monica: affordable, stylish and across the street from Santa Monica Beach. Located only one block from the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade.
1447 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (800) 452-4888
Best Western Gateway Hotel Santa Monica
Santa Monica
Gateway Hotel Santa Monica offers great value and comfort in a great location. Situated between the beach and Los Angeles Westside shopping and tourist sites, like Beverly Hills and Century City, and convenient to Los Angeles International Airport.
1920 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404-1909
Tel: (310) 829-9100
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Museums
Getty Center
The Getty Center is the current home of the J. Paul Getty Museum. The museum opened on December 16, 1997. It is owned and operated by the J. Paul Getty Trust.
The museum collects and exhibits classical sculpture and art, European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, decorative arts, and photographs. In respect to Getty's collecting inclinations, the museum does not generally collect twentieth or twenty-first century art, with the exception of photography.
The Getty Center houses four primary art collections: Greek and Roman antiquities, French decorative arts, European paintings before the 1900s and Photography from its inception through present day.
The five galleries, called pavilions, are North, East, South, West and the Changing Exhibit pavilion. The artwork is displayed throughout the pavilions chronologically: the North houses the oldest art while the West houses the newest.
The first floor galleries house light-sensitive art, such as illuminated manuscripts, furniture or photography. Computer-controlled skylights on the second floor galleries allow paintings to be displayed in natural light.
The second floors are connected by a series of glass enclosed bridges and open terraces, both of which offer views of the surrounding hillsides and central plaza.
Admission is free, parking $8.
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles
Tel: (310) 440-7300
Getty Villa
The Getty Center's coastal counterpart has reopened after a decade-long renovation; Roman and Greek antiquities.
Admission is free, parking $8. Advance timed tickets required.
Open Thursday through Monday 10 am to 5 pm.
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu
Tel: (310) 440-7300
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
With 100,000 objects dating from ancient times to the present, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States. A museum of international stature as well as a vital part of Southern California, LACMA shares its vast collections through exhibitions, public programs, and research facilities that attract nearly a million visitors annually.
Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors (over 62) and students, and free for children (ages 6 to 17)
Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 8:00 pm; Friday noon to 9:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: (323) 857-6000
Beaches on the West Side
Santa Monica Beach For many the single greatest reason to visit Santa Monica is to enjoy the ultimate Southern California beach. Santa Monica has 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of well-maintained beach locations, and enjoys on average 340 days of sunshine a year plus a nearly constant gentle ocean breeze. Cycling, movie shoots, beach volleyball games and the finest of people-watching all happen here, and it's no wonder. People love to gather at this California beach, partially because it is so pristine.
Venice Beach Venice is a district in western Los Angeles best known for its canals, beaches and its circus-like Boardwalk, which features performers, fortune-tellers, vendors and other assorted loons who entertain the passersby. The boardwalk show takes place throughout the summer months, as well as on weekends during the winter months. Venice Beach is a great place for walking and bicycling; you can rent a bike on the Boardwalk.
Attractions on the West Side
Grauman's Chinese Theater:
Grauman's Chinese Theater is an iconic movie theater located on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood. The Chinese Theater was commissioned following the success of the nearby Grauman's Egyptian Theater, which opened in 1922. Built over 18 months beginning in January 1926 by a partnership headed by Sid Grauman, the theater opened on May 18, 1927 with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's epic The King of Kings.
Among the theater's most famous features are the autographed cement blocks that are situated in the forecourt, which bear the signatures and foot and hand prints of many of Hollywood's most revered stars and starlets.
Grauman's Chinese Theater was financed by a showman, Sid Grauman, who owned a one-third interest with his partners Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Howard Schenck.
How did the idea of featuring stars' hand prints, footprints and autographs in cement come to him? Grauman said that it was by "pure accident. I walked right into it. While we were building the theater, I accidentally happened to step in some soft concrete. And there it was. So, I went to Mary Pickford immediately. Mary put her foot into it." The theater's third partner, Douglas Fairbanks, was the next celebrity to be immortalized in the cement.
There are nearly 200 Hollywood celebrity hand prints, footprints and autographs in the cement of the theater's forecourt. Variations of this honored tradition are imprints of the eye glasses of Harold Lloyd, the cigars of Groucho Marx and George Burns, the legs of Betty Grable, the fist of John Wayne, the knees of Al Jolson, the ice skating blades of Sonja Henie, and the noses of Jimmy Durante and Bob Hope.
Western stars William S. Hart and Roy Rogers left imprints of their guns. The hoof prints of Tom Mix's horse "Tony," Gene Autry's horse "Champion," and Roy Rogers' horse "Trigger" were left in the cement beside the prints of the stars who rode them in the movies.
Universal Studios Hollywood From the beginning, Universal has offered tours of its studio. In the silent-film days, Carl Laemmle, then-owner of the studio, offered a tour that included a chance to buy fresh produce, since then-rural Universal City was still part of a working farm.
Shortly after MCA took over Universal Pictures in 1962, the firm's accountants suggested that a tour stop in the studio commissary would increase profits, and in 1964, the modest tour was expanded to include a series of dressing room walk-throughs, peeks at actual production, and later, staged events.
This grew over the years into a full-blown theme park; the narrated tram (formerly "Glamortram") tour still runs through the studio's active back lot, but the staged events, stunt demonstrations and high-tech rides overshadow the motion-picture production that once lured fans in Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal CityWalk Universal CityWalk a very popular entertainment and retail complex located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Parks & Resorts. Originating as an expansion of Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk serves as an entrance plaza from the parking lots to the theme parks. |
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