This location is enchanting mesmerizing and has a wide selection of shopping recreation..adventure...beach activities and ample parking. The views of the ocean simply draw you closer to everything including self. The pier..gardens entertainment for all age groups explains the footfalls..so happy to be here..clean serene

Downtown Santa Monica, aka Third Street Promenade, is large open air mall a few blocks from the beach. Pre-pandemic I’d have given third street Promenade a five stars rating, however things have changed a lot over the last years and it is especially true for this place. Unlike a good wine, it aged pretty badly. Many stores are empty and the one opening their doors are somewhere between low quality merchandise’s and bad tourist souvenirs. A few restaurants and bars seem still to attract people. On my side, I still go there to check on the AMC which is often less crowded than other cinemas on the West side or to pass by the Apple Store or the Barnes and Nobles. There is a great potential for this open mall, however they need to do a better job attracting flagship stores and make it a true enjoyable experience.

Still a cool place to visit once a year. They have human-size outdoor games (connect four and chess) and cool rotating? chairs. Still a tourist destination. **Many stores are permanently closed. Parking is much better than before and it's more pedestrian- and bike- friendly. Street performers are still a main attraction.

Great vehicle, plenty of power across RPM range. Very stable despite the tall stature. Roomy enough unlike the American SUVs that drive like boats on wheels and can't corner at 40mph without leaning like pizza tower! Drives like a sedan, accelerates like a BMW 5 series, looks and feels luxurious. The only downside is that you really cannot and should not take it off-road. I mean maybe if you're desperate to try, you can drive it over a few puddles, but nothing more. This is not your Range Rover. It will get stuck like a dog, trust me.

Downtown Santa Monica is a lively and beautiful place that has so much to offer. It’s perfect for shopping, dining, and just enjoying a walk. The Third Street Promenade is full of stores, street performers, and energy, making it a fun spot both during the day and at night. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes, offering everything from quick bites to nice sit-down meals. The atmosphere is friendly and vibrant, with a mix of locals and tourists, which makes it feel welcoming and exciting. One of the best parts is how close it is to the beach and Santa Monica Pier, so you can easily combine shopping with a relaxing ocean view. Parking is available but can be busy on weekends, so it’s good to plan ahead.

My favourite place in the world, im from the UK so coming here is so relaxing and live the beach ⛱️

So many stores have closed in this area and looks run down. The whole area stinks of urine and is being overrun by food trucks and make shift carts. No longer a fun family brick and mortar shopping area but more of a street vendor's surrounded by homelessness.

Literally such a fun spot. Feels like you’re in Tulum but it’s Santa Monica. If you can get there before sunset, you will have the best view of the sun setting above the ocean. Pure beauty. The food is delicious. The whipped eggplant appetizer is insane. Everything is so good actually you can’t go wrong. Make reservations.

The restaurant is beautiful. We were celebrating our nephews 18th birthday and sat on the private patio. The waiter was amazing. So warm, so attentive and so eager to know if we need a anything else. His helpers were also fantastic. This was our first time. Great people watching, great ocean view and delicious food.

Elephante is that kind of restaurant you can go to with so many kinds of groups and it works for every situation. Between the views, the food, drinks, and service, the experience is a 10/10. I was traveling for work and decided to go based on a colleagues recommendation. I went alone and sat at the bar. It was pretty crowded for 5:30 on a Tuesday but didn't feel too packed in and the service was still super quick. At the bar, I had Daniel and Dorian as my bartenders. They definitely made the solo experience lots more fun. They recommended my dinner and drinks, all of which were delicious and fun! I even got a little taste test of one of their frozen drinks which was a bonus. They definitely knew their menu and bar well. I had a dirty martini as well as a margarita and would say the margaritas are the way to go there!! It was so delicious and I am still thinking about it. As for the food, I had whipped eggplant to start and for my main, the Ragu Bianco. Whipped eggplant was incredible, I had never had anything like it and was super obsessed. And the Ragu was perfect, not too heavy and a good portion of food. Overall, it was a great dinner and I ended up chatting with another solo diner for the majority of the evening as well. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good date spot or just a place to grab dinner on a work trip! And if you're at the bar, ask for Daniel or Dorian for a great experience!!!

I went to Élephante for a birthday dinner and had one of the best nights! Our server, Angelo, was amazing! He so attentive and full of great recommendations. It was my first time dining there, and definitely not my last. The view was stunning, the food was delicious, and the whole experience was unforgettable. I highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t already!

We had an incredible experience at Elephante thanks to Angelo who offered the best service! He was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. He made us feel truly taken care of from start to finish. The food was just as amazing.. the corn truffle agnolotti and truffle pasta were absolutely fabulous, perfectly balanced, and full of rich flavor. Every bite was a delight!

After all, apparently this is one of Santa Monicas best (italian) restaurants. As an almost Italian I have to say this place is not living up to its promises. In my opinion their only advantage are those tables at the front site facing the sea. Watching sunset from there is really nice. As a walk-in, they just put you on a waiting list that allows you to sit on the bar. Totally unclear whether at one point you will actually get a table. Luckily we got a table after 1 hour wait. The food menu is pretty strange as neither dish seems to be a full dish. You order the chicken, you will only get the chicken (in a chinese chili sauce - this is supposed to be an italian place, no?). Pasta is just the pasta. So I ordered both. The bucatini were nice but ordering them alone would be like ordering a burger without buns. The bottle of wine I ordered… yeah I definitely had nicer Primitivos with more flavor. The service at the bar was pretty good, the one at the table not so inspiring. It seems like a place you go for the reputation and to be seen but not for the rest.

Ehh. It’s a try hard scene-y spot that only cares who you are. I have been there numerous times and tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but the last time I was there it became abundantly clear. Friends from out of town always want to go here, and I have been happy to oblige as I enjoy the sunset views and their famous eggplant dip. But every time I’ve been here, I’ve been treated like an imposition for simply being there, shoved at a table with barely enough space, crammed between 4 other parties and a server trying to rush to get their next cover. The last time I was there, they were “setting up for a private party” which literally included tables being carried OVER my party. It was stressful and chaotic. When asking our server, she was immediately rude about the situation. There were at least 10 open tables in the front (near the railing) but I was told those were all booked. Then some influencers in sweatpants came in, were given those tables and I watched the staff members discuss their needs and serve them right away; while I’ve been waiting 10 minutes for a drink and am having tables carried over me. I follow another Bachelor contestant on Instagram that is always perched in the front. This is a see and be scene spot more than anything, and if you’re an everyday person trying to enjoy the sunset with your mom, you’re better off elsewhere.

Tongva Park in Santa Monica is a beautifully designed urban oasis that offers a variety of amenities for visitors of all ages. The park is divided into four main sections: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill, and Gathering Hill.  One of the park’s standout features is the Observation Hill, which provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The playground at Discovery Hill is a hit among children, featuring modern climbing structures and slides that keep them engaged. Garden Hill showcases a diverse array of native and drought-tolerant plants, reflecting California’s coastal ecology. Gathering Hill offers open spaces perfect for picnics and community events.    The park’s design incorporates curving pathways that wind through sculpted landscapes of hills and ravines, creating a sense of exploration and tranquility. Water features and art installations add to the park’s aesthetic appeal, making it a pleasant place to relax and unwind.  While the park is generally well-maintained, some times there is the presence of homeless individuals in the area. However, many feel safe during daytime visits and appreciate the park’s cleanliness and amenities. Overall, Tongva Park offers a serene escape in the heart of Santa Monica, blending natural beauty with thoughtful design. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, play, or enjoy scenic views, this park is worth a visit.

Pretty and pleasant park but a bedroom and living room for the homeless after dark. A shame that for a place as wealthy as Santa Monica, they cannot figure out a way to take care of the less fortunate.

As a local Los Angeles wedding photographer, I highly recommend Tongva Park for wedding couple portraits or any photo session. The park offers so many beautiful spots, and with an experienced photographer, you can really take advantage of the variety of settings it provides. There are stunning terraces, areas with beautiful flowers, and exotic plants that make for unique and vibrant backdrops. The design of the park itself gives you a lot of options for different looks, whether you want something lush and green or more modern with clean lines. The only downside to shooting at Tongva Park (That is the reason bc I am leaving 3 stars) is that, like many public spaces in the area, there are sometimes homeless people around. While it’s not always a problem, it’s something to be aware of during your session. That being said, the park is still a beautiful and inspiring place for photos, and overall, it’s a great spot to capture some beautifull moments.

Tongva park , This park Here in Santa Monica California has lots of native plants here and kids playground and no washrooms , its also a chilled park type , thier are rental scooters here , its got good viewing balconies on the upper park level overlooking Santa Monica beach ⛱️

Great Family Park with a Few Urban Challenges We recently spent a few hours at Tongva Park located at 1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA, and overall, it’s a beautiful space that offers a lot—especially for families. Fun for Kids The playground and splash pad are fantastic for younger children. There are climbing areas, gentle water features, and unique structures that spark imagination. Kids absolutely loved it. It’s clean, modern, and built with safety and fun in mind. Peace for Parents Parents will appreciate the peaceful walking paths, plenty of shaded seating, and gorgeous landscaping. There’s even ocean views from some parts of the park, and the gardens are filled with native plants and artful design. It’s a lovely place to sit back while the kids play. Perfect Picnic Spot There are grassy lawns, picnic tables, and public restrooms available, making it great for a family snack or relaxed afternoon under the trees. 🛑 A Note About the Homeless Situation Like many public areas in Santa Monica, Tongva Park does have a visible homeless presence. During our visit, it wasn’t threatening, but it’s something families should be aware of especially if you're planning to visit with young kids. Park staff and security do patrol the area, and the space remains welcoming, but some parents might prefer to come earlier in the day, when the park feels more active and family-focused. Final Thoughts Tongva Park is beautifully designed, full of thoughtful spaces for both kids and adults, and just steps from the beach and pier. With some awareness and planning, it can still be a fantastic spot for a family outing—even in the face of some of the urban challenges Santa Monica is currently working through.

Another great place to catch Sunset over Pacific horizon with modern architectural arc. For more, follow our instagram @gemislist

This is a great park located on Ocean Avenue really close to the Santa Monica Pier. My wife and I walked near this park other times, but this was my first time walking into it. It is great for families because they have slides and splash areas, and there are some great architectural features. I found it very tranquil, and I especially liked the platforms with views of the beach and the pier. It is worth spending time there.

It's a nice place, but if you don't like crowds, this isn't the place for you. There are a lot of people selling things outside the park. It's a pretty touristy place because of the park, which is on the platform above.

Santa Monica Beach is one of the most stunning and enjoyable beaches in California, offering the perfect mix of relaxation, natural beauty, and activity. The beach stretches for miles with soft golden sand and clean waters, making it a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying a peaceful walk along the shoreline. The wide space allows everyone to find a comfortable spot, even during weekends when it gets busy. One of the highlights is the bike and walking path that runs along the coast, connecting Santa Monica to Venice Beach. Renting a bike or scooter and cruising along the oceanfront is a must-do experience. The Santa Monica Pier is another iconic attraction right on the beach, with its Ferris wheel, arcade games, and lively atmosphere that’s fun for both families and solo travelers. The beach is well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty, clean restrooms, and easy access points. The vibe is very welcoming and safe, with people from all over the world enjoying the sunshine together. Watching the sunset here is simply magical — the sky turns into beautiful shades of orange and pink, creating a postcard-perfect moment. Parking can be a little pricey or crowded during peak times, but it’s worth it for the experience. Overall, Santa Monica Beach is a must-visit destination that captures the true spirit of California’s coastline — vibrant, relaxing, and unforgettable.

🌊 Santa Monica Beach – Sun, Surf and California Vibes 🌊 Santa Monica Beach is one of the most iconic spots in California. From the soft sand to the sparkling ocean, everything feels like the perfect beach day. Walking along the shore, watching surfers ride the waves, and feeling the warm sun on your skin is pure relaxation. Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and amazing lighting for photos. The beach is ideal for jogging, biking, or simply relaxing under the palm trees. Nearby, the Santa Monica Pier adds extra fun with its Ferris wheel, games, and restaurants. Verdict: Santa Monica Beach is more than just a beach – it’s a full California experience. For me, a perfect day filled with sun, sea, and energy, easily earning five stars.

A beautiful stretch of wide, white sand beach. It was a gloomy day during our visit, so the crowd was minimal, but it’s clearly a place full of fun and energy when lively. Definitely worth a visit to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the scenic charm.

Santa Monica Beach is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy the classic Southern California beach experience. The wide sandy shoreline is perfect for sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or simply taking a relaxing stroll along the water. The iconic Santa Monica Pier adds a fun and lively atmosphere, with its amusement park rides, restaurants, and street performers. What I Loved Clean and Spacious: The beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of space, even on busy weekends. Great Amenities: There are public restrooms, showers, and plenty of nearby cafes and shops. Stunning Views: Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean here is truly memorable. Activities for Everyone: Whether you want to swim, surf, bike along the path, or people-watch, there’s something for everyone.

Nice beautiful beach 🏖️, good parking available we paid $15. Not much to do here though apart from take a few pictures

From its iconic status in pop culture to its real-world charm, the Santa Monica Pier and Beach is a must-visit destination. As someone who has traveled extensively throughout California, I finally had the chance to TRULY experience this landmark, and it exceeded all expectations. Despite a mediocre pizza experience, the overall vibe was amazing, especially at "Big Deans Bar." The beach and pier offer a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement, reminiscent of scenes from GTA. Whether you're into photography (like me), sports, tanning, walking your dog, skating, exercise or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this spot has something for everyone. Showers, lifeguards, volleyball nets, ample parking, bars, and diverse shops make it a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. If you're on the fence about visiting, don't hesitate any longer—just go. The Santa Monica Pier and Beach is a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of background or interests. It's an experience you won't regret.

There are SO many other juice spots in Santa Monica that are worth the price. Don't bother coming here. The drinks are terrible and the customer service is even worse. The Banana Boost is awful. It tastes like water and green bananas.

Took a bit long to make, but it was worth the wait. Fruit was fresh and delicious. The Greenie was good as well!

Such a great deal for a huge acai bowl! Classic, clean, and super healthy! The Acai Superbowl is a bit much and isn't as aesthetic since it's grey-green in color. Super healthy though! The Banana Berry is pretty straightforward and simple, but more palatable. Forgot to take a pic, but you can get a Ginger Shot checking in on Yelp. However, it is STRONG lol definitely woke up me with the intensity. Be warned!

I ordered the greenie juice so I can't say this applies to all their drinks but i didn't like the taste. It did have all the healthy ingredients but it was too bitter to enjoy the drink for me.

A bit overpriced, healthy smoothies and juices. I come here whenever I’m feeling like I need to be healthy and need some green juice but don’t want to go to Earthbar. Like like getting the Popeye acai for the smoothie which you could also get with almond butter, or the Greenie (with ice) when I want a juice. The Greenie is one of their most popular drinks. They have acai bowls that are alright and are getting into the “freeze” space (healthy dessert similar to Pressed Juicery or Frozen Fruit Co). For a mix of juice and smoothie, you could get the slender greens which had chia seeds so that you’re full and the texture is like a watery smoothie. There’s mango and greens as well so it’s sweeter than a typical juice. Small sizes (16 oz) are ~$7 and you could get a 24oz as well. However this most recent visit was a bit lackluster. First, the music was extremely loud so the cashier couldn’t hear me and kept making me repeat myself. She didn’t give me enough time to show that I had a free ginger shot through checking in on yelp so I just paid the full price to not argue. Second, there were two workers and no other customer was there at the time we ordered, but they still took about 10 minutes to make a Popeye smoothie and the slender greens. They also didn’t offer the orange slice as they usually do as chasers for our ginger shots. Finally, a homeless person came in and started asking people to buy food and while that was a sad thing to see, she wasn’t asked to leave and kept bothering the customers there. That’s not Nekter’s fault, but I think the situation could’ve been handled better with a firmer handle on asking her to leave. Overall I’ll still come back go Nekter because I think this was an off day, but hopefully this provides some insight into improvements that could be made about the volume of the music and the overall client experience.

Drove here from Malibu after driving down from Port Hueneme for a Nektar bowl. Not reviewing the quality of food as I really enjoy them (hence my willingness to drive over 50 miles for it). However, I was disappointed to find out they they were closed despite their listed hours for covid. Decided to drive to the SM location and when I arrived they were closed but their signs were still out front saying they were open. Very misleading and frankly, a little disappointing. Would have loved to purchase a bowl but I don't think it's worth the inconvenience of driving someplace that is supposed to be open, but decided to close early. All I can say is, apparently you need to call in advance to be sure they'll be open when you arrive. Lesson learned.

Delicious delicious juices and smoothies and super friendly staff. I had the health nut modified with almond butter (no peanut butter!) and with bee pollen and cacao nibs and it was delicious. Went back with Uber just to get my fix before the conference. Yummy!!!

The food was genuinely delicious — fresh ingredients and great flavor. I especially enjoyed the chicken sandwich and the bloody mary’s were fantastic! Unfortunately, the service didn’t quite match the quality of the food. We had to wait quite a while for anyone to come bring us a menu, I had to track down one of the waiters and ask. When I asked if she was our waitress she said that they all share tables. It didn’t feel like anyone was really attentive, which took away from the overall experience. We had to wait a very long time to get our check as well. The waiter we asked kept forgetting and when he’d come over by our table to drop other peoples food off, you could tell that he forgot because he looked at us and said “oh right”. This happened more than once. I’d come back for the food, but I hope the service improves —

This establishment transcends the typical beach bar; it's an immersive experience, a cornerstone of the community, and a hidden gem that quietly impresses. The staff are exceptionally welcoming and remarkably efficient, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Even the simple act of ID verification is transformed into a memorable moment with a charming smiley face stamp, setting the tone for a delightful visit. The seating options are abundant and thoughtfully arranged, catering to diverse preferences. Whether you prefer the shade of an umbrella table, the energy of the bar, the comfort of a booth, or the casual feel of regular and high-top tables, there's a perfect spot for everyone. The bar boasts an impressive selection of top-tier liquors and beers, including the often-overlooked Kona Big Wave, a brew that perfectly encapsulates the laid-back California beach vibe that defines this establishment. While our culinary exploration was brief, the exceptional quality of the onion rings and fries suggests that the entire menu is crafted with care and expertise. The large Pacifico, served impeccably cold and undeniably fresh from the tap, was like liquid gold, a testament to the bar's commitment to quality. Every moment spent here was a pleasure, and I eagerly anticipate returning as often as possible to further savor this exceptional experience.

We arrived around noon and ordered several dishes: a beach salad that was beautifully presented,tacos, fish and fries and chips with salsa along with some drinks. The food was nice, the atmosphere was totally fine, and the prices were reasonable.

Very cool place for people watching! Food was really good, boys had the Dean Burger and loved it, mahi mahi tacos were good as well. The fries were yummy. Staff were great and friendly. Definitely would come back

Nice bar. Genuine, original and relaxing. Good music. Good coffee. I didn’t dine in but the food smells and looks good. Definitely worth a visit.

High vibin', fun place for brews and food before or after or during beach or pier. It's an institution and evidence of that decorates the walls. The staff is great and willame you feel welcome. They do offer some veg optio s like a Beyond burger and Garden Burger. They have a huge patio in the front and a back patio, along with some indoor and bar seating. They have n/a beers, lots of bar fare, soft drinks, good tunes, TVs for games, and great vibes.

Service is fast, I didn't appreciate that they offered multiple times the chips and salsa for appetizers when I said "No thanks" already on the first time. Also the Shrimp Fajitas are actually just tacos and they charge you an extra $1,50 for the salsa, which is always included in any other restaurant.

Went there for dinner with friends and had a lively and lovely time: wine, food, service and the atmosphere. First of all, the wine was amazing. The somalier was so attentive and when we told her in detail what we wanted, she picked this amazing bottle of Frappato. So good we ended up having 2 bottles! Next, the food was excellent. The ordered ricotta stuffed flash fried squash blossoms, stuffed mushrooms (temperature HOT so becareful), and the beets salad with burrata and bread was amazing. We were pretty full so decided to split the lamb ragu parpadelle, clam linguine and chicken parmesan with butter bucatini. All the pastas were cooked to perfection and the sauces were a dream. The service was efficient and right amount of friendly (smile and positive vibes but not interrupting your conversation) from the hostess, server and the busser. The atmosphere is masculine with leather couches but big windows and high ceiling made it simply elegant and clean. Low lighting so the tables are romantic enough and the bar area was a bit more modern and brighter. Everyone there were happy to be there and the atmosphere of the patrons was electric and lively.

What a great meal! My husband and I both agree that the restaurant is a perfect 4.5, but since half points aren’t an option, I’m opting for a 5. Here’s why… the food was so tasty, nicely portioned, and imaginative. Well done! We were greeted warmly, and received a very nice anniversary card upon arrival, the atmosphere was very lively, fun, and beautiful - a rare thing theses days in LA. The cons were obviously the very high price, our waiter often disappeared for long periods of time, and the free anniversary dessert (a scoop of gelato) was so disgusting that neither of us ate past the first bite. Think “bottom of the freezer, been there for months ice cream” taste. And yet… the overall experience was wonderful, and well worth a second visit, especially with the Amex credit. Definitely order the grilled bread! You wont be sorry 💗

Antonia Lofaso is one of my favorite TV chefs. I was so excited to visit Scopa, and it did not disappoint! It's hard to pick a favorite food because everything we had was so good. I personally loved the Creste Rigate pasta, the calamari, and the Fluffernutter, which was genuis! Such a treat, and I can't wait to eat here again when I'm back in SoCal!

The restaurant had a nice stylish warm vibe. We ordered the crispy squid ink calamari. Not the most appetising dish to look at, but it certainly turned out to be delicious. This was our first visit here and would look forward to returning to try other menu options.

I had the linguini, I didn’t know what it meant when people say that the clams tasted like the sea, but today I finally do. Food was amazing, especially the Riacatta (housemade cheese with bread). I am usually not a big fan of cheese, but the cheese here goes so well with the bread. The lovely waiter also sent out a fresh batch of bread so that we could finish up the remaining cheese!! 🥰🥰🥰 My friends got the Steak Tartare, Scallops, as well as the Roasted Chicken to share. Would absolutely recommend people to come here next time!!

Tried the Lasagna and the Crispy Squash Blossom. Both dishes were delicious and full of flavor. Will definitely be back here again to try more!

This visit was for my Fathers Day dinner. It was absolutely fabulous! Starting with the best tartar I have ever had and ending with a fantastic pork chop! I want to thank everyone in that restaurant!!!

A Classic Slice of California – With a Carousel Surprise! Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier is one of those places you have to visit at least once — a true California classic. Don’t go in expecting Disneyland-level thrills or cutting-edge rides, but if you take it for what it is — a nostalgic, colorful, oceanfront amusement park — it’s honestly pretty great. The whole atmosphere is full of energy: street performers, cotton candy, roller coasters over the ocean, and that iconic Ferris wheel you’ve seen in a hundred movies. It’s fun, it’s lively, it’s a little chaotic — but in a charming way. But the real hidden gem? The old wooden horse carousel tucked away right at the entrance of the pier! It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing toward the rides, but it’s by far the most magical part of the whole place. Beautifully preserved and full of vintage charm, it feels like stepping back in time. And here’s the coolest part (for movie fans like me): it’s the carousel from the final showdown in my favorite film, Falling Down with Michael Douglas. That little detail made the whole visit even more special — surreal, even. All in all, don’t expect too much — but expect to enjoy yourself. It’s a perfect little dose of seaside fun and nostalgia. Definitely worth a visit!

Visiting this place brought us back to scenes from all the great 80's and 90's movies. We visited this park to specifically ride the roller-coaster, which was a short ride but fun. There are lots of other carnival type games and rides here as well. The Santa Monica Pier makes for a great date night or a place to visit with a young family.

The Santa Monica Pier is a timeless gem—where creaky wooden planks, ocean breezes, and vintage charm come together in perfect harmony. Since 1909, it’s been a beacon of classic California fun, from the hand-carved carousel in the Looff Hippodrome to the nostalgic glow of the Ferris wheel at sunset. Strolling the pier felt like stepping into a postcard: arcade bells ring, cotton candy scents the air, and waves crash below. It’s a place where past and present blend effortlessly—a living snapshot of old-school seaside magic.

Had a fantastic time at the Santa Monica Pier We just got off the plane from Houston Texas to visit my father here and had to stop and enjoy everything We had a good time saw a few celebrities and tried to relax before we checked into our hotel Love the food love the vendors love the excitement and of course the beautiful breeze and sites need to show these pictures to Galveston Texas Pier and need to upgrade ASAP cuz I love my beach at home and I love this beach also haven't been here in 15 years🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🥥🥥🥥🏖️🌊🐚👙🩴⛱️🌞🌅🌻☀️😎🕶️👙🫡

Located on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park is one of Southern California’s most beloved seaside amusement parks. With its colorful rides, classic carnival games, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Park offers the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun for visitors of all ages. The park’s most famous attraction is the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. As you ride to the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Santa Monica coastline, Malibu, and even downtown Los Angeles on a clear day. At night, the Ferris wheel lights up with vibrant LED displays, creating a magical backdrop for photos. Thrill-seekers can enjoy rides like the West Coaster, a roller coaster that twists and turns right over the pier, offering both excitement and incredible ocean views. For families and younger visitors, there are plenty of gentle rides like the Sea Dragon, Inkie’s Air Lift, and a classic carousel. Beyond the rides, Pacific Park offers a variety of classic arcade games, food stalls, and snack stands serving everything from cotton candy and funnel cakes to seafood and ice cream. The energy here is lively and cheerful, with street performers and musicians often adding to the festive atmosphere around the pier. What makes Pacific Park truly special is its location. Few amusement parks in the world are set literally above the ocean. The sound of the waves, the salty sea breeze, and the sight of the endless blue horizon combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or on a romantic date, Pacific Park delivers a perfect slice of California beachside fun. It’s not just an amusement park—it’s a quintessential part of the Santa Monica experience and an iconic symbol of the Southern California lifestyle.

I loved our visit! It was crowded but worth it. The vibe was happy. The rides were fun. The vendor food was terrific!

It's a little overpriced but it's a pleasant place for the views from the Ferris Wheel. You'd get more for your money if you buy the unlimited pass.

Great little souvenir shop, out last night in California we stayed in Santa Monica and this little gift shop on their pier had the best range of magnets and other gifts. Friendly staff, well worth the walk to the end of their Pier!

Perfect to pick magnets at decent price and from the huge collection. The shop is impressive due to its currency display on the wall.

Parking cost $25 but if you drive a few minutes to Broadway and 4th St you can find a public parking where you get the first 90 minutes free then an hour or more for a $1 or so The pier is very famous about fishing, nice restaurant and gift shop I think it's a must to visit after you visit El Matador beach 21 miles away. Also got a very nice beach but is so crowded though

Went there this weekend to buy some souvenirs a lot of great stuff there STEVE the worker was super cool real funny very helpful! When I come back in town, I will definitely come back to this location and buy more! Nice view at the end of the pier.

Manny was very cool, have me inside info on when to come and catch fish. He had some awesome history wrapped up in his store and I could tell he cares about his community. Great guy and the right kind of guy to be at the very end of route 66!!

A good place to visit. A lot of souvenir stickers.

Small place and it's never super busy. Great for getting small souvenirs. Also great view from here

Great location for events and state events. Nappa organised their Fashion event and it was amazing. Restrooms are close by to the park. Need to just cross the beach walk lane.

Perfect spot to max and relax. Always enough parking and some great views!

I promised myself I would go every time I passed by and being that I had my furry four legged Grand pups with me we stopped. Very, very nice. Beautiful day the water the atmosphere, the Sunset was completely beautiful! Please go. Lots to do.

I frequently visit this park in Santa Monica. It has plenty of parking space. Immediately next to the board walk. It has access to the beach, a short walk but it's worth it. There is plenty of beach space even when it's crowded. As all sunsets, it depends on the day and weather, but sunsets are always a reward at this park.

Gorgeous beach side park! Santa Monica Pier close by Place for picnic, gathering, relaxing Bathrooms nearby Spotty City wifi

Beautiful park! Very calm and right next to a road where it was convenient to be dropped off. A little busy and crowded on peak hours though. Always check out for bikers and such!

Very nice beach for the family. I'd really enjoyed it. The weather was great. Nice view of the buildings along the walkway. They do have scooters for you to rent with your smartphone. Nice view of Santa Monica boardwalk love it. Will like to visit again.

This place had amazing margaritas with a huge number of vegetarian options. We tried a couple of things and all of them were great. The ambiance was good and the restaurant had beach vibes. We went at an odd time and had late lunch but I am pretty sure the place is packed during sunsets and for dinner. A must try out place if you are near Monica Del Rey

Baja Cantina is located just a few blocks East of the famous Venice Beach, situated at the corner, it provides views of Washington from its patio, and some of its indoor seating. The atmosphere is designed to make you feel like you've entered into a whole different part of the world, with its sitting areas, stucco walls, rounded doorways and themed decorations. There are multiple unique areas to sit, tables, bar, outdoor patio, and even an indoor lounge with a fire pit. Enjoy a little bit of warmth on those cold California evenings. The menu is nicely designed with a healthy amount of food options. But the rumored choice options are the fish tacos. At $7 per taco, you can build your plate as large as you want. And the speed at which the food came out will leave you wondering if you ordered 20 minutes before you actually did. And let's not forget the tortilla chips and salsa which hit the spot right before the tacos arrived. If you're more interested in the liquid kind of satisfaction, they have a fine array of beverages to quench your thirst. My go to was the Vibes Co Cider... Treat yourself. At the time that I was there, happy hour was just starting and they seemed to only have 1 bartender / server for the majority of the restaurant. I'm sure this was more of a one off situation and not reproduced often. I will definitely plan to return if I'm back in that area again.

Out of towner from Chicago…we all loved this place! We had margarita flights. The tacos were awesome. Loved the laid back vibe. The service was quick and efficient. Will definitely be back! Go here. You won’t regret it.

Relaxed atmosphere with mainly outdoor seating and plenty of shade! Far enough from the beach that it’s not crowded. Fried fish tacos were excellent, especially the fresh corn tortillas! I will definitely come again.

Baja Cantina brings the Baja experience to life with vibrant music, flavorful food, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a beachside celebration. Located on the Venice side of Washington and established in 1975, this spot offers more than just a meal—it offers a whole vibe, especially on Saturday nights when live music electrifies the space. From the start, things moved quickly with seating (only a one-minute wait), but the service afterward slowed down. Ordering took about 14 minutes, water didn’t arrive until the 24-minute mark, and food was served after 21 minutes. The staff, while knowledgeable and genuinely kind, seemed a bit overwhelmed. Only one check-in occurred between the delivery of water and food, leaving me wondering whether they were understaffed or simply overlooked a solo diner. Despite the service hiccups, the food and atmosphere delivered. The complimentary handmade nachos were warm, crisp, and lightly seasoned, paired with a fresh salsa that hit all the right notes—lime, cilantro, onion, and just the right kick from Serrano peppers. Though the salsa wasn’t initially brought with the nachos, it was promptly delivered upon request. The fish tacos had a great flavor profile but were a touch dry—perhaps a drizzle of crema or a bit more slaw would balance them out. On the other hand, the nachos I ordered were the real standout: layered perfectly with guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and onions, they had the ideal mix of flavor and texture without going overboard. The ambiance was a highlight. Baja Cantina’s clean, open layout paired with an eclectic and diverse crowd created an energetic and fun environment—definitely a spot that shines with a bit of company on a lively Saturday night. The prices were fair, the menu options were extensive, and it was great to see gluten-free options available. Suggestions for Improvement: • Improve wait times for basic service like water. • Ensure staff checks in more consistently, even with solo diners. • Consider adding a touch more moisture to the fish tacos to elevate their texture. • Bring salsa automatically with nacho orders. Overall, Baja Cantina is a place worth visiting if you’re in the mood for good food, great music, and a bit of a beachside groove. Just come with a little patience—or better yet, bring some good friends and enjoy the vibe together.

Nice and cozy place. We stumbled on the place our first evening in Venice beach after a long trip with jet lag. We got a table immediately, nice and friendly service. Shared some dishes and the portions was big.

The Baja Cantina is a hidden treasure its food 🥘 is delicious and service second to none.

I have enjoyed this theater many times since it opened. I went today for a 1045am movie and the cost for two adults with 1 popcorn and 1 drink was nearly $70. They have cut their staff and reduced their service significantly. My app ordered refreshments included a delivery fee - to my seat. The movie was great but not the theater. I don't expect this theater will be around much longer. It is now very worn, too. I know the impact of streaming has changed everything. Sadly this theater is adding to the decline of the wonderful moviegoers experience. I won't be back.

Movie was fine, seats squeaky when reclining, but bring ear protection. We took our 6 and 5 year olds to this theater this past Saturday afternoon, and weren't prepared for the excessive (like over 95 decibels - I didn't notice the required posted warning sign, but I didn't look that hard for it either). Apparently they couldn't or wouldn't change the volume. There were two other parties trying to get it reduced, so we weren't the only ones who thought it was too loud.

This theater is officially my favorite. The ambience, the food, the seating and customer service was all top tier. Can't wait to go back.

My go to due to convenience. They also quite recently revamped the venue so it looked better and more cozy. Cleanliness is still yet to be improved especially the restroom and dining table, but the staffs here are extremely friendly amd helpful

What a wonderful surprise this AMC is. While there are no IMAX screens to properly view big tentpole movies, this is a nice place to watch movies in general. The tables are wiped clean and swing easily. The recliner was great. Wide open aisles. But it’s the staff that make it great! There was one staff member who was stationed by the food kiosk, helping me order a simple popcorn and drink. He made a couple funny jokes and was all-around welcoming. It’s not as busy as most theaters and it is nestled within some great (but highly fancy/expensive) restaurants. Plus, parking’s free! Overall, I enjoyed my time here, and the visual and audio were top notch, and not lacking. Grade: A-

FIVE STARS when the pretzel oven is working! Marina, Santa Monica, and Century City are equidistant from my flat—and that’s the ranking. AMC DINE-IN Marina 6 has the best seats, cleanest theaters, and best food; a very pleasant experience IF you can get a ticket to the showing of your choice far enough in advance. They are however limited in showtimes and movies screened when compared to SM 7 and Century. Parking is easy with a free garage. Management is outstanding and food delivery team is typically solid—with the rare hiccup once in a blue moon—might be more of an issue on the app-end when placing orders.

Lovely AMC in the Westside. Parking is free and plentiful which is a great contrast to Century City. Seats are huge and spacious. I haven't had the food, but the tables are big, so I imagine it's very easy to order dinner while watching the movie. It's a great spot to watch movies!

I don’t like the smell of its back kitchen. But the food is so good if you are thinking to have some Thai food for the day. I’ve always been here whenever I miss Thai food. I had tried some other places, but almost every dish here is soooo delicious. After eating, just stepping out to walk on the Venice Canal. So convenient.

The wait staff is very nice and moved umbrellas around so we would be comfortable in the mid day sun. The food came quickly and was very flavorful. I'll definitely be coming back! Happy Mother's Day to all.

It used to be better I’ve been here a few times over the years… but todays dinner was lacking I had spicy eggplant with chicken, and papaya salad with shrimp The papaya salad sure did not match the photo in the menu… Which had big plump, beautiful shrimp. What arrived on my actual meal was two previously frozen deep-fried shriveled up shrimp… Which I could not even eat The spicy eggplant was pretty good Overall, very disappointing and I don’t think I’ll be coming back here

We might have had the best seat in the house. Such a perfect date night. Enjoyed incredibly flavorful tom yum and super curries. The house fried rice was just delicious. The atmosphere was elevated by all the lovely team working there.

This place was such a good pick! We love Thai food. This place didn't disappoint. My yellow curry warmed my belly as the cool breeze gently brushed through my hair. Their brown rice is hearty and filling. The price was surprisingly fair. We didn't pay extra for the ambiance.

Delicious food with lightning fast service. Fun atmosphere with a lively musical set right next door. Star was very professional and competent. I HIGHLY recommend the tom yum soup and the emerald curry. Mango sticky rice to finish off the meal.

Rare authentic Thai dishes in LA. I dined here several times and loved all dishes. The setting is beautiful. The restaurant is large which is not common in LA and OC. Staff are nice. But I agreed with some reviews that service is slow per the staff personality which could be improved by assigning different staff. A must try restaurant!

Came here for a staff appreciation event. The managers David and Jacob were very in setting this up and were very helpful. My staff and I enjoyed our time. Our 2 waiters were very helpful and provided above and beyond service.

Had a good time at this Yard house. We lucked out and didn’t have to wait for a table on a busy Friday night. Shared delicious appetizers. The calamari was enjoyable, not overly fried. the korean spicy wings were fantastic, the margarita pizza with pepperoni and sausage was so good, and lastly, the lobster garlic noodles were heavenly, lots of shrimp and chunks of sweet lobster in it. Tried their version of an old fashion, old 43.. loved the presentation and the taste.

Korean Steak with fries. Huge and delicious. Perfectly cooked medium rare and everything about it was amazing. Way too much food for me. So half a steak is waiting for me later. Here's where I was disappointed. With hardly anyone in the restaurant and only two servers on a Saturday lunch, seems a bit ridiculous. So waiting for food and service of any kind was a bit interesting. Food was prime time, prices are to be expected.

Originally founded in Long Beach in the late 1990s I have been coming to various Yard House locations since college and they are all consistently good. I would call it more of a sports bar than anything else because it’s a great place to watch a game and the amount of beer selection is almost unbeatable. I moved to LA six years ago, but I’m originally from San Diego and was very happy to see that many San Diego beers are on this beer list. It’s pretty large on the inside with many different types of seating options from high top, to booth, to sitting around the giant O shaped bar. There are TV screens everywhere with all different sorts of games and entertainment and the drinks and food were flowing fast. Parking is very easy here because there is free parking attached to the mall that is multiple stories. Also everything that we order always comes out really fast. I will say that sometimes the servers are not the most friendly, but that is more of a reflection on who you get when you visit versus each location. The menu here is very large and filled with all sorts of great options. It is also very fair priced and the portion sizes are generous. I’m a big fan of their vampire tacos, a lot of their appetizers. I seem to get something new every time I come here. For my drink this visit I ordered the Honey Beer from Escondido, which is a part of Northern San Diego, and I honestly loved it. It’s very crisp and refreshing and had a great taste. For my meal I chose the Turkey Club and thought it was large and really good. I have zero complaints about it and just really enjoyed it. We ate and drank all of this as we sat at a high top and enjoyed the NBA finals. I would recommend and I will be back again in the future.

Yard house food is very consistent and tasty. This yard house service wasn't great. I ordered an aperol negroni, he said they dont have negroni. I explained what it was and that its equal parts gin, aperol and sweet vermouth. He came back and said they don't have campari which i didnt want. I ordered something else. Every was tasty.

Nice place for a casual lunch! We came on a weekday around 4, and were seated pretty quickly. The restaurant was clean and pretty, definitely on the fancier side of the Yard House spectrum. Their happy hour menu has some pretty good deals, especially on appetizers. My margarita pizza was super super delicious and very tomatoey (I love tomatoes). The artichoke dip was yummy too, and a good food to pick at while we waited for the pizzas. We got a lot of food, enough to take home for leftovers. Our server, Mikey, was nice and got our food out fast. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend their kish shine soju, as… it could’ve been better. Everything else was great though! 😼

Excellent beer selection. Bartender was great. The wings were a but small but good flavour. Overall a good experience to watch gane s

This was my first dinner in the States and I had an authentic American steak for the first time! The Filet steak was so tender and had a top-notch flavor! My server Martin was very friendly and patient. He always cared about me with a handsome smile! Thank you for your recommendation! Everything was amazing! Would definitely come back again!

Loved everything about Ruth's Chris Marina Del Rey location. Went for my 5-year anniversary. We reserved a private room. The food was a-mazing! The drinks were🔥Service was top notch and they decorated the room beautifully. Cowboy steak, Ribeye, stuffed chicken, Lobster Mac, sweet potato crumble, mashed potatoes, Cesar salad and cream spinach were the dishes we all devoured! There was not one thing that wasn't completely delicious. Can't wait to go back. Definitely worth every dollar we spent.

Lovely steak restaurant and excellent US rib eyes served here. The crab cakes and mushrooms were excellent. Think the rib eye is more tender than the ribeye T bone.

Waste of time and money. I was suggested this place by many people I work with so I attended for my birthday. It's a very large dinning area with massive tables and controlled ac if you ask. I was excited to try the lobster Mac n cheese, and it's exactly as all the reviews say it's watery, no flavor and the type of pasta they used is cheap. Must be brought by a major food carrier that is limiting choices everywhere. Our waitress, had offered us extra bread halfway through but it never came. The porterhouse was good, but not great. "You will not be disappointed" was our waitress catchphrase, she had suggested the bread pudding as dessert. It lacked flavor and had chocolate written " happy anniversary " instead of happy birthday which disappointed me. No staff gathered to sing happy birthday either, any other restaurant would have done so. Throughout the entire service the waitress did not speak to me only my partner. Once the bill came out waitresses decided to sign her name which I did not appreciate. Overall should have spent the money at kbbq to get moneys worth of time and food portion.

Goodness gracious this location has exceptional service and the food is delicious. I was very impressed and look forward to my next visit.

Damian was an excellent server! Attentive, polite and engaging! We loved talking with him! It was a great dinner. The food was great but his service took it to the next level!

Food was amazing. Service was superb. Drinks were so yummy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’re chasing a legit New York–style slice in Santa Monica, Joe’s Pizza is the go-to spot. Thin, crisp crust with the right fold, balanced cheese-to-sauce ratio, and no gimmicks—just solid execution. Dave Portnoy gave it an 8.1, and honestly, that feels spot-on. I showed up a few minutes before they opened at 12 PM and was first in line—got the very first slice of the day, and it was 🔥 fresh. Grabbed it with their house-made ranch and a 355 ml (12 oz) glass bottle of Mexican Coke—came out to just over $11 before tip. Pricey? Sure. But totally fair for Santa Monica and well worth it. Pro tip: That ranch is next level—creamy, tangy, with a garlicky punch. Perfect dip for that foldable, crispy slice. The Coke seals the deal. Bottom line: Best NY-style slice in Santa Monica, no question. 🍕🔥🥤

This pizza is so delicious! Thin and crispy and a very good ratio of sauce and toppings. Friendly staff and they have a lot more options. I loved their pepperoni, you have to get at least 3 slices. Also I brought in two ladies from East Germany and they didn’t speak any English. The people at Joe’s were super helpful and accommodating. They loved the pizza and didn’t want to leave to catch their flight.

My wife and I LOVE Joe’s Pizza. The staff is friendly, the service is fast and the pizza is HUGE. Our favorites are the white and the pepperoni but we’ve tried the whole menu and you can’t go wrong. Joe’s is a must-stop when visiting Santa Monica.

Best slice in Santa Monica. Great thin crust and crunch. Good free two hr parking minutes away.

Had a great experience coming to Joe’s Pizza with my husband and friends! Alex was the best, helped us to choose and provided a wonderful experience!!! Will definitely come back 🍕

I’ve had Joe’s in New York, and I can honestly say the Santa Monica location lives up to the same high standard. The pizza is spot on, crisp, flavourful, and just as good as the East Coast classic. The staff were super friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Whether you’re after a quick slice or a whole pie, this is the real deal. Highly recommend!

We love Joes pizza so much we made this central to our theme for a 40th bday! The Joes Pizza team and staff were incredible to work with, helped us understand how many pies to order, helped us box them up in custom boxes and deliver onsite. Our guests enjoyed the surprise delivery so much not a single slice was remaining. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a native NY style pie or slice!