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Santa Monica Exploration: Hidden Gems & Trending Spots

Dive into an exhilarating adventure of local exploration in Santa Monica with Kikihub! Uncover the hidden gems and trending spots that locals rave about but tourists seldom find. Whether it's discovering serene relaxation spots at the lesser-known Annenberg Community Beach House, picnicking at the lush Tongva Park, or venturing through the vibrant murals in the alleyways of Main Street, our local insights offer something for everyone—from solo travel enthusiasts to family-friendly outings. Chat anonymously with residents to get real opinions, uncover secret paths, and experience the authentic pulse of Santa Monica near LA. Get ready for a thrilling journey that leaves no stone unturned!

Discovering Marina del Rey: A Summer Oasis in Los Angeles 🌞🚣
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Los Angeles4 everybody

Relaxing to be in the middle of the water with the boats, under the sun, but an arm work out to get there 😅 and worth it! Summer fun for sure :) • Marina del Rey is located just 4 miles from LAX, next to Santa Monica and Venice Beach. • Mother’s Beach is the best spot to learn how to paddleboard because of the calm, flat water. • Marina del Rey is the largest small-craft harbor in North America and is the second largest in the world after Dubai! • L.A.’s Marina is where locals go to play on the water. • Here, you can kayak, stand-up paddle board, jet-ski, or go deep-sea fishing, whale-watching or hop on a sunset dinner cruise.

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Join Us for a Spooktacular Goth Night at Weary Livers!
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Los Angeles Fun Events

Goth Night at Weary Livers Embrace the Shadows at Goth Night! Join us for a relaxed and enchanting evening at Weary Livers Bar with a playlist of all goth music, all night long. Date: Thursday, September 19th Time: 7 PM Enjoy the laid-back, gothic ambiance with subtle decorations and a comfortable atmosphere. Dress in your favorite casual gothic attire and unwind with fellow goth enthusiasts.

Exploring Venice Beach: The Ultimate Bike Tour Experience!
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Hellocalifornia

The Underrated Thing to Do in Venice, California... Go to the legend beach bike tour! This guided sightseeing tour is a great way to spend half a day exploring Venice Beach attractions. Starting on the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll spend two hours biking along Venice’s most interesting landmarks. You’ll cruise along the boardwalk, stop at Muscle Beach, pass by the Venice Canals, and see homes of Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin.

Join the Charm of 'Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition' in Santa Monica!
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Secret Los Angeles

‘Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition’ Celebrates The Filmmaker’s Distinctive Style! Feel like you’ve stepped inside Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Grand Budapest Hotel, or Moonrise Kingdom as you explore Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, the upcoming experience that might as well be a set for the filmmaker’s next movie. Featuring stunning travel photography in the style of Wes Anderson, this charming exhibit which will open in mid-April at the Santa Monica Art Museum (1219 3rd Street Promenade).

Join us at Fairmont Century Plaza's rooftop oasis, ¡ESTA!, for a summer of sipping, swimming, and dining! 🌴🍹🌞
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Secret Los Angeles

Sip, swim, & dine at a tropical rooftop oasis with ¡ESTA! at the Fairmont Century Plaza! Beat the heat this summer with a dip in the pool, a refreshing cocktail, stunning views of LA’s skyline, and delicious food at ¡ESTA!. The poolside, rooftop restaurant is serving up mouthwatering light fare including chips and dips, ceviche, fish tacos, tequila cocktails, cervezas, and non-alcoholic refreshments. From the views to the vibes, Fairmont Century Plaza and ¡ESTA! are ringing in the summer right.

Enjoy Spectacular Sunsets at High Rooftop Lounge, Venice Beach 🌟
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THE ROOFTOP GUIDE

High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin 🌟 Beachside rooftop bar with chill vibes and epic sunsets. From the roof terrace at the lovely Hotel Erwin rooftop bar, you get some amazing views over the Pacific Ocean and Venice Beach. Being the only rooftop in Venice, High Rooftop Lounge feels a lot like a continuing of the beach below, with lounge sofas and large umbrellas. The only difference might be that up here you also have infrared (and blankets) keeping the heat up on chilly nights. The rooftop bar offers a good selection of well made specialty cocktails and different Californian beers, along with some really tasty bar bites and a weekend brunch. The menu even includes sun screen, so visits during sunny days is no problem at all. Expect a great lounge vibe on the terrace, perfect for relaxing drinks in the sun. And at night, there are often live DJs picking up the pace a notch.

Discover the TikTok Worthy Vibes of Venice Beach, California!
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Hellocalifornia

Venice Beach is one of the Top Most TikTok-able Places in California! Known for its eclectic spirit, it is a TikTok haven. From street performers and muscle beach workouts to the stunning skate park and colorful murals, this locale is perfect for vibrant, energetic videos that capture the essence of California’s beach culture.

See alsoSee alsoDiscover Mar Vista's Top Dining: Local Experiences & Foodie Favorites near LA

Unveiling Santa Monica’s Hidden Gems

Secret Spots on the Santa Monica Pier

While the Santa Monica Pier is a bustling hub of activity, offering a range of attractions from an iconic Ferris wheel to various dining options, there are lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered. Pier locals often whisper about a tiny bait and tackle shop that serves the best fresh mini-doughnuts, a hidden treat you wouldn’t want to miss. Head towards the pier’s end, where karmic relief can be found by participating in a low-key fishing session. Perfect for families, this secret spot offers relaxation amid Santa Monica’s hustle and bustle.

The Undiscovered Charm of Palisades Park

Palisades Park runs parallel to Ocean Avenue offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean but it's often overlooked in favor of busier attractions like the Third Street Promenade. Amid the park’s lush greenery, you can discover secluded benches and art installations generating a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for meditation or relaxation. Adventure seekers find hidden staircases leading down to bluff-side viewpoints complete with breathtaking sunsets and moments of solitude rarely found in LA’s busy streetscapes.

Exploring Ocean Avenue's Untouched Cafés

While Ocean Avenue is well-known for its upscale dining spots, there are several quaint, lesser-known cafés tucked away that provide a unique and personal experience. Drop by Blue Butterfly Café, a local secret cherished for its artisanal coffee and bird-themed décor. Locals cherish a quaint bookstore nearby that occasionally hosts poetry readings and local insights, perfect for solo travelers seeking inspiration or simply a quiet escape.

Rustic Canyon Park’s Natural Treasure

North of Santa Monica lies Rustic Canyon Park, known to residents but often missed by tourists. This adventure hotspot is perfect for both family-friendly hikes and more rigorous treks. Hidden trails take you through lush, overgrown vegetation and past historic ruins, like a forgotten 1930s ranch. Don’t miss the graffiti-covered staircases tucked into the hillside, a colorful secret contributing to the park's enchantment and offering prime photo opportunities.

Local Insights into the Annenberg Community Beach House

The Annenberg Community Beach House is more than just a public swimming pool. Local exploration of this gem reveals historic significance – including the Marion Davies Guest House, often free for tours. A hidden concierge area shares local secrets and first-hand accounts dating back to Hollywood’s golden era. The beach house also hosts art exhibits that aren’t always publicly advertised but can be discovered via local chats or bulletin boards scattered throughout the facility.

The Hidden Serenity of Tongva Park

Located just a stone's throw from the Santa Monica Pier, Tongva Park is an oasis of calm primarily known to locals. Its hidden serenity is perfect for visitors seeking to unwind from the tourist crowds that often overwhelm Santa Monica. The park features intriguing sculptures and native plant gardens. Families appreciate the playground’s unique design, resembling climbing structures akin to artistic installations. Don’t miss the park's secret pond area, where the tranquil waters reflect the surrounding flora, creating an ideal spot for quiet reflection or a picturesque moment. Make sure to use Kikihub to connect with other locals for real opinions and additional hidden gems you won’t find in any guidebook!