Explore Local Secrets & Insights in Santa Monica


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).


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.


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.


citygirlvibes
Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Beverly Hills is such a treat! The perfect picturesque setting to enjoy girl time, celebrate birthdays or special occasions. Afternoon tea is offered with daily seatings at 11am, 1:30pm or 4pm. Packages start at $125pp. You can reserve on OpenTable at The Living Room 💗


Los Angeles Fun Events
Singles Night at The Penmar | Age 30+ Join 100+ Los Angeles Singles on the Green! This special event is set against the scenic backdrop of The Penmar golf course in Los Angeles, offering a unique and relaxed atmosphere perfect for meeting new people. Meet New People: This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with a large group of singles in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Beautiful Venue: The Penmar Golf Course offers a stunning setting, making it an ideal location for a memorable evening. Lively Atmosphere: With a lively and vibrant crowd, you're sure to have an enjoyable time filled with great conversations and potential new connections. Don't miss out on this chance to experience a unique singles event at one of Los Angeles' most beautiful golf courses. Mark your calendar for Monday, July 8th, and get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and new connections! Date & Time: Monday, July 8th, 6-9 PM Location: The Penmar Golf Course, Los Angeles We can't wait to see you there!


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.


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.
See also
Discover Mar Vista's Top Dining: Local Experiences & Foodie Favorites near LA


Los Angeles Fun Events
The Horror Movie Watch Club It's Horror Movie Night! Every Thursday in October! Two movie times: 8PM & Midnight But here’s the twist: the movie remains a secret until the day of the event! Will it be a classic slasher, a paranormal thriller, or a psychological horror? You’ll have to join us to find out. We’re setting the stage with eerie decorations, creepy cocktails, and spine-tingling vibes to make your Thursday nights creepy AF. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or just love a good scare, this is the perfect way to celebrate spooky season. Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come early to secure your spot. It’s going to be a scream! 👻 Spooky vibes await… if you dare! See you there, if you’re brave enough. 🍿🔪


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 Santa Monica's Hidden Gems with Local Information
Santa Monica is a vibrant coastal city near Los Angeles, famed for its beautiful beaches, iconic pier, and bustling 3rd Street Promenade. But beyond its tourist attractions, there are countless local secrets waiting to be discovered, revealed through insider knowledge and anonymous insights from the community. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, tapping into these nuggets of local information can enrich your Santa Monica experience in ways you never imagined.
Explore Unique Neighborhoods
The diverse neighborhoods of Santa Monica each have their own charm and character. Ocean Park is a hidden gem that offers a laid-back atmosphere, with residential streets lined with charming cottages and creative murals. Locals often share hidden dining spots and small galleries in this area, providing an authentic taste of Santa Monica's artistic scene. Additionally, Sunset Park is a lesser-known area that's worth exploring—it's quieter than downtown but boasts a strong sense of community and local recommendations for quaint coffee shops and family-owned restaurants.
Insider Tips on Dining & Nightlife
Beyond the famous eateries, there are countless lesser-known spots that locals frequent. For example, Rustic Canyon on Wilshire Blvd is highly recommended for its farm-to-table dishes created with locally sourced ingredients. On Main Street, join the trending discussions about the latest offerings at places like Ashland Hill, a gastropub known for its great craft beers and inviting outdoor seating. For nightlife, it's always a smart move to check local chats on Kikihub for the latest anonymous insights on trending bars and lounges, ensuring you hit the most buzz-worthy spots that might not be on the mainstream radar yet.
Community Events & Local Secrets
Santa Monica hosts a myriad of events, many of which only locals are privy to. For instance, the annual 'Montana Avenue Art Walk' transforms one of the city's most charming streets into a lively showcase of local artistic talent. By participating in community discussions and checking out trending events on Kikihub, you will uncover these local secrets and gain access to intimate gatherings that enrich your cultural experience. With these anonymous insights, you'll also discover pop-up markets, underground music events, and exclusive gallery openings that ordinary guides often overlook.
Travel Tips from Locals
Traveling within Santa Monica is a breeze when you have insider information. Local tips often include the best times to visit famous attractions to avoid crowds, like hitting the Santa Monica Pier early morning for a serene experience or catching the sunset at Pacific Park for a truly magical moment. Locals also recommend biking around the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which offers stunning coastal views. For those who prefer public transportation, knowing the most efficient routes and schedules can be invaluable for smooth travel around the city. Connecting with locals on Kikihub can provide travel recommendations that save time and enhance your Santa Monica adventure.
Exclusive Shopping Recommendations
While 3rd Street Promenade is bustling with popular shops, those in the know will often venture into smaller boutiques and independent stores. The Pico Boulevard, for instance, is sprouting with unique, independent shops where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to bespoke clothing items. Participating in local anonymous chats can reveal these hidden gems; places like Ten Women Gallery on Montana Avenue or the emerging designers showcased at Abbot Kinney Boulevard in nearby Venice. These exclusive shopping recommendations not only support local businesses but offer unique finds you won’t get anywhere else.