Santa Monica is a vibrant city to the west of Los Angeles, offering the same gorgeous setting as the City of Angels with a much more laid-back vibe. But, despite this chilled ocean-side atmosphere, Santa Monica has become a hub for financial and technological innovation.
In this region, cryptocurrencies have become widely popular, and many establishments – both online and physical – have embraced Bitcoin and other crypto transactions in exchange for services or products.
We’re going to dive into the places in Santa Monica and surrounds where crypto holders can use their digital currencies.
Bitcoin ATMs
The first place where residents can use their crypto in Santa Monica is at the many Bitcoin ATMs that are scattered across the city.
A Bitcoin ATM is a machine that allows users to sell or buy cryptocurrencies (not just Bitcoin) for cash or by using their bank cards. Just like traditional ATMs, they process transactions, however, instead of being linked to a bank account, they’re linked to a user’s crypto wallet.
Although most Bitcoin ATMs are used to buy crypto, bi-directional ATMs also allow users to cash out their crypto in exchange for instant cash.
Bitcoin ATMs where you can sell your crypto in Santa Monica include:
- rockitcoin; Chevron, 3300 La Cienega Blvd
- Athena; Shell, 391 S Roberson Blvd
- HermesBitcoin; Media Wine and Spirits, 7435 Melrose Ave
- Athena; Beer and Wine Market, 400 W Manchester Blvd
There are many other Bitcoin ATMs in the area, but most of them don’t allow you to sell your BTC for cash.
Online Retailers
One of the most convenient and rewarding ways to spend crypto is to access safe Bitcoin casino sites. These online platforms allow players to deposit and withdraw using their cryptocurrencies, in a safe and secure environment. Crypto casinos combine the convenience of online gambling with the security of Bitcoin transactions, offering a wide game variety, low transaction fees, and fast payouts.
Services like Bitrefill and BitPay have also made it possible to spend your crypto online. Using these platforms, you can purchase gift cards using crypto, which can then be redeemed and hundreds of retailers across Santa Monica and the US.
For example, BitPay’s directory includes over 250 companies and stores:
- Adidas
- Airbnb
- Barnes & Noble
- Best Buy
- Burger King
- Delta
- DoorDash
- GameStop
- H&M
… and many, many more.
Physical Establishments
Since Santa Monica is located near Los Angeles, there are plenty of companies that accept crypto payments within a 20-minute drive of the seaside city.
G33K Antiqu3 is one store, located in Palms, that is happy to accept cryptocurrencies. This comic book store stocks figurines, costumes, games, and comic books, and Bitcoin holders can get their hands on these treasures by paying with BTC.
Those who want to grab a bite to eat with a side of flowers can head to Le Petit Jardin Cafe and Flowers in Pico-Roberston. They serve classic French cuisine mixed with some American staples, they’re almost always full, and they have a crypto wallet.
Bluestone Lane in Hancock Part is a couple of minutes outside of Santa Monica, but worth the drive for a hot expresso and almond croissant.
While there, Bitcoin holders can also pop into LA Video Games in the neighboring Fairfax neighborhood. This store sells cards, pins, and old-school game cartridges. The combination of modern crypto transactions with retro games seems unlikely, but it makes it convenient for residents to get their hands on some childhood favorites.
Santa Monica also recently launched a Bitcoin Office whose purpose is to educate citizens on cryptocurrencies, and also identify economic opportunities for crypto in the city. The Bitcoin Office aims to position Santa Monica as the “Silicon Beach hub for Bitcoin innovation” and it is therefore likely that many more establishments will start to accept crypto in the near future.
