Situated along the California coast, you’ll find one of the most beautiful cities in the state. Santa Monica – a city that attracts around 8 million tourists every year. That alone is proof of how much there is to do here!

But with so many options, how do you pick? What should you do for fun, whether you’re a local or a visitor? Well, we’ve got some killer suggestions.

The Nightlife Scene

There’s nothing quite like letting your hair down for a night out… and with that in mind, let’s figure out how to craft the perfect memorable night out with friends. Here, it’s important to keep in mind that Santa Monica is ultimately more of a beachy resort town, so you may struggle to find a good variety of clubs.

However, one option you should definitely check out is The Room. Here, you can enjoy a great beverage along with good music – typically from the ‘90s and early 2000s.

If you’re looking for something more laid-back, there are countless bars where you can enjoy yourself with friends. These range from more chill locales, like Jameson Pub, to sophisticated establishments like The Misfit. And if you’re more into wine, then you can’t go wrong with Esters Wine Shop & Bar.

What about those looking for a really elegant night out? Few establishments are as synonymous with glitz and glamor as casinos – but alas, Santa Monica doesn’t have any proper locales in the area, so you’ll have to venture outside of the city if this takes your fancy. However, we have another suggestion to save you the trip!

If you opt to play casino games online, you can turn any Santa Monica establishment into your venue. By visiting an online casino, you’ll be able to play a variety of games, whether you prefer to focus on luck or strategy. You’ll have way more options in the online space, and that’s got to be a good thing!

If you’re partial to poker games, for example, make sure you take a look at ongoing tournaments where you can really test out your mettle. For instance, you and your friends could check out the online poker triple header tournament. This will allow you to try your skills in a super convenient way, and since the poker triple header tournament happens every Sunday, you can easily schedule this in advance. 

Tournaments are a great way to see how you rank against other people and whether you have what it takes to go all the way. Play by yourself, play with friends – either way, you’ll have a blast!

And if you’re a beginner, or need a refresher, you can always check out online resources to make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. You’ll find everything you could possibly want online, from serious breakdowns to expert gamers just having fun. For example, check out this Instagram reel of a short stack poker tournament for a bit of inspiration.

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Outdoor Adventures

What about outdoorsy fun? You’re in luck! Santa Monica is a beachy haven. It’s also ideal for water-based activities! Start by heading to the Santa Monica beach, where you’ll find the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Due to its popularity, it can get quite busy, but if you walk a bit further from the Pier, you’ll be able to find some quieter spots. Here, you can lay down a blanket for a picnic, go for a dip, or surf and even paddleboard.

Not far from here, just south of the Pier, you’ll find the Original Muscle Beach. Stocked with outdoor workout equipment, it will feel like an adult playground.

But if the weather isn’t on your side, or you simply prefer staying on land, then you can stick to the Pier. There, you’ll find the Pacific Park, complete with a plethora of attractions. 

For those who want to see the vista of the California coastline from incredible heights, you could ride the first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, the West Coaster will be a better fit – a steel roller coaster that reaches 35mph!

Best Bites

We all know food can bring you joy, and there are quite a few spots in Santa Monica that will make any foodie salivate. For a simpler affair, we have Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe, perfect for a casual bite with a view. This is a sports bar, with typical pub grub, from burgers to hot dogs to tacos. It’s simple yet delightfully sinful.

For something casual but a tad more elevated, we have North Italia. As you might guess from its name, this is an Italian locale, with some pretty amazing Italian fare. From decadent homemade pasta and pizza to intricate charcuterie boards and stuffed sandwiches, you won’t be leaving here hungry.

Ending this on a refined note, we have Mélisse, one of the best restaurants in LA. This Michelin-starred restaurant provides a more intimate dining experience, with only 14 seats. For a well-rounded experience of everything it has to offer, make sure to try its sample menu – and don’t forget to take a look at its wine list. 

Conclusion

From a fun poker night out with friends to delightful bites with a beach view, the above should set you up nicely for an enjoyable experience in Santa Monica. So, regardless of whether you’re a tourist or a resident, we’re certain that you’ll find everything you need in this vibrant city.