Things To Do In Santa Monica!
 

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT The J. Paul Getty Museum The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European and American photographs. Heritage Gallery, Pacific Palisades The Heritage Gallery opened in 1961. It is perhaps the oldest continuously operating gallery in Los Angeles and has consistently exhibited the finest quality art. Benjamin Horowitz and Charlotte Sherman have assisted many museums and notable art collectors and they will continue to present the finest art to the world into the twenty-first century. 18th Street Gallery, Santa Monica 18th Street Arts Center, Southern California's only international arts and residency center of its kind, dedicated to issues of community, diversity and beauty in contemporary society. Back Street Gallery, Santa Monica BackStreet Gallery is a 1200 ft alternative showing facility designed to create exposure for young emerging artists. The casual environment and the fact that the venue is owned and operated by artists eliminate much of the stress between the artists and management. Christopher Grimes Gallery International artists of the canvas, camera and the three-dimensional, present their works in an ever-changing flow of exhibits. Sherry Frumkin Gallery Sherry Frumkin opened a gallery in Santa Monica, California in 1990 with the mission of exposing and supporting young emerging artist from both coasts. Through fourteen years of consistent exhibitions the gallery has been both applauded and lambasted as feminist for its championing of female artists and preeminent interests in political, social or psychological works that challenge and engage the viewer. Because of its commitment to introducing new tendencies, the gallery shows conceptual artists ready to push the boundaries of contemporary art through the use of unconventional materials and new technology. Gallery 319, Santa Monica Located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica and just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, you are invited to enjoy touring our gallery in person or online, where we offer a wide variety of personally selected artwork to satisfy every collector. Our philosophy is to present art in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. We pride ourselves on warm hospitality, professional attitude and personal attention for all of your artwork and framing needs. Berman Turner Berman and Turner have been leading dealers of contemporary art in the Los Angeles art scene for many years. Both have exhibited an impressive list of important, mid-career and emerging artists. Mr. Berman has owned his gallery in Santa Monica for over 25 years. Mr. Turner, who is also an attorney, opened his gallery in Venice, in 1991. They will now share an impressive 4500 sq ft. main exhibition space and two smaller spaces at the Bergamot Station Arts Complex in Santa Monica. Schomburg Gallery Susan Schomburg opened the Schomburg Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center in 2001 after almost a decade of working on Melrose Avenue, as a research director for William A. Karges Fine Art, the veteran L.A. dealer of California Impressionism and later as the Director of Edenhurst Gallery, where she specialized in early California Impressionist paintings. Angel's Attic Mixes afternoon tea with history. This unique collection of antique dollhouses, miniatures, dolls and toys, housed in a Victorian era house, reflects the innocence of childhood in every era. Be sure to view the miniaturized Colonial mansions and Southern Plantations that are authentic in every detail. Angel's Attic is open Thursday-Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $6.50 for Adults, $4 for seniors and $3.50 for Children under 12. (310) 394-8331. The Santa Monica Historical Society Museum of History and Culture SMHSM features an exhibition gallery, vintage clothing and a photography archive detailing the growth of Santa Monica from a sleepy seaside village to a dynamic center of business, arts, entertainment and dining. Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 2nd & 4th Sundays 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Docent tours are available by appointment. Admission is $3 for Adults, $2 for seniors, and Free for Children under 12. (310) 395-2290. Autry Museum of Western Heritage Opened in 1988, the Autry Museum receives major support from the Autry Foundation. Although Gene Autry was best known as a crooner of western ballads, the spirit of this museum is the preservation and acquisition of fine art, books, manuscripts, and artifacts that document the American West and its history. (323) 667-2000. California African American Museum Begun in 1977, and opened to the public in 1981. It was temporarily located at the California Museum of Science and Industry. The Museum opened in its own building in 1984. CAAM's 44,000 square foot building contains a large front lobby, a research library, a museum store, and several galleries that display both its permanent and visiting collections. The California African American Museum's permanent collection focuses on works of art from the 20th century, reflecting the African American experience in the United States, and its large part in the history and the diverse culture of California. Its various changing exhibits not only display African influenced art, but also portray African American history. Craft & Folk Art Museum The museum¹s second-floor galleries boast a rotating collection of fascinating work. Recent exhibits have included "Dancing in the Streets: Carnival and Festival Arts," a collection of carnival and festival photographs and costumes from Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Trinidad, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the U.S. The museum¹s first floor is devoted to a gift shop chock-full of hand-made crafts from around the world. A popular gift-buying spot for people who work in the area, the museum¹s shop sells Guatemalan molas, Tanzanian musical instruments and Japanese tea sets, among other crafts. Future exhibits will feature the craft of quilting, embroidery on Turkish rugs and cushion covers, and a celebration of the life of author Zora Neale. Fort MacArthur Museum Still a work in progress, Fort MacArthur Museum is committed to preserving and collecting the relics that played an important role in Los Angeles' historic Harbor Defenses. Battery Osgood-Farley itself has not gone through much modification since it was built, and could probably be the only type of gun battery of its kind left in the continental United States. Museum of Television and Radio Founded on the belief that television and radio have been major contributors to our cultural history, the Museum of Television and Radio is a non-profit organization that offers a wide variety of opportunities to study the impact that radio and television have had on our society. From Wednesday through Sunday, it offers an extensive library of television and radio broadcasts, two theaters, a listening room, as well as several special exhibitions and seminars that are open to the public. Museum of Flying This museum is definitely worth a visit. Both adults and children will enjoy many elements of this ten-year-old museum. Built at the site where the Douglas Aircraft Company manufactured, tested and produced military and commercial aircraft for forty-six years, visitors of this unique, non-profit museum can see a rare collection of civilian and military aircraft through World War II. These include fighter planes, "war-birds," the popular "DC-3". Notably, the majority of the displayed aircraft are in flight-ready condition. Hollywood Wax Museum Exhibits over 200 wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and movie characters. Some of the figures are quite realistic, while others are virtually unrecognizable. There is eeriness in the air due to the hundreds of pairs of glass eyes staring out at you, a mood that enhances the spookiness of the Wax Museum's Chamber of Horrors. The Hollywood Bowl The world-famous Hollywood Bowl. Site includes events calendar, information about the bowl and the Hollywood Bowl Museum. Online database of music and musicians. Gotham Hall Fine dining, dancing, live music, pool, private parties. We are the Private Party Location in Santa Monica. We offer 5 Private Rooms, Entertainment Packages from DJ's to the best audio/video systems in Los Angeles. A 15 foot high definition big screen complemented by our 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound System. Nuart Theatre One of the country's most renowned and prestigious epicenters for independent film, foreign language cinema, documentaries, animation festivals and restored classics. NuWillshire Theatre 2 Screens. Built in 1931. Operated by Landmark since 1992. Located in the city of Santa Monica, just east of the 3rd Street Promenade and just south of the Montana shopping district, the NuWilshire has been featured in James Ellroy's famous novels Crime Wave and My Dark Places. The theatre features a challenging mix of independent and foreign language films on its twin screens.

SPORTS AND RECREATION Los Angeles Dodgers Santa Monica Area Beaches Dockweiler State Beach - 8255 Vista del Mar (just west of LAX), Playa del Rey, CA 90293 Four miles of sandy beach including campground, playground, bike trail, barbecue pits. Surfing, swimming, diving, fishing, picnicking. Paid and street parking, bus stop, easy access, year-round lifeguard, rest rooms, showers. Marina del Rey Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Small boat marina and sandy beach at the end of Basin D; swimming, sailing, fishing, picnicking, playground; family outings. Excursion boats, bike rentals, boat slips, restaurants, interpretive center. Paid parking, bus stop, handicapped access. Lifeguard, rest rooms, showers. Playa del Rey Beach and Del Rey Lagoon Playa del Rey, CA 90293 Beautiful lagoon (with ducks and geese), white sands. Public park, picnic tables, rest rooms. Santa Monica State Beach, Municipal Pier, and Amusement Park Pacific Coast Highway at California Incline, Santa Monica. Wide and sandy, mobbed on weekends; sunning, socializing. Bicycle and roller-skating path, volleyball nets, playgrounds. Fishing, dining, and summer evening concerts on the pier. Amusement park with roller coaster, Ferris wheel, antique carousel, and arcade. Paid and street parking, bus stop, handicapped access, year-round lifeguard, rest rooms, showers, bike and skate rentals, food concessions. Temescal Canyon Park 15900 Pacific Coast Highway at Temescal Canyon Road, Santa Monica. Easy access to beach. Picnicking, playground. Street parking, rest rooms. Venice City Beach, Boardwalk, and Fishing Pier 1531 Ocean Front Walk (west of Pacific Avenue), Venice. Easy access to beautiful, sandy beach. Boardwalk has street performers, Muscle Beach (bodybuilding, basketball, paddle tennis, and shuffleboard). Bike and skate rentals, volleyball. Paid and street parking, bus stop, rest rooms, showers, food concessions. Will Rogers State Beach 15100 Pacific Coast Highway at Temescal Canyon Road, Santa Monica. Easy access to three-mile long mostly sandy beach. Beginner surfing, swimming, picnicking, surf fishing. Volleyball nets, gym equipment, playground, families and young singles. Paid and street parking, lifeguard, rest rooms. Will Roger's State Park In 1922, Will Rogers, often called the "Cowboy Philosopher", bought property above Sunset Boulevard commanding a view of the western Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and the Pacific Ocean where he built a small weekend cottage. The ranch became a state park in 1944.

DINING 4th Street Grille (Doubletree) When it comes to dining, savor the superb continental cuisine of the Fourth Street Grille with outdoor seating on the Garden Terrace. Baja Bud's Looking for a neighborhood kind of restaurant where corn tortillas and spicy salsas are made from scratch, where pasilla chiles are roasted fresh for tasty chile rellenos, and where homemade black beans are a testament to everything canned beans aren't? Bangkok West The best of culture, service, and delicious exotic Thai cuisines. Come, enjoy the ambience and wonderful atmosphere of authentic Thai food. Gaucho Grill We at The Gaucho Grill credit our success to the fact that passion is what drives every member of our team to succeed in serving our guests with the absolute best food, drink & service Apple Pan The small, modest sign outside this restaurant is fooling no one. Chalk it up to the juicy moniker, the central location on busy Pico Boulevard, the fresh-off-the-grill burgers or the power of word-of-mouth advertising -- whatever the reason, there's never an empty seat to be found. Boathouse Elevation (The Fly), I Will Follow, Stories for Boys, Helter Skelter, Exit, New York, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bullet, Please, Streets/Beautiful Day, Discotheque, Pride. Drinks, music, cafes. Cha Cha Chicken Local Favorites, Catering, Outdoor Dining, Cheap Eats The Greek Bistro The Greek Bistro Feast, featuring 16 delicious items served in four separate courses is just the thing for a party. Lunch and dinner seven days. Full bar; takeout; delivery MariaSol Restaurant On the pier - it's coming! Pedals Cafe (Shutters) Charming beachfront cafe offering great views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Beach. Pedals offers both patio and inside dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rusty's Surf Ranch & Tavern When the sun sets over the Pacific, Santa Monica Pier's most popular restaurant becomes the city's favorite nightclub, featuring live entertainment and dancing. Rusty's Surf Ranch has been selected both the area's top music club and is a multiple winner of the California Restaurant Writer's association 'Distinguished Restaurant' Award. Sushi Roku "Sushi Roku is a great raw deal" - L.A. Times Ivy at the Shore Follow the banana plant and palm-tree lined pathway to Santa Monica's posh indoor garden party, Ivy at the Shore, where a kitschy beach décor duels with celebrity sightings for its patrons attention. Much like its sister restaurant on Robertson Boulevard, Ivy at the Shore specializes in serving as a resplendent locale for American cuisine and savory seafood. Ocean Avenue Seafood For Seventeen Years Ocean Ave Seafood has delighted restaurant patrons with the finest and freshest regional fish entrées in Southern California. Yet, the Ocean Ave Seafood experience doesn't stop with the freshest fish - the atmosphere is also perfect, a patio overlooking the ocean, a warm and intimate bar, a mouth watering oyster bar, all enveloped in a classic yet comfortable relaxed dining experience. The Lobster The elevated restaurant has glass on three sides with a cantilevered, open-air deck that affords a 180 panoramic view of the Pacific and Palisades Park. Anna Maria's La Trattoria 418 Wilshire Boulevard Santa Monica, CA Santa Monica, CA Baja Fresh Mexican Grill 720 Wilshire Boulevard Santa Monica, CA (310) 393-9313 Cool Planet1 312 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA (310) 451-3223 Golden China Cafe 516 Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica, CA (310) 393-9695 Back on the Beach 445 Pacific Coast Highway Santa Monica, CA (310) 393-8282 Bruno's 1652 Ocean Avenue Santa Monica, CA (310) 395-5589 Chez Jay's 1657 Ocean Avenue Santa Monica Perry's Pizza 17-20th Street Hermosa Beach, CA (310) 372-3138 Surf View Cafe 330 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA (310) 394-4231 PLACES TO EAT IN PACIFIC PALISADES Atrio Cuchina 1032 Swarthmore Ave. 459-9423 Cafe Delfini 147 W. Channel Rd. 459-8823 Dante's 1032 Swarthmore Ave. 459-7561 Domino's 860 Via de la Paz 459-4406 Misto Cafe 538 Palisades Dr. 573-1411 Mondo Mio 15200 Sunset 450-0979 Tivoli Cafe 15306 Sunset 459-768 Cathay 15315 Antioch St. House of Lee 15229 Sunset 454-0606 Fiesta Feast 17336 Sunset Blvd. 459-7380 Marix Tex Mex 118 Entrada Dr. 459-8596 Gelsons 15424 Sunset Blvd. 459-4483 Gladstones 17300 PCH 454-3437 Gourmet Gala 15324 Antioch St. 459-7419 Il Sogno 863 Swarthmore 454-6522 Greg's Grill 15317 Antioch St. 459-0396 Hughes 15120 Sunset 454-3001 Terri's 1028 Swarthmore Ave. 454-6467

SHOPPING Main Street Main Street still maintains the art deco magic of its early days. Its shops, stretching between Pico Boulevard and Marine Street, are festooned with the out-of-the-ordinary. An eclectic mix of art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques can mesmerize you The downtown shopping district and Third Street Promenade It isn't just a shopping experience it's a happening. Alive with street performers and musicians, sidewalk cafes and movie theaters, the 3-block long pedestrian mall, is dotted with fountains, coffee carts and sparkling lights Santa Monica Place The Place is an ocean view mall at the Broadway end of Third Street Promenade, houses three stories of one-of-a-kind shops, Macy's and Robinson-May department stores, famous name national merchandisers, and an international food court called EATZ. In and among its 140 stores is merchandise you won't find just anywhere. Like a myriad of hot sauces and salsas, fresh squeezed juices from California fruits, cartoon character apparel and lots more. Montana Avenue North of downtown, on a stretch between 7th and 17th Streets, is an upscale shopping area with a neighborhood touch. Here you'll rub shoulders with movie stars who consider this their neighborhood-shopping district. The best in fashion is a Montana mainstay. And when you're too loaded down with bundles to take another step. Relax at a coffee bar or cafe, bakery or luncheon spot that offers just the right pick-me-up. Farmer's Markets European in origin and oh so Santa Monica in style. Here you can see and sample the abundance of California fruits and vegetables delivered fresh from nearby farms. Or pick a bunch of bright hued flowers to enliven your hotel room. Wednesday's markets at 2nd and Arizona draws almost 90 farmers and is the biggest market in the state. On Saturday at the same location, the choice becomes organic. You might even spot a celebrity chef buying herbs and vegetables for that evening's "special." There is another farmer's market on Saturday at Cloverfield and Pico Boulevards that gives you another opportunity to get fresh. And even on Sunday, you can delight in the community gathering at the Main Street Market where kids enjoy pony rides and you can breakfast on espresso, fresh baked breads and vine-ripened fruit.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS Los Angeles has so much to do you could spend weeks trying to see it all. You have all that Hollywood has to offer including, Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk Of Fame if movies interest you. There are also many activities, sights and attractions to keep you busy for your entire stay. You will enjoy all of the benefits of being by the ocean, as well as everything that urban America has to offer. The Santa Monica Pier Built in 1908 is the oldest pleasure pier on the west coast. For generations it has been the focal point of the City's beach and its premier attraction. Located on the Pier are the historic Looff Hippodrome building and carousel, the spectacular rides and games of the new Pacific Park, shops, restaurants, pubs, entertainment and a fishing balcony. The Twilight Dance Series features free concerts during the summer. (310) 458-8900. The Looff Hippodrome Building The Santa Monica Pier has housed a hand-carved carousel since 1916. The current one is a 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan carousel, which was brought to the Pier in 1946. The 44- original hand-painted wooden horses were restored in 1981 and were featured in the movie "The Sting" with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. (310) 458-8867. UCLA Discovery Center The newest Pier attraction is actually underneath the Pier at 1600 Ocean Front Walk. This high-tech, interactive aquarium includes a wall aquarium, "wet labs," and tide pool exhibits that focus on the delicate ecology of the Pacific Ocean. Admission is $3. The Center is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays only from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (310) 393-6149. Muscle Beach South of the Santa Monica Pier, is the former beach workout site for body builders Jack LaLanne and Vic and Armand Tanny. It is now marked with a sign detailing its history. Efforts are underway to restore the area to its 1950's glory, but you can still work out on its gymnastic rings and bars. International Chess Park On the beachfront at Ocean Front Walk hundreds of matches are played each day featuring players from beginners to masters. If you play, don't hesitate to pick up a game. Palisades Park The most famous and scenic of all Santa Monica's parks. This cliff top 26-acre gathering spot overlooks the Pacific Ocean, offering a spectacular view of the Bay from Palos Verdes Peninsula to Malibu. Enjoy its lush greenery, palm shaded benches and walking/jogging paths. Palisades Park is also the home of the Visitors Center where you find maps, calendars of events, tour and accommodation suggestions and traveler's assistance of all kinds. Route 66 (Santa Monica Boulevard) that famed symbol of moving on, made notable by John Steinbeck, Bobby Troup and Nat King Cole enters the City at Centinela Avenue and ends its national route at Ocean Avenue. Drive along its meandering way to capture not only its history, but to see the City of Santa Monica in all its senses-delighting diversity Alligator Lounge 3321 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90405 Phone: (310) 449-1844 Beverly Hills Playhouse 254 South Robertson Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Phone: (310) 855-1556 Canon Theatre 205 North Canon Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Phone: (310) 859-2830 Fine Arts Theatre 8556 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90021 Phone: (310) 652-1330 Gascon Center Theatre 8737 Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 Phone: (310) 204-3126 Highways 1651 Eighteenth Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 Phone: (310) 453-1755 Ivy Substation 9070 Venice Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 Phone: (310) 838-5734 MacGowan Hall Little Theater 245 Circle Drive East Los Angeles, CA 90095 Phone: (310) 825-2101 Skirball Cultural Center 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90049 Phone: (310) 440-4500 Theatre 40 241 South Moreno Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Phone: (310) 556-9040

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