From surf shacks near the famous Santa Monica Pier to pubs along Main Street and trendy bars on the Third Avenue Promenade, this upscale neighborhood features an eclectic nightlife scene. Visit rooftop venues with beautiful views or grab a beer by the beach in Santa Monica, a thriving urban area with great happy hour specials and killer sunsets.
Hip
Upscale
Tourists
Ocean Views
Situated along a spectacular stretch of coastline and featuring an iconic pier, Santa Monica is a premier destination for nightlife, dining and entertainment. Full of young professionals, surfers and students, this upscale urban neighborhood offers a diverse selection of music venues, bars and hangouts. With some of the most expensive real estate in the world, this affluent area has drink prices to match - but you can still find great happy hour deals at various pubs and bars.
Many of the venues are situated near the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, a popular attraction for tourists and locals with more movie credits than most actors. Alongside the beach you'll find surf shacks and dive bars, many open late. Head to the nearby Third Street Promenade for a fun selection of bars and clubs, along with awesome street performers and late-night dining. Nearby Main Street is better known for shopping than for parties, but it still offers numerous taverns, bars and Irish pubs.
All over Santa Monica and especially along the coastline, you'll find ritzy rooftop bars and poolside lounges serving refreshing cocktails so that you can enjoy an evening of breathtaking views, beautiful people and a laid-back beachside atmosphere. - Shilo Urban
256 Santa Monica Pier
With a prime location right on the Santa Monica Pier, this casual beach bar and grill is a top destination for fresh seafood and classic pub grub. Surfboards decorate the laid-back space, and live bands perform on the weekends.
2615 Wilshire Blvd
Clover-colored, casual hangout that is often full of sports fans, this Irish tavern and gastro pub serves classic Irish favorites and traditional New England cuisine with California flair. Play darts or a round of pool with your friends, try the karaoke,
1615 Ocean Front Walk
Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe, a quintessential beach bar right off the Santa Monica Pier is the best place to be for year round sunshine and beachside fun with a side of fish and chips.
318 Santa Monica Blvd
If you're looking to grab some brews with some cool Brits, the Britannia has got you and your friends covered this weekend.
1111 2nd Street
Santa Monica CA 90403
When you're on the roof at the Penthouse in the Huntley, that's when you know you've really made it to the top in L.A.
2911 Main St
Santa Monica CA 90405
Library Alehouse is a vibrant and spirited hangout in Santa Monica, where beer enthusiasts can indulge in a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, craft brews, and good times.
101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica CA 90401
With lovely and unique interior designing to surround your night of drinking and lounging, Bungalow will make you want to move in and never leave.
2926 Main St
Santa Monica CA 90405
Dark and divey, this hip hop hotspot has a tiny dance floor that gets packed with students, hipsters and the young-and-beautiful. Make your way through the crowd and get down to mainstream rap hits.
2000 Main St
Santa Monica CA 90405
Serving delicious artisan pizzas from an open kitchen, this upscale eatery also offers gourmet sandwiches, market-driven small plates and fresh salads. Service is quick and the pizzas are to-die-for.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier hosts a weekly series of free twilight concerts in the summer from July through September. Listen to contemporary and classical music while enjoying a spectacular view of the coast at these popular events, an LA summer tradition.
While free parking in Santa Monica is a pipe dream, many of the swankiest rooftop bars and pools charge no cover. Visit the poolside lounge and rooftop bar of the Hotel Shangri-La, the Penthouse on the top floor of the Huntley, and the Copa d'Oro.
Westwood nightlife guide to sports bars, sake bombs and late-night happy hour specials in the home of UCLA
