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
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.
1432 4th St
Since 1931, this classic club has been a go-to nightlife spot for locals. Listen to live blues and rock music, watch burlesque dancers, and kick back with a cold one in a relaxed environment.
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.
2615 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica CA 90403
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,
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.
256 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica CA 90401
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.
3110 Main St
Santa Monica CA 90405
Djs play Hip Hop/Rap/R&B to a chill and diverse crowd. This place gets packed on Saturdays.
100 w channel road
Santa Monica CA 90402
Situated right off the Pacific Coast Highway at Santa Monica Canyon, this seafood restaurant and cocktail lounge produces its own in-house pickles, smoked meats and seafood. You'll also find an esoteric menu of wines, cocktails and local beers.
1301 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica CA 90401
Featuring a primo rooftop deck with fire pits this chilled-out lounge space has spectacular views overlooking the coastline.
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
