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
1111 2nd Street
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
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
Santa Monica CA 90401
If you're looking to grab some brews with some cool Brits, the Britannia has got you and your friends covered this weekend.
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.
1355 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica CA 90401
Indulge in an incredibly fresh raw bar at this upscale eatery, located between the 3rd Street Promenade and the ocean. Beachy and chic, it's the place to go for oysters on the half shell, Peruvian ceviche, and an unforgettable seafood tower.
1432 4th St
Santa Monica CA 90401
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.
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica CA 90401
Situated in the fashionable open-air shopping mall Santa Monica Place, L3 is an indoor-outdoor venue for private events. With 42,000 square feet of space, it's the largest and most flexible venue in the area.
119 Broadway
Santa Monica CA 90401
Boasting one of the longest happy hours in Santa Monica (from 4 pm to 8 pm every day), this bar hosts live bands almost every night of the week – including the house band, The Old Fashioned, every Friday.
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.
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