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,
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.
2310 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica CA 90405
Unleash your inner beer enthusiast at The Daily Pint in Santa Monica, a vibrant pub boasting an eclectic array of hoppy delights and robust whiskeys.
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.
1819 Ocean Ave. at Viceroy Hotel
Santa Monica CA 90401
Retro-glam sophistication is the scene at this luxury hotel, which is located right off the beach. Dine on upscale fare at Cast restaurant or hang out at the lounge, which hosts a relaxed DJ social club on Friday and Saturday nights.
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
