Tag Archives: santa monica

Third Street Promenade: How to Walk & Shop

With 30 blocks of restaurants, shopping and live entertainment, one trip to Third Street Promenade is all it takes to get you hooked. From fire throwers to live street performances, there is always something new and exciting happening on the streets of Santa Monica.

Minutes away from the Santa Monica Pier as well as the ocean, Third Street Promenade is always happening, from early in the morning to late at night. Though the Promenade is filled with original boutiques and restaurants, it definitely has its fair share of name brand stores and well known restaurants.

Though the restaurants, live entertainment and shopping could drive anyone in, Third Street Promenade seems to gain popularity during the Summer time when shoppers can walk up and down the promenade. At night, the Promenade turns into a row of bars and breweries for those looking to party by the beach.

If you plan on visiting during a particular time, make sure to check the list of events located on Downtown Santa Monica’s website. You can find dining events, music shows and art exhibits that will occur on the streets of Santa Monica.

Even though it’s Third, it definitely finishes first.
Third Street Pic

Get Rady For The Getty

Amongst the 110-acre property of rolling Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is L.A.’s most popular and prestigious museum. Filled with paintings, sculptures and changing exhibits, every trip to the Getty seems to be different and always feels like you should come back another time to see more.

Though the art and exhibits are worth the tram and long lines, the Getty offers guest lectures, live performances and concerts for those looking for that true Getty experience.

If you are lucky enough to visit the museum during the spring and summer time, you will find that bringing your lunch and lounging in the Gardens truly makes this the best museum.

Loews Santa Monica Screams California Dreamin’

It does not get much more California than this! Loews Santa Monica is upscale comfort on par with the standards of Loews’ luxurious collection of hotels. The pool’s view overlooking the beach and the Santa Monica Pier is reason enough to stay, but it’s pure bliss to cozy up to the fire pit and enjoy the sunset as the pier’s bright carnival lights shine against the changing sky, all with an unbelievable soundtrack of live crashing waves.

Spacious rooms have beds that you melt right into with 300 thread count linens. Brilliantly bright, clean bathrooms come with plush robes perfect for post beaching. And all rooms are complete with a comfortable corner for reading the paper while enjoying the ocean breeze from your balcony.

The Loews is walking distance from all of Santa Monica’s highlights, including the 3rd Street Promenade, Main Street, the beach and Santa Monica Pier. Capitalize on the great location by riding along the beach boardwalk on a rented bike or by running the famous Santa Monica stairs. Santa Monica’s abundant delicacies and shopping adventures are endless- and conveniently nearby.

The Buzz Around Cafe Bizou

With three locations and endless rave reviews, it’s no wonder that Café Bizou is popular all over Los Angeles, from Pasadena to Sherman Oaks to Santa Monica.

This French bistro is the perfect birthday, anniversary or first date location. Though elegant and intimate, it’s doubtful you can show up on a Friday night without spotting a sweet sixteen to your right and a newly engaged couple to your left. If mood lighting and a quiet atmosphere is your thing, then this place probably isn’t. The Santa Monica location may be beautiful, but with that beauty comes a whole lot of people.

Thanks to its two dollar corkage fee and prix fixe menus, the long wait you will experience without a reservation is most definitely worth it. Diners who swear by this café leave raving about the flourless chocolate cake and the Steak au Poivre as a few of their favorites.

Café Bizou truly takes French food to a whole other level, leaving the ritzy feeling behind and bringing family and friends together. With great food and great prices, don’t be surprised to find another location coming to a city near you.