Cheap things to do in Santa Monica

Outdoors

Tongva Park

Public park boasting modern architectural features plus play equipment, a splash pad & benches.

Downtown

Calabra

Food & Drink

Élephante

Chic destination for elevated Italian cuisine in breezy, loungelike dining areas with ocean views.

Ocean Park

Urth Caffe Santa Monica

Bustling cafe offering a vast menu of American eats, plus a variety of organic coffee drinks.

Downtown

Espresso Cielo

Espresso & locally made pastries offered in a sunny coffeehouse with large windows & sidewalk seats.

Ocean Park

Kavahana

Food & Drink

Chez Jay

Steaks, seafood & stiff drinks served in a nostalgic dining room known for celebrity sightings.

Sawtelle

Bonsai Coffee Bar

Food & Drink

Water Grill

Sophisticated seafood restaurant with extensive raw-bar options & a menu updated daily.

Food & Drink

The Surfing Fox

Ocean Park

Dogtown Coffee

Cafe with a surfer-skater vibe serving local coffee blends plus vegan & gluten-free menu choices.

Wilshire Montana

Primo Passo Coffee Co

This casual coffeehouse features indoor & outdoor seating, plus a chic, glass-heavy space.

Wilshire Montana

The Penthouse

Perched atop Huntley Hotel, this trendy American eatery is famed for cocktails & panoramic views.

Ocean Park

Hotchkiss Park

This small park surrounded by trees features a sloping lawn with a path & partial ocean views.

Food & Drink

The Albright

Rustic-chic re-do of a veteran fish house on the pier with local fare, craft beer & communal tables.

Ocean Park

Crescent Bay Park

Tranquil park featuring grassy areas, benches & a pergola, plus views of the ocean.

Mid-City

Fia Restaurant

Cocktails, handmade pastas & seasonal fare in a stylish but relaxed space.

Mid-City

goodboybob Coffee Roasters

Modern espresso bar with sandwiches & pastries, within Tool’s virtual reality studio complex.

Wilshire Montana

Christine Emerson Reed Park

Neighborhood park with tennis & basketball courts, plus a playground for children.

Ocean Park

Barnard Way Linear Park

Narrow park above the beach featuring a walking path with water views & many benches.

Pico

Virginia Avenue Park

9.5-acre park featuring a community center, seasonal splash pad, 2 playgrounds & basketball courts.

Downtown

Tar & Roses

Moodily lit, buzzy spot with seasonal American small & large plates, plus an ample wine & beer list.

Sunset Park

Clover Park

This 17.9-acre park includes lighted ball fields & tennis courts, plus playgrounds & picnic spots.

Wilshire Montana

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Sleek sweet shop for creative donuts, from sweet flavors to savory breakfast versions, plus coffee.