Experience · Santa Monica

Date Night: Art & Ocean Views in Pico

Start your evening with a light appetizer and drinks before immersing yourselves in the diverse art scene at Bergamot Station. Conclude your date with an exquisite Italian dinner and ocean views at Élephante, perfect for a romantic conversation.

A 4-hour Pico evening plan for couples — Chez Jay, Bergamot Station Arts Center, Élephante.

Duration
4 hrs
Cost
$100–$250
Stops
3 stops
Area
Pico
Walking
Light walking · Total 3.8-mile driving route
Best time
5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for
Couples · Friends · Solo
Start Plan
Customize
Date Night: Art & Ocean Views in Pico

The plan

The plan

  1. 1Chez Jay(1 hr)→
  2. 2Bergamot Station Arts Center(1 hr 30 min)→
  3. 3Élephante(1 hr 30 min)

Why this plan works

Every stop sits in Pico, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Bergamot Station Arts Center is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Élephante — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Santa Monica outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Start your evening with a light appetizer and drinks before immersing yourselves in the diverse art scene at Bergamot Station. Conclude your date with an exquisite Italian dinner and ocean views at Élephante, perfect for a romantic conversation.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. 1.9 mi · 7 min drive

    Then A short drive will take you from the classic ambiance of Chez Jay to the modern art spaces at Bergamot Station.

  2. Bergamot Station Arts Center2
    1h 30m
    Bergamot Station Arts Center

    Arts & Culture · Pico

    Diverse space featuring several art galleries with rotating exhibits, plus spaces for rent.

    What to do — Explore various contemporary art galleries housed in a former railroad station, offering a diverse range of rotating exhibits.

    Scout Side Quest

    Each secretly pick one piece you’d hang in your living room and one you’d banish to the garage. Reveal and compare.

    1.9 mi · 7 min drive

    Then Head back towards the downtown area for a delightful dinner with ocean views.

  3. Élephante3
    Optional 1h 30m
    Élephante

    Food & Drink

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

    What to do — Indulge in handmade pastas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, capping off the evening with dessert and the beautiful Santa Monica skyline.

    Scout Side Quest

    Take in the skyline and pick the rooftop or window where you imagine the wildest party is happening right now.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Santa Monica itinerary for couples?
Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 4 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Chez Jay.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 4 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Santa Monica itinerary cost?
Roughly $100–$250 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 3.8 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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    Duration
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    Cost
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    Ideal for
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    View the plan