Curator’s statement
Santa Monica is special to me because my brother spent a handful of years there after college, and each visit created beautiful memories, warmth, and comfort, and provided an escape from the cold NY weather! Santa Monica combines the iconic Pacific coastline with an effortlessly refined lifestyle rooted in wellness, walkability, and exceptional dining. Beach walks, thoughtful shopping and boutiques, cafés and cocktails are the best way to spend the weekend while having larger urban city centers at your fingertips.
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Day 1: Explore Santa Monica
View from the beach in Santa Monica!
The day begins with breakfast at Tartine Bakery before wandering the tree-lined streets of Montana Avenue, stopping in boutiques and cafés or examining the beautiful, lavish homes that line the outer blocks.
Lunch at Great White leads into a relaxing afternoon, either walking along the beach to Santa Monica Pier, or browsing the stalls at Brentwood Country Mart.
As the evening rolls in, go to dinner at R&D Kitchen (get the crispy chicken sandwich & The Crush to drink), and a perfect nightcap at Wally’s Wine Bar.
Day 2: A true taste of LA
Abbott Kinney Street Fair
The day starts with a stop at Erewhon for a smoothie before wandering Abbott Kinney Boulevard, stopping into shops, grabbing coffee, and exploring the surrounding streets, featuring the quiet and quirky Venice canals.
Next stop is lunch along Abbott Kinney—either from a food truck or one of the buzzing restaurants lining the main drag.
In the afternoon, head to Rodeo Drive for some shopping—a bit of a drive, but worthwhile as it contrasts the beach with polish and elevated storefronts.
In the evening, grab some Thai Food or Korean BBQ, either at Night + Market, or Parks Korean BBQ.
Day 3: Farmers markets & old LA
Rodeo Drive
Start the day by indulging in some Sidecar Donuts or with a visit to the Brentwood Farmers Market. The breakfast burrito from the vendors is 10/10.
From there, take a drive to the Getty Center, or head west for a beautifully sun-soaked drive to Manhattan Beach. Spend the afternoon exploring the museum or the Pier (Stop at Shellback Tavern for a dive bar moment with an iconic snap-back hat).
In the evening, go back to classic Los Angeles with dinner at Dan Tana’s, where the atmosphere feels timeless and unmistakably old Hollywood—you’re almost guaranteed to spot a celeb!
Need to know
Would recommend renting a car if you can! If not, Uber/Lyft are the best way to get from place to place outside of walking distance.
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