The West Side can be broken into Venice, Santa Monica, and West LA, which is home to Sawtelle Avenue (aka Little Osaka) and its many incredible noodle and sushi spots. And thanks to the beach, numerous parks, and kid-centric shops, it’s also ideal for hanging out with the littles.
COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations.
HOTELS
Hotel Casa del Mar
If your kids are on the older side and can entertain themselves, the cocoon-like spa at Casa del Mar is tough to beat (the Soothing Waves at Sea treatment uses lavender from Malibu and warm rose stones), and the candlelit terrace is especially mesmerizing for evening drinks. Guest rooms have a similar vibe to Shutters in that they’re light-soaked and stay-forever comfortable with massive beds and bathrooms the size of bungalows. The hotel started as a palatial beach club back in the roaring ’20s, and there’s an old-world LA charm to the place that makes you want to drink champagne, dress for dinner, and pretend it’s 1929 again.
Proper Hotel
We heard rumors of designer Kelly Wearstler’s lofty goals for the interiors of the Santa Monica Proper, the new hotel from her and Proper Hospitality, the hotel brand led by Wearstler’s developer husband Brad Korzen and his founding partners. But nothing hinted at how stunning it would be. Wearstler has designed a breezy, maritime-inspired space that transports you to a seaside villa the moment you walk in. She outfitted the lobby with elements that speak to the coast (a carved front desk that echoes the shape of a seashell, art backed with sand, flooring that gives a bird’s-eye view of a beach umbrella) and married those with bold, eclectic accents (giant archways in Douglas fir and marble and gorgeous ’70s art) that only Wearstler could pull off. The greatest feat here is the synergy between the hotel’s two buildings: One is brand-new and sculptural; the other dates back to the 1920s and boasts a vintage patina with gorgeous original iron-clad windows. The aesthetic of the guest rooms varies depending on the building but are all anchored by gorgeous elements—glossy tiles, giant tufted headboards that look like the sunset, bespoke botanical wallpaper—that make a stay here feel like a literal dream. The rooms are generously sized, and each comes outfitted with a Parachute robe. (And we must say: The rooftop here offers the best view in all of LA.) Best for last, Surya Spa have just opened their flagship inside.
Palihouse
The concept behind Palihouse (which has locations in West Hollywood and Santa Monica) is genius: Each of the rooms, which range from studios to two-bedrooms, is built for long stays, with a small kitchen and generous living space. So while, like any hotel, you can book them for a few days—the big rooms are especially great for people traveling with kids—they can also be reserved for up to three months. The decor is warm and comfortable, with dark walls, white linens, and mid-century furniture.
Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Granted, the location isn’t the most convenient to the center of the city, but this five-star Ritz has its appeals: For one, it’s on the Marina, which is a nice backdrop for sunset drinks; for two, it’s close to Venice, and the only nice hotel option south of Santa Monica; and for three, you can generally get really great deals on rooms, despite all the luxe amenities (pool, gym, spa, et al). It’s a great option for visiting grandparents, as there’s plenty there and in the surrounding area to keep little ones busy.
Shutters on the Beach
Shutters may look like it was lifted straight out of Cape Cod, but a quick survey of the endless sand out front suggests otherwise. Excessively comfortable, elevated beds may make it harder to get up in the morning, but should you manage to get your running shoes on, an oceanside path stretches for miles in either direction. Bike-rental kiosks dot the beach and there’s obviously welcoming surf just a few steps away—it really don’t get much better. The view, the location, the vibe: It’s all great, even if some décor elements, like the bamboo bedposts and the heavy mirrors, don’t feel very modern.
The Viceroy
Sure, Shutters and Casa Del Mar are right on the beach, but the Viceroy is just steps away: That, and the fact that it’s cheaper and has a much better pool scene (Shutters and Casa del Mar had to elevate theirs, since they couldn’t drop them into the beach) make this a better pick for little kids.
The Rose Hotel
There’s been a notable dearth of hotels in Venice for some time now, so the opening of the Rose Hotel, nestled comfortably between the beach and the lively shopping stretch of Rose Avenue, was a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
RESTAURANTS
American Beauty
Horseshoe bar, check. Complexion-enhancing lighting, deep emerald walls and dark wood, check. House martinis made with bayleaf-infused vodka, plus aged Flannery steaks, and design by the cool kids at folklor? Next-level Venice dining, unlocked.
Baltaire
This big, splashy steakhouse smack in the middle of San Vicente delivers on all the American classics you’d expect (filets, lobster rolls, and the requisite sides, like creamed spinach and mashed potatoes). It’s expensive, but fun for groups or cozy date nights.
Birdie G’s
COVID-19 Update: Open daily for delivery, takeout, and curbside pick-up. Say the name Jeremy Fox and we’re there. This brilliant chef, author, and vegetable whisperer has been winning the hearts and palates of goop staffers, Angelenos, and tourists for more than a decade with his inventive, mostly-plant-based dishes at Rustic Canyon. Fox is known for hyperlocal and inventive food. But there’s a bit of nostalgia to his cooking, which is what you get at his latest venture, Birdie G’s. Named after his daughter (Birdie) and grandmother (Gladys), Birdie G’s harks back to Fox’s roots with a menu that nods to his heritage (comforting matzo ball soup, noodle kugel, artisan matzo with cultured butter) and to his home state (wood-grilled chicken from a local California ranch, Pacific sand dabs piccata). And because Birdie G’s is expansive and light-filled with a stylish bar, it’s a spot to come for drinks, dinner, or all of the above. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations.
BARS
1 Pico
A meal at 1 Pico comes with the best element of staying at Shutters on the Beach: the view. You know where the sidewalk ends and the sand begins? That’s where you’re sitting. Or rather one floor up in the breezy, wood-beamed dining room. And judging from the hamachi tartare, squid-ink pasta, and simply, beautifully prepared market fish, chef David Almany designed the menu with the scenery in mind.
Ashland Hill
From Main Street, you can just see Ashland Hill’s tiny brick front—big enough for a handful of stools at the bar and a kitchen counter for quick orders. Keep walking and you’ll get to the picnic-tabled back patio. For food, there are shared plates (crispy cauliflower, shishito mac ’n’ cheese) and Ashland Hill’s take on pub food (a shawarma wrap, fried chicken sandwich, white cheddar burger with Parmesan cheese fries). Drinks range from “super local,” i.e., Ashland Hill’s own, to Southern Californian, Stateside craft beers, and a mix of California and international wines. There are cocktails, too, and if you happen to be a gin drinker, this is where you want to be. There are dozens of gins to choose from, maybe ten different kinds of tonic, and a menu of fixings to go with it all.
Copa d’Oro
We love the choose-your-own-cocktail method practiced here: Pick your spirit, a fruit or veggie, and some herbs, and resident mixologist Vincenzo Marianella will whip you up a delicious cocktail. They also have some pretty rad signature drinks if you’d rather not work for it, and the $5 price tag during happy hour is inarguably awesome.
SHOPS
goop Brentwood
Every pop-up, goop MRKT, and goop GIFT brought us closer to fulfilling our ultimate dream: a brick-and-mortar shop to call our own.
The General Store
While its unlikely location on a grungy strip of Lincoln Boulevard keep this spot slightly under-the-radar, The General Store always justifies the trip. While it’s set in a big lofty space that could theoretically hold hundreds of items, the impeccably-curated store is an exercise in restraint: You’ll find hand-done ceramics, brass trivets, thread wrapped bows and arrows, and rare, vintage books. The original is actually in San Francisco.
Lost & Found
Lost & Found in Hollywood occupies a stretch of adjacent buildings on Yucca Street, which is tucked away above Hollywood Boulevard. It’s there that you’ll find one of LA’s best shopping destinations. While there are spaces for women and homes, we particularly love the kids’ edit, which revolves around feathered headbands, papier-mâché masks, and T-shirts emblazoned with everything from motorcycles to birds. The new outposts in Santa Monica are huge, offering more floor space to men’s and women’s clothing, along with even more delights for little ones. (Plus, a great edit of home.)
BEAUTY & HEALTH
Alexandra Wagner
Wagner, who also moonlights as a painter, is chill and wonderful, meaning that an hour spent with her skilled hands is kind of like hanging with a friend. A recovering tanning junkie herself, Wagner is nothing short of a magician when it comes to banishing sun spots and UV damage. Product-wise, the focus here is on holistic and organic lines, supplemented by Wagner’s own turmeric and plant stem cell serum.
Altus Health
If you didn’t know it was there (right off Pico), you could entirely miss Altus. It’s less a gym and more a healthy-lifestyle community hub that comes with trainers, chiropractors, alignment experts, massage therapists, and more. They take it seriously: Altus requires a membership, so you need to commit. Once you’re signed up, expect a full-body assessment followed by a thorough exploration of your goals and how to achieve them. Far from being terrifying, Altus adopts more of an old-school, hand-holding approach. They don’t want long-term members: Once you’ve gotten to where you personally want to be health-wise, you’re set free.
Breedlove Beauty Lab
Infrared saunas are an incredible way to get a great sweat. At Breedlove Beauty Lab, each sauna is customizable, so you are in complete control of your experience. We love sweating it out in the Sunlighten 3-in-1 mPulse infrared saunas, and Breedlove has three of these. There is also chromotherapy—or light therapy—which draws on the hypothesis that color affects how we feel. Before you leave, check out the bright and airy apothecary—it stocks plenty of aromatherapy, beauty, and wellness products.
ACTIVITIES & CULTURE
Arclight Cinema Santa Monica
It always blows visitors minds that at most of the city’s movie theaters, you can pre-book specific seats, meaning that you can eat dinner and wander around until minutes before the show starts, and not have to jockey and jostle for position. We love the Arclight in particular because there’s an on-site bar and during 21+ screenings you can sip your wine while you watch. Locations in Culver City, Hollywood, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sherman Oaks.
Bike Rentals
Just off the Santa Monica pier, Sea Mist offers rentals on cruisers and mountain bikes by the hour or for under $20 a day, providing a healthy way to see the coast and catch some rays at your own pace. They also rent out tandems and roller blades. Bring ID for your deposit and cash at the end of the day as they don’t accept card payments.
Hammer Museum
There’s always something excellent on display at this UCLA museum—it’s also nicely manageable, making it the perfect way to spend a few idle hours. The adjacent museum store is one of the best in the city: The bookstore is gigantic, and they have some great gifts from L.A.-based designers, but they win the biggest points for their kids room in the back, where you’ll find art and design-specific tomes for little ones, along with a handful of well-conceived toys.
COFFEE & ETC.
A Cut Above Butcher Shop
COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup. Being that it’s a butcher shop first and foremost, ACA is very serious about their meat-centric menu. The hot sandwiches—BBQ pulled pork, roasted turkey club, lemongrass flank steak banh mi with fried egg, and house-smoked pastrami—can be eaten at one of the few tables on-site or taken to-go. The Italian salumi travels particularly well. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations.
Alfred
COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. Now six locations strong and growing quickly, Alfred is quickly taking over LA’s coffee scene, making it a definite favorite for screenwriters and freelancers during the week. We like the Melrose Place location best, which shares its space with an adorably tiny Compartes shop in the back. If you’re feeling indulgent, ask for their famous off-menu Alfred cone—a macchiato served in a chocolate covered ice cream cone that tastes just as good as it sounds. They also have kombucha on tap. There’s also a location on Melrose Avenue and in Silver Lake, Beverly Hills, and Studio City. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations.
Bay Cities
COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. This is one of the main lunch go-tos in Santa Monica, which means there’s almost always a line. The Godmother sub is the order of choice for everyone, us included, though we like to swap the pepper salad for pepperoncini for a little extra heat. Also on point: their tuna salad, and the turkey pesto and eggplant parm. While you wait for the deli to call your number, browse the market—it’s stocked with authentic, imported Italian goods; the pasta and sauce selections are particularly impressive. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations.
