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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Scenic views and cool spots

Made for those who curate their social life around locations that offer a distinct and elevated vantage point.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
The Georgian Hotel image 1
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Hotel offers oceanfront views with rooms featuring vintage glamour and spacious suites. Atmosphere stays bustling day and night, blending charm with lively energy. Amenities include a speakeasy bar, secret library, and terrace restaurant with live music.

Rooms offer breathtaking ocean views that make staying inside tempting. A beautiful balcony and a whimsical garden setting add to the charm and ambiance.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so polite and helpful with everything."

"The ocean view from our suite was breathtaking."

"The ocean views here are breathtaking."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a speakeasy opening this summer.

2

The Georgian Room will open in about a month.

3

Check-in is available as early as 11 AM.

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Calabra image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop setting offers stunning views and outdoor heaters that keep the space comfortable despite the breeze. Atmosphere blends casual enjoyment with a sexy, entertaining vibe, attracting a lively crowd. Accessibility features include elevator access and wheelchair-friendly seating.

Rooftop setting offers incredible views that stand out during a relaxed lunch. The spot sits atop a hotel, providing a fabulous vantage point for scenic enjoyment.

A super cool rooftop bar with a central bar and heat lamps all around. A DJ plays in the pool area early on, adding to the cool vibe before leaving.

People are saying

"The food here was incredible, especially the slow-roasted chicken."

"The rooftop setting offers breathtaking scenic views for a relaxed lunch."

"It's a cool spot with a great vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are almost required due to high demand.

2

A $5 non-refundable reservation fee is charged per person.

3

Valet parking is available and convenient.

03
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

Outdoor seating offers great views of the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. The rooftop provides a lovely vantage point with a lively atmosphere including music and TV.

Cool breeze from the Pacific flows through the spot at Ocean and Broadway. The place features a clean atmosphere and a very cool bar. Food matches the vibe with delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"The outdoor seating has a great view of the Santa Monica Pier."

"I loved the great view of the Santa Monica Pier."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

04
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Picture-perfect ocean views meet a casual seaside vibe. Eating outside on the pier offers a breeze and boardwalk view that complements hearty coastal comfort food.

The atmosphere feels relaxed and cool, with a vibe that suits drinks well. The ambience resembles a sea shack with lots of wooden furniture, creating a laid-back setting.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is great, and the scenic views make the experience even better."

"The vibe and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

05
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Rooftop seating offers beautiful views that create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Cozy decoration and cool atmosphere add to the overall scenic experience.

A rooftop bar offers cool views and a creative drinks menu. The atmosphere feels really cool and inviting.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The service here is fantastic, attentive, and friendly."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and relaxed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

06
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel with warm, comforting vibe and beautiful, charming design offers a rooftop pool oasis and panoramic city views. Spaces range from relaxed rooftop bars to lively restaurants with strong energy. Guests encounter a mix of calm ambiance indoors and vibrant social scenes on the rooftop.

Rooftop bar and pool offer panoramic city and ocean views with a beautiful sunset backdrop. Openable windows add to the open-air ambiance.

People are saying

"This hotel's design is beautiful, stylish, and incredibly comfortable."

"The design here is a modern California daydream with warm, natural tones."

"The vibe here is modern, relaxed, and effortlessly cool."

Good to know

1

Valet service fee is $55, but some guests report being charged $70.

2

Additional $40 per night for amenities not disclosed at check-in.

3

The pool and bar may be closed for private events, impacting guest access.

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Santa Monica, California

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