Santa Monica is a beachfront city in the west of Los Angeles County, California, in the United States. This famed resort town attracts thousands of tourists every year, due to its rich art and culture, unique and versatile shopping, and captivating oceanic views of the Pacific. The city perfectly manages the delicate balance of seaside charm and coastal sophistication.
Santa Monica’s nightlife has everything a holidayer could wish for - from dive bars to upscale lounges. The nightlife of Santa Monica is more relaxed than downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood, with outdoor patios, live music, bars and lounges, and endless Happy Hour offerings – maintaining the beachside feel into the evening. There are beachfront hotels and beachfront rentals in Santa Monica that offer a comfortable stay during your trip. Keep reading for our recommendations of things to do in Santa Monica at night.
1. Aero Theatre
If you are still planning what to do in Santa Monica at night, you might want to consider visiting Aero Theatre. This is a streamline-moderne themed theatre, which offers classic and newly released films. This theatre also holds events such as in-person discussions with directors and actors, screenings, and more! Experience diverse film programming in a high-quality local theatre.
Make sure to look up their events page to see if they have special guests or if there are lined-up shows that you shouldn’t miss.
Aero Theatre
Address: 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United
Website: Aero Theatre
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 5pm - 11pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
2. Santa Monica Beach and Pier
The iconic Ferris wheel of the Santa Monica Pier welcomes you to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located in the extreme west of this small city, the Pier is packed with family-friendly activities, restaurants, shops, and stunning ocean views. Take a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier at night time, hailed as the oldest pier on the West Coast of the United States. It is open year‐round and is the perfect spot for viewing a sunset or taking a romantic walk under the stars.
Santa Monica Beach and Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: Santa Monica Beach and Pier
3. Bergamot Station
Bergamot Station is Southern California’s largest art gallery complex and cultural center, located on 8 acres (3.2 hectares), in the heart of Santa Monica. It features the Santa Monica Museum of Art, architecture and design firms, a cafe, and a frame shop. A mecca for artists and art lovers, this warehouse complex attracts tourists from every corner of the world.
Bergamot Station
Address: 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: Bergamot Station
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4. Cabo Cantina
This lively bar, with extended happy hours, exudes an aura of festivity. The thriving jukebox, exotic drinks, including margaritas and Mexican specialities, make this casual spot vibrant and popular, every night of the week.
Cabo Cantina
Address: 1240 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: Cabo Cantina
5. Palisades Park
Palisades Amusement Park is located atop the coastal sandstone bluffs, along Ocean Avenue. The park offers mesmerizing and captivating views of the great Pacific and its coastline. The serenity and calmness of the place invites huge scores of tourists.The park offers benches, picnic areas, pétanque courts, restrooms and the historic Santa Monica Camera Obscura.
Palisades Park
Address: Ocean Ave. between Colorado Ave. and Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: Palisades Park
6. Third Street Promenade
Ready to go shopping? Grab this opportunity and shop at the world’s finest outlets on the Third Street Promenade. This place is surely a mecca for all shopaholics, where shoppers can get everything from fresh-farm produce to a designer outfit. What could be more exciting than this!
If you are a foodie, enjoy a fine dining experience at the world’s most upbeat restaurants, all in one place. Life surely throbs in every corner of the Promenade, with shoppers, street artists, movie lovers and bartenders.
Third Street Promenade
Address: Santa Monica, California USA
Website: Third Street Promenade
7. The Craftsman Bar and Kitchen
Enjoy Santa Monica’s musical nights with live festivities at this friendly, cozy bar. An array of local and national artists play here, including a house band who set the stage on fire with their sizzling performances. The bar also has the longest happy hours in the city, running from 4 until 8 pm, every day. The bar entertains its guests with a variety of craft beer, handcrafted cocktails and much more.
The Craftsman Bar and Kitchen
Address: 119 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: The Craftsman Bar and Kitchen
8. Barkowski
This retro, 1960s style bar pays homage to one of the most celebrated authors of Los Angeles, Charles Bukowski. The bar offers a daily Happy Hour, from 5 to 7 pm, that features 2 USD off wine and beer and 5 USD drinks. This friendly little den is popular for its finest collection of beers, with more than 50 options.
Barkowski
Address: 2819 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Website: Barkowski
9. Bowlmor Santa Monica
Southern California’s newest entertainment experience, Bowlmor Santa Monica features the best in bowling, first-class amenities, imaginative culinary creations, and top-tier event planning, to provide an ideal setting for a date night, family night, after-work gathering, or private event of any kind.
Featuring 24 lanes of black-lit bowling, Bowlmor provides the ideal setting for every occasion - whether it’s a date night or a night out with friends. Check out their website for more information and their upcoming events.
Bowlmor Santa Monica
Address: 235 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Website: Bowlmor Santa Monica
10. The Bungalow
Steal some lively moments of Santa Monica’s night activities by stepping into the Bungalow at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. This party certainly has everything to make you feel comfortable, from its lavish interior to its variety of board games. Visitors here are generally younger and the decor and mood are up to date. So, sit back, relax and grab a Bungalow Margarita or Lychee Gimlet.
The Bungalow
Address: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: The Bungalow
11. Basement Tavern at the Victorian
This little den is located under an 1800s-era mansion on Main Street and it exudes the liveliness of Santa Monica’s nightlife. The tavern offers the largest variety of finest whiskey and craft cocktails, among others. The nights here are filled with the sizzling melodies of local musicians, who play everything from pop to rocking jazz. It is a hip cocktail lounge with a lively environment, where guests can relax and relieve their stress.
Basement Tavern
Address: 2640 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Facebook: Basement Tavern
Take a break
Grab the opportunity to wander aimlessly through the lively nights of Santa Monica and rejuvenate yourself. Don’t miss a visit to these sights to refresh your senses. With these incredible opportunities, you can experience the unusual side of Santa Monica’s liveliness.