16 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Santa Monica - Atlas Obscura
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The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Santa Monica

16 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Santa Monica, California

Unusual Attractions in Santa Monica

Atlas Obscura Trips

Death Valley After Dark: Astronomy and Photography in the Backcountry

Dec 5—Dec 9, 2018

In the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, practice your night photography skills under some of the world's clearest, starriest skies.

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Explore Santa Monica, California

Upcoming Events Near Santa Monica

Philosophical Research Society headquarters, exterior.
Oct 25
Los Angeles, California

Wisdom Literature and Esoterica at the Philosophical Research Society

Visit a repository of everything you're not supposed to know.
Join Atlas Obscura's co-founder and creative director for a night of wonder.
Oct 26
Los Angeles, California

An Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid

Don't miss this rare chance to meet Atlas Obscura's co-founder Dylan Thuras.
Old Mission Plaza Church.
Oct 28
Los Angeles, California

The Lost and Long-Gone Graveyards of Los Angeles

Join writer and field agent Hadley Meares as we tour the sites of Los Angeles' forgotten burial grounds.
The Gamble House.
Nov 3
Pasadena, California

Extraordinary Estates

Explore two eccentric homes on 'Millionaire's Row' in Pasadena: The Gamble House and Fenyes Mansion.
Beekeeper Marvin Jordana.
Nov 4
Los Angeles, California

Urban Beekeeping 101

Suit up and learn the basics of beekeeping with urban backyard beekeeper, Marvin Jordana, at Elysian Valley Community Garden.
Selected experiences curated by Chase Sapphire®
The USS Iowa
Nov
9 - 10
Los Angeles, California

Bunk Up On the Battleship Iowa

Join us in Los Angeles for an exclusive overnight aboard the historic USS Iowa. Gathering on the permanently docked ship in the late afternoon, we'll experience an evening of exclusive tours, mess hall meals, and a good night's sleep aboard the celebrated vessel.
Selected experiences curated by Chase Sapphire®
Flektro Studios.
Nov 10
Van Nuys, California

Illuminating the Art of Neon

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour and glass-bending demonstration at Flektro Studios, the private workshop of neon artist Michael Flechtner.
Selected experiences curated by Chase Sapphire®
60-inch telescope.
Nov 10
Los Angeles, California

60-Inch Telescope

Step into the darkness for an evening of planets, globular clusters, planetary nebulae, and colorful double stars at the Mount Wilson Observatory.
Old Zoo.
Nov 11
Los Angeles, California

Abandoned Zoo Ruins

Roam the grounds of L.A.'s old zoo, former home of Ivan the Terrible.
Nov 17
Pasadena, California

San Andreas Scavenger Hunt

Discover the signs of Southern California's most threatening earthquake fault, hidden in plain view.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Nov 17
Los Angeles, California

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

A celebration of life, death, architecture, and the patron saint of Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Leaderboard

Recent Santa Monica Activity

m0nk3yking wants to go to Santa Monica Camera Obscura
Demonika wants to go to Pacific Park Solar Ferris Wheel
DianaLee has been to Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome
DianaLee has been to Pacific Park Solar Ferris Wheel
DianaLee has been to Route 66: End of the Trail

Stories About Santa Monica

Ricky Grigg, unknown, Vicki Williams, and Nick Gabaldón enjoying Malibu, California, ca. late 1940s–early 1950s.

The Legendary Black Surfer Who Challenged Stereotypes

In his short 24 years, Nick Gabaldón made an impact on California surfing culture that is still felt today.
by Anna Kusmer
October 04, 2018

Lists Featuring Santa Monica

19 Unusual Hotels in California
Look familiar?
The ivy covered hotel.
Hotel Vertigo
Mid Eastern-themed billiards room

19 Unusual Hotels in California

Remarkable places to stay—or at least visit—in the Golden State.

19

Including The Ahwahnee Hotel, Venice Beach House, and Hotel Vertigo

11 Homes Transformed Into Amazing Mosaics
(Flickr/andreakw)
La Maison Picassiette
The bathroom
Some of the decorations include broken crockery that have been priced back together

11 Homes Transformed Into Amazing Mosaics

If you own your property, why not bedazzle it?

11

Including Wyckoff Street Mosaic, La Maison Picassiette, and House of Mirrors