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

L.A. Science Weekend: Natural History and Space

May 10—May 12, 2019

Join New York Times Journeys and Atlas Obscura for three days of scientific learning in Los Angeles focused on natural history and zoology or space and aviation.

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Explore Santa Monica, California

Launch Map

Upcoming Events Near Santa Monica

Old Zoo and cage locations.
Apr 27
Los Angeles, California

Abandoned Zoo Ruins

Roam the grounds of L.A.'s old zoo, former home of Ivan the Terrible.
Getting ready to fly.
Apr 28
Reseda, California

Homeward Bound: Pigeon Navigation

Meet a flock of homing pigeons and explore the mystery of bird navigation with the L.A. Pigeon Club.
Learning lock picking in Los Angeles.
May 4
Los Angeles, California

Lock Picking at Greenbar Distillery

A hands-on workshop on the fascinating art of lock picking.
The gaming floor.
May 4
Los Angeles, California

Two Bit Circus Bemusement Park Tour

May the fourth be with you! Come nerd out and amuse yourself at a technological micro-amusement park complete with re-invented, old-school carnival games and epic gaming technology.
The garden is a steep labyrinth where surprise waits around every corner.
May 4
Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Hills Sculpture Garden

Located just below the Hollywood Sign is a garden filled with contemporary sculptures. Join us for an exclusive sunset stroll of this private art collection with founder and artist, Dr. Robby Gordon.
Mike Caveney and Tina Lenert.
May 8
Pasadena, California

Egyptian Hall Museum

A guided visit through the fascinating collection of the oldest private magic museum in America.
View over the Dino Hall.
May 11
Los Angeles, California

Jurassic Soiree at the Natural History Museum

Dinosaurs, gemstones, and a behind-the-scenes, after-hours adventure with Atlas Obscura and the New York Times.
60-inch telescope.
May 11
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.
Amber teaching a class in New York.
May 16
Los Angeles, California

Fortune Teller Mouse Taxidermy Workshop

The sublime world of expressive creatures with Amber Maykut.
Portrait Sitting with Karen Jerzyk.
May 16
Los Angeles, California

An Illumination of Wondrous Arts and Curious Crafts

Join us for a day of workshops, unique experiences and a touch of the odd.
Ryan with some of his collections.
May 16
Los Angeles, California

Cat Skeleton Articulation Workshop

A rare opportunity to learn an unique practice led by Ryan Matthew Cohn of Oddities Flea Market.
Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina Maria Cohn
May 16
Los Angeles, California

Portrait Sitting With Karen Jerzyk

Step inside a transformative custom scene created by artist Karen Jerzyk for your very own stunning photo shoot.

Recent Santa Monica Activity

soundofrain soundofrain wants to go to Route 66: End of the Trail
ellywolf ellywolf wants to go to Route 66: End of the Trail
toniziemer has been to The Galley
toniziemer has been to Route 66: End of the Trail
toniziemer has been to Origami Intersections

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