17 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Santa Monica - Atlas Obscura
It’s finally here! Download our iOS app and discover the world’s hidden wonders on the go!
It’s finally here! Download our iOS app and discover the world’s hidden wonders on the go! LAUNCH PARTNER
What's near me?
All   /  United States   /  California   /  Santa Monica
The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Santa Monica

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

Unusual Attractions in Santa Monica

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Upcoming Experiences Near Santa Monica

Experience

A Walking Tour of Hollywood Jazz History

Los Angeles, California
Thu, Jan 27
$25 per person
+ 5 other dates
Experience

The Abandoned Zoo Ruins of Griffith Park

Holllywood, Los Angeles, California
Sun, Jan 30
$28 per person
Experience

Exploring Historic Homes of the Stars

Santa Monica, California
Sun, Feb 6
$28 per person
View All

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Santa Monica

Atlas Obscura Trips
Los Angeles: America’s Culinary Frontier
Learn More

Community Forums / United States / US: West

Top Discussions in the US: West Travel Forum

Post Replies Views Activity
Looking for places to visit in Tucson Az
lyndabathory Marylka backroads66
 		13
Blenheim Apricot
AtlasObscura annie cougar
 		10
Visiting Utah and Colorado
pixiemyevilcat Shane McGraw jonathancarey
 		11
Traveling through MT, WY, CO, TX. Need advice!
Anne Ewbank cyccommute
 		9
Tracing a town with a square with a lovely scent, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Pablo Liendo phitauken linkogecko
 		8
New Post Visit the Forum

Explore Santa Monica, California

Launch Map

Santa Monica Leaderboard

Recent Santa Monica Activity

lilsis79 has been to Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
shelby11scott has been to The Galley
haileymrosen wants to go to International Chess Park
5s952q6fnk wants to go to Chez Jay
kaylajenness3760 wants to go to The Galley

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 4, 2018
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

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)
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