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

Unusual Attractions in Santa Monica

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The warehouse at Western Costume.
Jun 20
North Hollywood, California

Hollywood Magic at Western Costume

A behind the scenes adventure at one of the most renowned costume houses in the world.
Octopus eggs.
Jun 22
Long Beach, California

Cephalopod Movie Night With Science Friday

Join us for an evening of talk, tentacles, and talent, featuring four original short films from Science Friday and a panel of scientists.
Harpsichord studio.
Jun 23
Los Angeles, California

It Doesn't Want to Sound Good

Hurdy-gurdies, harpsichords, and the craft of making an instrument sing.
The art of lock picking.
Jul 6
Los Angeles, California

Lock Picking at Greenbar Distillery

Pick the brain of a security expert over drinks at this mind-bending, hands-on workshop.
60-inch telescope.
Jul 6
Los Angeles, California

The Second Largest Public Telescope in the World

Step into the dome for an evening of planets, globular clusters, planetary nebulae, and colorful double stars at the Mount Wilson Observatory.
Look at my coat!
Jul 13
Reseda, California

Homeward Bound: Pigeon Navigation

Meet a flock of homing pigeons who have mastered bird navigation and get the opportunity to hold and release a dove.
Palisades and Movie Colony, Santa Monica, California.
Jul 13
Santa Monica, California

Hollywood's First Hidden Getaway

Discover Santa Monica's scandalous past during a beachfront tour of the fabled and star-studded 'Gold Coast.'
Topanga Canyon retreat.
Jul 13
Topanga, California

Topanga Hills Stargazing with SkiesAway

Soak up breathtaking views of LA, and the Solar System, from a swanky abode high above the city.
Abandoned greenhouse.
Jul 14
Los Angeles, California

Griffith Park's Abandoned Commonwealth Nursery

Get the dirt on the history of the park's long-lost greenhouse and contribute in planting new seeds for its comeback.
Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda on the road in 'Easy Rider.'
Jul 14
Los Angeles, California

Cinemyth Film Series: 'Easy Rider' and the Search for Freedom

Cruise through the mythic landscape of 1969 for the 50th anniversary of Dennis Hopper's legendary revisionist western.
The gallery space.
Jul 20
Los Angeles, California

A Hidden Repository of Curious Craft

Gain access to a largely secret gallery where junk materials are reincarnated as wondrous sculptures.
The Chapel of Radiance (mausoleum upstairs).
Jul 21
Altadena, California

Mountain View Cemetery's Famed Mausoleum

Discover the treasures and resting places of historic Californians behind the doors of the crypt you've likely seen in a movie or two.

Santa Monica Leaderboard

Recent Santa Monica Activity

shana has been to Route 66: End of the Trail
lunedeclaire wants to go to Chez Jay
lunedeclaire wants to go to Farnam House
lunedeclaire wants to go to Frank Gehry Residence
kylegilbrech wants to go to Santa Monica Camera Obscura

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