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

Upcoming Experiences Near Santa Monica

Experience

Myth, Film, and Studio Tour

Los Angeles, California
$35 per person
Experience

Sci Fi Sewage Sanctuary

Los Angeles, California
$30 per person
Experience

Exploring Historic Homes of the Stars

Santa Monica, California
$28 per person
Experience

Hollywood Miniature Magic

Los Angeles, California
$35 per person
Experience

A Walking Tour of Hollywood Jazz History

Los Angeles, California
$25 per person
Experience

Flirting with Love

City of Industry, California
$35 per person
Experience

Lasting Impressions in Print

Carson, California
$30 per person
Experience

Clifton’s Curiosities and Cocktail Crawl

Los Angeles, California
$50 per person
Experience

The Abandoned Zoo Ruins of Griffith Park

Holllywood, Los Angeles, California
$28 per person
Experience

Lost and Long-Gone Graveyards of L.A.

Los Angeles, California
$35 per person
Experience

Tour Rustic Rubel Castle With A Builder

Glendora, California
$35 per person
Experience

Scent-Making and Hollywood History

Los Angeles, California
$75 per person
Experience

Go With the Glow - Heal The Bay Aquarium

Santa Monica, California
$18 per person
Experience

Paul Kaufman Shoe Design Masterclass

Los Angeles, California
$125 per person
Experience

Guided Bug & Wine Pairing

Los Angeles, California
$50 per person
Experience

It Doesn't Want to Sound Good

Los Angeles, California
$35 per person
Experience

Cooking with Critters

Los Angeles, California
$40 per person
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Atlas Obscura Trips
Desert Canvas: Art of Joshua Tree and the Mojave
Join us as we venture deep into the High Desert, glimpsing massive sculptures, revitalizing domes, and fluorescent painted mountains along the way.
Learn More
Chelsea Bock

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Explore Santa Monica, California

Launch Map

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Recent Santa Monica Activity

52Things52Weeks 52Things52Weeks wants to go to Pacific Park Solar Ferris Wheel
52Things52Weeks 52Things52Weeks wants to go to Santa Monica Camera Obscura
52Things52Weeks 52Things52Weeks wants to go to Route 66: End of the Trail
joosthendriks has been to Georgian Hotel
joosthendriks has been to Pacific Park Solar Ferris Wheel

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

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