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All United States California Santa Monica

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Santa Monica

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

Updated October 28, 2022

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Unusual Attractions in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

Route 66 End of the Trail Sign

A sign at the end of the Santa Monica Pier marks the traditional end of the legendary American highway.

Santa Monica, California

Jadis

Legendary prop shop filled with one man's collection of scientific curiosities.

Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica Camera Obscura

An offbeat angle on the ocean viewed through an antiquated lens.

Santa Monica, California

Farnam House

On a quiet suburban street stands a peculiarly decorated house covered in mosaics.

Santa Monica, California

Chez Jay

A treasure hunter's tiny bar, harboring celebrities since 1959.

Santa Monica, California

Frank Gehry Residence

Perhaps the most unique of any Frank Gehry design for one simple reason: Gehry himself actually lives here.

Santa Monica, California

International Chess Park

This well-traveled chess park offers scenic views of the pacific and a colorful, eclectic clientele.

Santa Monica, California

The Galley

Santa Monica's oldest restaurant, decorated with set pieces from the Mutiny on the Bounty.
See All 18 Things To Do in Santa Monica

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

Chez Jay

A treasure hunter's tiny bar, harboring celebrities since 1959.

Santa Monica, California

The Galley

Santa Monica's oldest restaurant, decorated with set pieces from the Mutiny on the Bounty.

Santa Monica, California

Dogtown Coffee

Grab a latte at the birthplace of modern American skateboarding.
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

On the Run: Los Angeles

Originally named “Venice of America,” Venice, California, owes its existence to a wealthy developer’s dream of a canal-laden resort town west of Los Angeles. The dream didn’t last long: After opening in 1905, the city went broke before joining Los Angeles in 1926. The decades of neglect that followed earned Venice the nickname “the slum by the sea,” but its affordability also attracted artists, beginning with the Beats in the late ’50s. Venice’s identity as a rough-around-the-edges artist haven endures more than 60 years later, though its affordability less so. If you’re looking to plot a trek across Los Angeles pavement and beaches, zero in on Venice with a run that oscillates between fast-and-furious and slow-and-curious. Take on this 5.2-mile run in one go, break it up into multiple runs, or do it in reverse. With the right running shoes, you’ll be ready to navigate Venice’s storied past and its eternally eccentric personality.

View Itinerary

Explore Santa Monica, California

Retro Tech 4
Architectural Oddities 4
Art 3
Amusement Parks 2
Electrical Oddities 2
Unique Restaurants & Bars 2

Santa Monica Leaderboard

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Add an unusual place to Santa Monica.

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Recent Santa Monica Activity

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Stories About Santa Monica

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

Look familiar?
The ivy covered hotel.
Staircase at 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

(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

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