I'll be in Santa Monica in 2 weeks

[Avalux]

Never been to CA before, will be staying at the Loews Beach Resort for about 3 days. Since I'm completely clueless - can anyone give me some ideas on where to eat & what to do within walking distance? Thanks in advance. :hi:

[mitchtv]

1. Hope you love California

I do, but I can't help you with SM as I live over 100 miles away. I just didn't want to see this post languish with no replies. :kick:

[joefree1]

2. Get thee to the Venice boardwalk

Someone where you are staying should be able to point the way. Very busy people watching area. Lots of different types there so don't be scared. Lot's of places to eat and drink and watch the eclectic world of Los Angeles pass by.

check this site out.
http://www.westland.net/venice/

[yurbud]

3. Versailles Cuban Restaurant in Culver City

the garlic chicken with fried bananas is great. It's cheap, but the best chicken in town, and you'll often see celebs there.

[bliss_eternal]

8. Yes--really good food!

Loved it! Haven't had it in years, glad to hear it's still good--sometimes quality goes down over years.

[yurbud]

4. I just saw that you said walking distance. Try Fritto Misto

on Sixth and Colorado, excellent Italian food, reasonable prices, highly rated by food critics.

On the Third Street Promenade, Gaucho Grill is very good, and the Asian place is good. Several of the others are over-priced and have crappy service.


You can also walk to the Santa Monica pier--it's about a block from your hotel.

[bliss_eternal]

9. ...the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade

will take you directly to the Santa Monica mall/shopping center. Lots of cool shopping at Third Street Promenade and the Mall. The shops vary in price, since it's considered upscale--but you may be able to find some cool stuff at affordable prices. There's a movie theater there if you decide you want to catch a show. I didn't realize it until I lived in a different state, but the sound in our movie theaters ROCKS! Being an industry town, they want all of their movies to sound as good as they look.

When I lived in a different state and went to the movies I was so pissed--the sound SUCKED!

Yikes--I sound like a spoiled California film snob. Sorry. :blush:

Really hoping that you enjoy your visit! :hi: Welcome, welcome!

[Sequoia]

5. Lucky You!

Nice place you'll be staying too. Venice is just down the way and the mall up the way. Pier too with the caurosel used in "The Sting". Walk all over the place. Loads of places to walk to and the city Blue Bus is only 50 cents.

Here's some web cams of the place.

http://www.westland.net/piercam/

[Avalux]

6. Thanks everyone - you've been very helpful.

Can't wait to go as I've never been to the west coast before. Should be a lot of fun! :hi:

[oasis]

7. I hope they clean up the beaches by then. There was a recent sewage

problem.

Take a bus up to nearby Malibu and get lunch or dinner at "Gladstones for Fish". It's only 10-15 minutes away on the Pacific Coast Highway.A meal and drinks for two will run you $50-$75 but you won't regret it.

edit: It may be listed as "Gladstones 4 Fish".

[bliss_eternal]

10. OMG--haven't eaten at Gladstones in YEARS!

You've made me miss it--such good food! I LOVE seafood!

[oasis]

12. There's a Gladstones at Universal City's Citywalk if you are closer to

Hollywood/Burbank. I prefer eating seafood by the ocean.

[Capn Sunshine]

14. ps sewage problem in Manhattan Beach & South

pumping plant broke down. That's pretty far from Santa Monica.
But I still wouldn't eat any fish caught in the bay....

[proud patriot]

11. have a great trip

I'm in the North

[Capn Sunshine]

13. Try I Cugini

1501 Ocean. I don't know about walking distance, but it'scertainly skateboard distance, dude.

Also "El Cholo" at Wilshire and 10th; iconic Cal Mex food.

There's a few DUers in the area- we could have a mini DU meet.
My office is on Wilshire, near Barrington, so I'm minutes away.

[Capn Sunshine]

15. Oh, Like Movie Stars? Price no object?

If you answered "yes" , especially to the second, try "Ivy" at 1541 Ocean Avenue.

But it's like 300 bucks for lunch if you have drinks.