Welcome to Santa Monica
Things to do and places to be while you are in this small gem city in southern California are all within walking distance from Sheraton Delfina. Some of my favorite hangouts are as follows:
-
Chaya Venice on Main Street and Pier…Happy Hour between 5-7pm. Best sushi and asian fusion cuisine. For happy hour, order albacore sashimi salad, calamari, uni, and grilled yellowtail collar are to die for.
-
Chinois on Main… French and Chinese cuisine by famous chef Wolfgang Puck. Deep fried catfish and the peking duck among others are their specialty, otherwise everything in the menu is yummy.
-
La Vecchia…Italian restaurant on Main Street…Happy Hour 5-7pm. Come early because happy hour seats are limited and go very fast. You will not be disappointed. Chianti goes well with my favorites- margherita pizza, calamari fritti, capriccio imperiale (seafood salad) and pasta Bolognese!
-
A few blocks from the hotel is the Viceroy, a boutique hotel with a modern ambiance. Check out the bar and enjoy music at the patio.
-
At the end of Pico Blvd toward the beach are 2 beautiful hotels, the Casa Del Mar and Shutters on the Beach. Casa Del Mar is an old army headquarters converted into a modern hotel. Admire the old architecture in the grand lobby and sitting room. Casa Del Mar and its sister hotel, Shutters on the Beach are overlooking the ocean and the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy a cocktail or two while watching the sunset.
-
Lobster, a seafood restaurant on Ocean Avenue next to the Santa Monica Pier entrance is a place to see and be seen. You might get lucky and sit next to a movie star.
-
If you are a foodie, the Santa Monica Place mall has the Market, a gourmet bazaar which features cured meats, cheeses, freshly baked breads, organic ice cream and artisanal chocolatier, among others. You can buy a bottle of wine, some cheeses and salami/prosciutto and enjoy an afternoon with friends in the indoor or outdoor tables.
-
Stop by at the ShangriLA and the Oyster Bar and Restaurant for the scenery and good food.
-
Or you may just want to walk along Ocean Avenue and enjoy the ocean breeze and the scenery.
So many choices, so little time!
