The holiday season is upon us, and with it, the pre-yuletide excitement, plus the hecticness that comes with it. Feeling overwhelmed? Escape for a relaxing getaway to beachy Santa Monica during our Cyber Monday sale, and knock off some holiday shopping while you’re at it.
By treating yourself, you can also spread the love to some of Santa Monica’s best local businesses. Cash in some of your Cyber Monday savings to support the places that keep our neighborhood thriving.
From shopping to arts and restaurants, these are some of the spots we recommend.
Third Street Promenade
The Third Street Promenade is a high-end shopping, eating, and culture complex in the heart of downtown Santa Monica. You can treat yourself to remarkable food here at spots like Cassia, a haven for upscale French-Asian cuisine. You’ll find many major brands here as well, like Anthropologie and Levi’s, but be sure to stop by local gems like Wasteland, a California vintage shop that’s attracted and inspired the likes of Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood. And on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Santa Monica Farmers Market is a great way to meet some of the region’s farmers who make use of Southern California’s bounty.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a landmark destination in Venice Beach. The mile-long strip is home to some of the most popular and trendy fashion boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants in all of LA County. High end shops include wellness boutique Aesop, jewelry and fashion hub Alexis Bittar, home goods store Grow Venice, and artsy retailer In Heroes We Trust. When you get hungry, head to the health-minded Greenleaf for produce-heavy dishes, or to the ever-buzzy Gjelina, which draws a celeb crowd. After the meal, indulge in a scoop or two at Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream.
Main Street
For another great shopping experience, head to Main Street, Santa Monica. It’s got dozens of local retailers, plus plenty of places to stop for a snack in between gift-hunting. We love Hiptique, a stylish, SoCal chic store with women’s apparel and accessories, and Mindfulnest, a gift store with jewelry, accessories and other crafts made by local artisans.
The Electric Lodge
The Electric Lodge is a performing arts venue in Venice that strives to host artists and teachers to host unique shows, health and enrichment classes, fitness classes and creative workshops. The open-minded nature of the Lodge lends itself to hosting unique shows like multidisciplinary theatre, modern dance, film and live music. The Electric Lodge also has a mission to be an example of what environmentally friendly businesses should look like. Its building is solar powered, and home to EV charging stations.