Having spent a fair amount of time in Santa Monica with an ex-beau, I
thought I had the area covered. But some 10 years later, I realized that
most of our activities took place within the confines of his oceanfront
apartment. Thankfully, true love (and a 40th birthday) prompted another
visit to the ‘hood, this time with my husband and three-year-old son in
tow.
stay
We fell in love with the boutique Oceana
Beach Hotel the moment we stepped through its modernist doors. Once
an apartment complex in the ’50s, the Oceanas public spaces were
remodeled a few months back leaving warm blue and taupe hues with pops
of colour and beach house décor. We loved the kidney shaped pool and
in-house restaurant (think farmers market finds and local wines) both
were ideal for people watching as guests ran the gamut from fashion
types to chic Euro families. But our favourite feature was the service,
which rivaled the Four Seasons everyone from front desk staff to wait
staff were incredibly helpful and genuine a rarity in these days of
hipster cool. Do splurge on a top floor ocean view room the view is
killer and the higher floors enjoy a quieter stay. www.hoteloceanasantamonica.com
do
We shopped like a chef at the Wednesday Santa
Monica Farmers Market on Arizona and West 2nd. Local hospitality
types abounded scoring finds for dinner and the bar (you can see them
with their dollyies everywhere). We loved the probiotic tomato basil
bread from Bezian
Bakery and scored great hotel snacks like organic dried plums and
raw nuts.
eat
Blue
Plate Tacos is one of three neighbourhood eateries that are
kid-friendly, boast fun wait staff and use tons of local ingredients. We
loved the soft shell tacos (chicken, fish and beef were all excellent)
and the grilled corn on the cob served with hint of spice and a slice of
lime. Their classic margarita made with top shelf Reposado Tequila had
us reminiscing about our 20s (and feeling no pain).
shop
Kicks Sole Provider
is a sweet little shoe shop on the very trendy Montana Street (home to
Splendid, Jonathan Adler and other LA essentials) carrying limited
edition and unique finds for men, women and kids from big name brands
like Nike, Adidas, Converse and Toms. We loved the limited edition Birkenstocks
by Tatami Amadora (pictured). www.KSPLA.com
sway
Do try to plan your trip around the Santa
Monica Piers Twilight Concert Series coming July 11. Done in
partnership with NYCs Central Park, these free outdoor shows are
well-loved by locals. This years line-up includes killer acts such as
Meshell Ndegeocello and No Age. RSVP here.
Tara Parker Tait
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