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The ‘Old Secretariat’ government building in New Delhi.
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This set is inspired by a Roman arena.
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Wortley built the wooden backpack she used while retracing Alexandra David-Néel’s journey from a chair she found on the street in London.
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All the 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 May 30, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Santa Monica

End of the Trail

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.
Photo by Anhie Nguyen

Santa Monica, California

Jadis

Legendary prop shop filled with one man's collection of scientific curiosities.
Santa Monica Camera Obscura

Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica Camera Obscura

An offbeat angle on the ocean viewed through an antiquated lens.
Established 1959

Santa Monica, California

Chez Jay

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

Santa Monica, California

Farnam House

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

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.
Nautical-themed signs hang outside this colorful restaurant

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

Established 1959

Santa Monica, California

Chez Jay

A treasure hunter's tiny bar, harboring celebrities since 1959.
Nautical-themed signs hang outside this colorful restaurant

Santa Monica, California

The Galley

Santa Monica's oldest restaurant, decorated with set pieces from the Mutiny on the Bounty.
A surf mural in the interior of Dogtown Coffee.

Santa Monica, California

Dogtown Coffee

Grab a latte at the birthplace of modern American skateboarding.
In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

On the Run: Los Angeles

Sponsored by Cole Haan

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

A
18
Architecture 4
Retro Tech 4
Architectural Oddities 4
Art 3
Electrical Oddities 2
Eccentric Homes 2
Purveyors Of Curiosities 2
Unique Restaurants & Bars 2
Homes 2
Amusement Parks 2
Collections 2
Roads 2

Santa Monica Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Rachel
    7
  2. Mark Casey
    3
  3. littlebrumble
    1
  4. anhie
    1
  5. Tim Stafford
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Santa Monica.

Places Edited

  1. Rachel
    9
  2. Avoiding Regret
    9
  3. Mark Casey
    6
  4. ccesare
    6
  5. cait7911
    4
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. DBlock1001
    18
  2. tallackel
    17
  3. cicirude
    17
  4. MisterCustomer
    16
  5. ronan
    15

Recent Santa Monica Activity

  • young1040

    has been to Georgian Hotel

    3 days ago
  • young1040

    has been to Chain Reaction

    2 days ago
  • young1040

    has been to Santa Monica Camera Obscura

    2 days ago
  • Aspielberg

    wants to go to Santa Monica Camera Obscura

    2 days ago
  • chrisjhgf

    has been to Pacific Park Solar Ferris Wheel

    2 days ago

Stories About Santa Monica

View of Santa Monica Beach and Los Angeles in afternoon sun. Aerial view from above the pacific ocean water.

Why Did Celebrity Preacher Aimee Semple McPherson Mysteriously Disappear?

The pastor was presumed drowned in 1926 after a swim on Venice Beach. Then reports of sightings started trickling in.
by The Podcast Team
May 30, 2025
Ricky Grigg, unknown, Vicki Williams, and Nick Gabaldón enjoying Malibu, California, ca. late 1940s–early 1950s.

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

Lobby of the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, formerly known as the Ahwahnee.
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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