Where the Locals go in Santa Monica

By Sophia Pei ‘22

You’ve all heard of and been to the over-crowded Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade, and Main Street strip. While these places are fun to explore, you won’t find them on this list (but if you do want to the stereotypical Santa Monica things, I guarantee there are hundreds of sites that can recommend you activities). The following are some less touristy places in Santa Monica that y’all should visit. Here’s a quick guide of some really amazing attractions and food places sorted by Metro stop!

Pei, Sophia, 2018, Oil on Canvas Board 20inx15in, 

26th Street/Bergamot

1) Bergamot Station Galleries

Take the Expo Metro line from USC, get off at – guess what? – “26th and Bergamot Station.” Right as you get off the Metro, you’ll be face to face with a series of buildings collectively making up the Bergamot Station galleries, recently renamed the 26th Street Art Center. All the art galleries are free and open to the public. Come out the support local artists and explore a LA museum that isn’t as crowded as LACMA, MOCA, or the Gettys. 

2) Water Garden

Ever wonder why all those young, well-dressed business people get off at 26th and Bergamot? Check out their workplace. After browsing some fine art, feel free to cross the street and lounge at the Water Garden, complete with fountains, fire pits, foosball tables, and other lawn games. Technically this is an office space for the ever-growing Silicon beach, but it’s open to the public and a wonderful place to picnic or just suntan (trust me, the lush grass is much nicer than the imported sand at the beaches).

3) Bru’s Wiffle

Recently the store underwent redecoration and transformed from pastel yellow to matte black.

Best brunch place in town! A small walk up from the station until Wilshire Blvd, located right across the street from Douglas Park. While waiting for a table (yes, there will be a wait), you can check out the ducks and turtles at Douglas. I would highly recommend the churro waffles (comes with amazing cinnamon ice cream) and chicken+waffle options.

4) Brentwood Country Mart

Seeking a taste of the Wild West? Check on Brentwood Country Mart. After getting off at 26th Street/Bergamot Station, walk north until San Vicente. On your walk up, check out the mini lending libraries and tree swings! Technically the Brentwood Country Mart is in Brentwood (who knew?) but it’s still more or less considered in SM turf. From its cute red, rustic architecture to its affordable food court at the center of the mall, it’s definitely a fun place to go. It has an amazing chocolatier shop as well as a bookstore, toy store, and many clothing boutiques. Grab a scoop of Sweet Rose icecream while you’re at it (Love icecream? Check out more amazing ice cream places here).

17th Street/SMC

1) Montana Avenue

Looking for a shopping experience with cute boutiques, great food, and locals but without all the tourists? Check out Montana Avenue. It’s a more secluded center 8 blocks north of the 17th Street/SMC Station. Highly recommend taking a Bird, Lime, or new Uber motorized scooters (since it’s all uphill). Definitely check out Sweet Lady Jane (some of the best cake).

2) Rocco’s Cheesecake

An authentic, amazing cheesecake store that sells some of the best cheesecake ever. It’s located a couple walkable blocks south of the station on Pico Blvd, right across the street from SMC. One of my favorite places to go after dual enrollment courses. Johnny Rocco, the store-owner and chef, comes up with the most creative flavors ranging from White Velvet to UBE Green Tea Guava Passion! He’s also super friendly and is willing to help you create your own signature flavor. For my 18th birthday, he created a Lavender-Rose Velvet cheesecake and it was amazing! There are also vegan and keto options for those who can’t have traditional cheesecake.

Downtown Santa Monica

1) Tungva Park

Right across from the pier and about a block from the Metro Station is one of my favorite parks in Santa Monica complete with fountains, a playground (with a really cool climbing structure!), and lovely grassy areas. Despite being nestled in the heart of DTSM, it usually is fairly empty and is a nice get-away from all the ocean front restaurants and hustle of the Promenade and Mainstreet. It’s a perfect place for a picnic or a quiet night time walk. Pro Tip: Going at night means the playground is unoccupied!

2) Fritto Misto

The best Italian restaurant in Santa Monica. They don’t take reservations, though, so expect to wait in a long line (the wait is definitely worth it). Authentically family-owned and locally based, it has amazing pastas with VERY generous serving sizes. I highly recommend trying the signature Garlic Shrimp pasta. You can also create your own signature pasta if none of the ones on the menu appeal.

Have recommendations or want more cool places in Santa Monica? Feel free to contact me at sophiakp@usc.edu !

Want more from Trojans 360?

Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content!

You can also Ask A Trojan an anonymous question, and we’ll try to answer it in a future post!

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.