10 Breezy Spots to Unwind in Santa Monica With Fashion Blogger Kelsey White

Something Beachy Blogger’s Favorite Spots in Santa Monica

Written By: Kelsey White 10 Breezy Spots to Unwind in Santa Monica
Photographed By: Shane Radacosky

Palm tree-studded streets, beach side strolls, innovative dining and local history—there are so many things to love about the ever-changing city of Santa Monica. The perfect mix of a lively city and quiet beach town, Santa Monica is an inspiring city with a localized feel.

Born in Santa Monica, I am a native California girl with beach-bred roots. Although traveling is my passion, there is something about being home in LA that makes me feel complete. My dad grew up in the Malibu surf culture and the California lifestyle is a core part of my make-up. I always had an interest in fashion and lifestyle photography. During college, I modeled for many fashion brands in Southern California. After graduating, I landed a job in social media for a major fashion retailer. During this time, I realized my full potential to influence fashion through Instagram and took the next step.

My blog, Something Beachy launched in January 2015 as a 24th birthday gift from a close friend. It has since grown into an established lifestyle, fashion and travel blog aimed to blend breezy fashion and Southern California culture into one creative space.   

Foray Collective is another endeavor where I am the Director of Influencer Marketing. Foray Collective is a fashion/tech startup in Santa Monica that serves as an online platform where users can shop by influencer. The site was founded by LA blogger and good friend Kaitlynn Carter and tech mastermind Tiana Haraguchi. Working together with both Kaitlynn and Tiana has been inspiring and rewarding. I am a girl’s girl, and really admire smart, successful women who hustle and work it from all angles.

Santa Monica is my favorite town and here are my top picks for beachfront city relaxation:

 

Dogtown Coffee

There is no such thing as starting the day without a big, mean cup of coffee, so I head down to Dogtown Coffee on Main Street. I love the feel of this Pacific Ocean Park coffee house with its vintage images of the early days of surfing and skating.  This spot has just the right mellow vibe to set the tone for my day.

Native Knowledge: The Vegan Munchies Breakfast Burrito is a local favorite.

2003 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.310.3665

 

Olive and June

This is a new Montana Avenue boutique nail salon. The salon specializes in graphic nail art (think graphic lines, palm leaves, etc.) and the décor will make you want to get out your phone and immediately post to Instagram.

1426 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.899.1029

 

Third Street Promenade

There are loads of great stores at The Promenade and they are always adding new ones. The Nasty Gal store is always fun to check out – don’t forget to try something on in their four one-way-mirrored dressing rooms! My favorite part of the promenade is Santa Monica Place – a newly renovated wing with shops like Bloomingdales, Free People, True Food Kitchen and All Saints.

Local tip: Try to avoid during the weekend, the streets get so packed in summer.  If you do venture there on a weekend, be sure to arrive when stores open at 10 a.m.

Other favorite shopping spots on the Westside: Planet Blue, Muji, Merchant Modern, IRO, Principessa, Stone Cold Fox.

Native Knowledge: Venice born designer, Flynn Skye, is opening her first flagship store May 2016 in Venice.

1351 3rd Street Promenade Ste 201
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.393.8355

 

SoulCycle

Home of the tap-back, push-up and sweat-drenched workout that leaves you feeling like you just left a dance party at a nightclub: If you’re looking to blow off some steam, take a class from Jenny C. and sweat to old school hip-hop throwbacks from Jay Z and Biggie.

Native Knowledge: Also try the Santa Monica Stairs–Two sets of stairs, the metal set at 4th and Adelaide and the wooden set about 500 feet up the street. They are free to use and will definitely leave your legs feeling sore.

120 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.622.7685

 

Shutters on the Beach

This is the classic Santa Monica luxury hotel. One Pico and Coast are restaurants within the hotel with beautiful ocean views. Order a glass of rosé at sunset and watch bikers zip by on the boardwalk. I always like to bring guests here from out-of-town. ONE the Spa is the ultimate relaxation on the beach and also gives the best facials.

1 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.458.0030

 

Hinterland

A new neighborhood dinner joint, Hinterland, is a quaint and intimate farm to table restaurant with a candle lit setting. Sit outside and order the kale and roasted beet salad with a glass of the Etude Lyric Pinot Noir.

Native Knowledge: Joe Jonas is a partner in this restaurant.

2917 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.399.0805

 

The Chestnut Club

This rustic cocktail bar from restaurant geniuses Steve Livigni and Pablo Moix (also owners of Scopa) is just the perfect place to have some drinks and sit back with its old world feel: cozy booths, high beam ceilings and craft drinks. Choose from over 350 different wines or an artisan cocktail. I’m a tequila girl, so my favorite is the Café Paloma – Tequila, Aperol, Grapefruit, Lime and Tonic.

1348 14th St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310.393.1348

 

Ox and Son

On Sundays, we brunch! Ox and Son is the place; eclectic, industrial decor with floor-to-ceiling windows. A must order is the omelet with charred broccoli, asparagus and avocado. The heirloom tomato toast and “bottomless” mimosas ($14) are also brunch go-tos. YUM!

1534 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.829.3990

 

Farmers Market

Head over to Main Street on any Sunday to stock up on farm-fresh produce, meats and dairy, plus flowers and artisanal goods. I always grab a fresh bouquet of flowers and some veggies to cook for the week ahead.

Native Knowledge: Try the food samples and don’t forget your reusable tote!  

2640 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA  90405
310.458.8712

 

Sweet Lady Jane

This is the cutest neighborhood café and bakery on Montana Avenue with cakes, pastries and other decadent desserts. Sweet Lady Jane is noted for its triple berry shortcake – beautiful to look at and tastes amazing! The buttery frosting is fluffy and the cake layers are so perfect with fresh berries (the best part) making the cake unforgettable. Be sure to order with a cup of tea and enjoy sitting outside in the quaint neighborhood.

1631 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.254.9499

____

Kelsey White
Something Beachy
www.something-beachy.com
@Kelsey_White
Breezy Santa Monica Spots to Unwind

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