When the sun goes down and you’re looking for a place to party, Santa Monica is the place to be. During the day, Santa Monica is a laid-back beach town perfect for surfing, shopping, and experiencing good food with unbeatable views. But at night, Santa Monica offers a variety of entertainment options. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated lounge, a neighborhood bar, a late-night dance spot, or a beachfront party spot, Santa Monica has something to offer.
Here are some of the best bars and nightlife venues in Santa Monica where you can enjoy a night out.
In a city of ritzy hotels and high-end restaurants, The Bungalow is a quiet and laid-back escape with stunning ocean views. Locals love The Bungalow because it feels more like heading over to a good friend's house and a traditional bar, and features a large outdoor patio, cozy seating around fire pits, live music, a full bar, mismatched tables, chairs and couches, and a tucked away game room. The menu features elevated comfort food meant for sharing, and we recommend ordering the nachos or the truffle fries for the whole table to share.
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar is another great Santa Monica nightlife spot; an iconic bar in the heart of Santa Monica nestled on the bottom floor of one of the oldest buildings in the city. This chic and sophisticated lounge features lofty ceilings, a curved zinc bar, decorative light fixtures, deep rich leather seating, exposed brick, antique light fixtures, and soft lighting that sets the mood. During the day the restaurant is kid-friendly, but in the evenings it transforms into an adult-only lounge. The Misfit is known for its classic and creative cocktails, extensive beer and wine list, and menu that focuses on modern American dishes with a twist. This popular hangout spot is open until 11:00 p.m. during the week and midnight on the weekends, and hosts live music and other events regularly.
If you're in the mood to party and have a good time, The Continental Club is a great place to hear your favorite music, eat good food, enjoy creative signature cocktails, meet new people, and party in one of the area's most historic venues. Literally located underground, this vintage-inspired nightclub can only be accessed through a dark staircase in a back alley. But once inside you'll immediately notice the gorgeous modern artwork, red leather booths, open dance floor, and multiple bars. This late-night party spot stays active until 2 am and offers themed events like No Scrubs Saturdays, where you can jam out to your favorite 90’s hits. If you want something a little more laid back, swing by on a Thursday to experience their live jazz performances by local musicians.
Another great place to get your groove on is Gold Diggers. Part club, part bar, and part boutique hotel, this LA favorite prides itself on its seedy glamor, long pours, and fine-tuned cocktails. For those who like to make music, Gold Diggers also features seven professionally designed and acoustically engineered studios that you can rent out so you can work on your art. The club is open until 2 am most nights, and because it's part boutique hotel, you can stay the night if you want.
Bottom Line
If you’re a night owl looking for a place that parties way after the sun goes down, you’ll love living in Santa Monica. Whether you want to chill in a laid-back lounge and enjoy a few beers or dance the night away with a bunch of strangers, you can find your favorite party spot in LA.
If you’re still looking for an apartment to rent in Santa Monica that is close to all the nightlife options, take a virtual tour of NMS Lincoln today!