1. The Penthouse
8.5
1111 2nd St (at Wilshire Blvd), Santa Monica, CA
New American Restaurant · Wilshire-Montana · 101 tips and reviews
Shadi Mehraein: Best views of LA in Santa Monica. Sit at the bar, order one of their yummy cocktails and bar food. Nothing we ate or drank was bad :)
Nina Mo: Kate at the bar is the best!! Great views. Great night spot. Also great for brunch! Benedict, aperol smash, any flatbread, breakfast burger, kogi sliders, viet stk sandwich... Too many to name!
Ryan W: Probably the best view in Santa Monica. Ocean, mountains, and downtown. Incredible.
2. Palisades Park
9.3
Ocean Ave (btwn Colorado & Adelaide), Santa Monica, CA
Park · Wilshire-Montana · 58 tips and reviews
Cilt & Co.: Very scenic spot to walk, run, ride your bike, or just have a picnic.
Los Angeles: Features some of the city’s most magnificent sunsets & ocean views. It’s one of the city’s oldest parks! A jogging and biking path runs along steep cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
~A P: Scenic ocean views, great spot for a walk or picnic - feels a world away from LA's urban landscapes...
3. Santa Monica State Beach
9.5
1432 Palisades Beach Rd (at Colorado Ave), Santa Monica, CA
Beach · Downtown Santa Monica · 334 tips and reviews
Lee Croucher: Amazing beach, amazing pier, amazing sunsets - get to the pier for 19:30 for sunsets
Katherine Coles: Beautiful scenery, generally very clean, toilets and an easy walk from parking near Third Street or off the PCH.
Katherine Coles: Beautiful scenery and very relaxing. Easy walk to Third Street and many options for parking. Generally very clean. Toilets available at certain points.
6. Shutters on the Beach
8.8
1 Pico Blvd (at Appian Way), Santa Monica, CA
Resort · Downtown Santa Monica · 115 tips and reviews
Jennifer J: My "go to" LA hotel. Friendly staff, beautiful ocean views, amazing brunch @ Coast!
Simon & Schuster Manager: The farmer's market-inspired menu is perfect for watching a sunset on the beach. Katie Lee, author of GROUNDSWELL, enjoyed many meals here while writing the book.http://bit.ly/k56VHC
Zara Khan: Fantastic views of the sunset. Also an interesting spot for people watching and a really cute, clean restaurant on the beach.
8. Water Grill
8.4
1401 Ocean Ave (Santa Monica Blvd), Santa Monica, CA
Seafood Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 103 tips and reviews
Susan Green: A sibling of the famed Water Grill downtown, this does not disappoint. Lively atmosphere, fab raw bar, and beautiful views of the ocean.
Dmytro: Great restaurant! Nice design, good location, ocean view, food is delicious. Frito Misto, owen baked black bream, great kids menu. Good selection of draught beer
Krzysztof L.: very tasty mix of seafood. great service. superb view!
Jenn: If you hate amazing drinks (The Cucumber Gimlet,Godiva Martinis), beautiful people,ga-ga views of the ocean & perfect sunsets, then this place is not for you. Drinks are pricey, and start at $15.
Jenn: If you hate amazing drinks (The Cucumber Gimlet,Godiva Martinis), beautiful people,ga-ga views of the ocean & perfect sunsets, then this place is not for you. Drinks are pricey, and start at $15.
MetroWize: The classic décor, intimate setting and stellar views provide a great backdrop to take in some Santa Monica beach weather, deliciously crafted cocktails, and devour oysters on the half shell. Read more.
10. Pacific Park
8.3
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Amusement Park · Downtown Santa Monica · 44 tips and reviews
Jinnie L: If u look towards the ferris wheel with the boardwalk lights, u will see the most beautiful sunset ;P roller coaster is pretty good♥
William M Tammick III: Great carnival atmosphere and a sunset to boot.
Erik Rowley: The only amusement park on the entire West Coast located on a pier. The roller coaster and Ferris wheel are must rides, sunset and at night when everything lights up are best times to visit.
14. Tongva Park
8.7
1615 Ocean Ave (at Olympic Dr), Santa Monica, CA
Park · Downtown Santa Monica · 40 tips and reviews
Tom Hall: Spectacular new park. Incredible views and a wonderful serene green space. Finally, Ocean Avenue to world class status that it should be upgraded. Well done Santa Monica!!! 5 Stars!!!
Great views of the ocean with modern design!
Joseph C: Enjoy the view from one of these two pods or roundabout at the far corner towards the pier. Would've been a spectacular view if they designed it a few feet higher above the buildings, towards the sea
Olin Downs: Awesome views and a few good places to eat along the boardwalk. Head South and you will hit Muscle Beach in Venice. Head North towards Malibu and you will hit Will Rogers State Beach.
Jinnie L: It is typical boardwalk - beach, waves, food, games, some souvenir stores. BUT great place to watch the sunset n very beautiful beach♥
Eren Yay: Beautiful sunset!