Summertime is almost here — the season of grilled food, lazy afternoons, and long car rides along the coast with friends. There’s nothing better than beating the heat at some of the coolest spots in town in your BMW or MINI. Next time you’re searching for something fun to do with your crew, consider checking out a few of the trendy bars, restaurants, and other places in Santa Monica.
Candytopia
One-part art installation, one-part sugar rush, Candytopia is one of the hottest trends in Santa Monica. A visit to Candytopia is a bit like stepping into the board game Candy Land. It’s an homage to the vibrant colors and flavors of all the best sugary treats. You’ll journey through wonders like a marshmallow tsunami and a flying unicorn pig. This is the perfect place for kids, families, and the young at heart. Don’t wait too long to visit: Candytopia is only in Santa Monica for four months. The entrance to this candy-fueled wonderland can be found in Santa Monica Place Mall. Get all the details on tickets and parking at the Candytopia website. Side note: if you’re looking for a fun summer gig, they’re also hiring!
UOVO Pasta Bar
If you’re looking for the coolest new Italian spot in SAMO, look no further than UOVO Pasta Bar. The base of all dishes from UOVO is the authentic Italian noodles that are handmade in Bologna, Italy using traditional techniques and regional ingredients. Noodles are made fresh each day and overnighted from Italy to California, providing a truly fresh, authentic dining experience that no other restaurants could hope to offer. Many of the founding members of UOVO were born in Italy or have spent years discovering Italian cuisine. This makes it possible for the Pasta Bar to offer authentic, delicious dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and bolognese. Forget your summer beach body and pay a visit to UOVO to satisfy your carb cravings.
The Bungalow
Summer nights call for drinks, music, and playtime with friends. If you’re looking for the hottest place to socialize and pass the time on a warm summer evening, check out the Bungalow. The Bungalow describes itself as a paradigm in romantic socialization and creative meeting space. In other words, it’s the ideal spot to blow off steam after a long day at work or to perk up after playing on the beach all day. Fun features like a game room, a front deck with fire pits, and beautiful gardens make this the perfect spot to catch up with good friends. Décor at Bungalow embraces a mix of nostalgic Americana and breezy Baja Cali lifestyle. The private dining area and meeting rooms make Bungalow the perfect place for anything from a birthday celebration to a business meeting.
The Santa Monica Pier
Whether you live in Santa Monica or are just visiting, the pier is a classic locale that can’t be missed. The SAMO pier has something for everyone. For families with young children, be sure to check out the Pacific Park ferris wheel and roller coaster, the historic carousel, and the Playland Arcade. A visit to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium may be the perfect break from the heat. For history buffs, a free walking tour can be a great way to learn about the fascinating roots of the pier. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are tons of offerings of seafood, Mexican grub, and American cuisine around the pier. Throughout the year, there are also great concerts and other events, so be sure to check the Pier’s website regularly for updates.
Carlo’s Bakery
No summer season would be complete without a trip (or several) to Carlo’s Bakery. Carlo’s has gained national recognition after being showcased on the TLC show Cake Boss. Master baker Buddy Valastro and his family have run Carlo’s bakery for years and have locations around the U.S and in other countries. If you are planning a wedding, Carlo’s is the place to create an exquisite, unique confection that is sure to wow all your guests. Events like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations are also a perfect excuse to indulge in a sweet treat. An abundant selection of cakes flavors, fillings, icings, fruits, and jams will help you create the perfect dessert for any occasion. If you’re looking to master the art of baking in your own kitchens, you can also check out the selection of bakeware sold online or take a cake decorating class.
In the summertime, there’s no better place to be than Santa Monica. Whether you’re looking for food, fun, dessert, or a combination of the three, SAMO has the perfect spot for you. As you’re exploring and adventuring, don’t forget about taking care of your vehicle! Make sure your BMW or MINI Cooper is in tip-top shape by stopping by the HAUS for the very best in maintenance and repair.