There’s something about the Westside of Los Angeles that feels like its own little world—breezy, sun-soaked, and just the right blend of relaxed and electric. It's not trying too hard, and yet, it quietly offers some of the best food, views, and hidden gems LA has to offer.
I’ve spent years navigating this corner of the city—between traffic dodging, farmer’s market mornings, and oceanfront evenings—and I can confidently say: 48 hours on the Westside can feel like a mini-vacation, even for locals.
If you’re trying to plan a weekend here—or looking to see this side of LA with fresh eyes—this itinerary skips the Hollywood hype and digs into what actually makes the Westside unforgettable. Think less tourist traps, more neighborhood flavor. You won’t cover everything (you’ll want to come back), but you’ll leave full, happy, and sun-kissed.
Day 1: Mornings Are for Farmers’ Markets and Ocean Breezes
Start in Santa Monica: Coffee + Coastal Calm
There’s no better way to begin than in Santa Monica, where the mornings feel especially golden. Skip the hotel lobby coffee—trust me—and start at Goodboybob or Café Luxxe. Both serve excellent espresso and actually care about the beans (and the milk-to-espresso ratio, which, if you’re a cappuccino person like me, matters a lot).
From there, walk a few blocks west to Palisades Park. It’s a cliffside stretch that overlooks the Pacific—quiet in the morning, before the crowds hit the Pier. There’s a bench I always go back to, right across from Idaho Avenue. The ocean view from there? Completely free therapy.
Weekly Nugget: How you start your day on the Westside matters—begin slow, coastal, and caffeinated. It sets the tone better than any checklist.
Mid-Morning: Farmers Market & Third Street Wandering
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Santa Monica Farmers Market becomes a scene—and not in the influencer way (though you’ll spot a few). Chefs from nearby restaurants shop here, and you’ll find everything from fresh figs and market peaches to handmade tamales that are very much breakfast-worthy.
If markets aren’t your thing, head a few blocks down to Third Street Promenade. It's touristy, yes, but a little morning window-shopping (before it gets crowded) can be surprisingly relaxing.
Lunch in Brentwood: Laid-Back Luxe
Drive up to Brentwood Country Mart around noon. It’s part local hangout, part throwback to old LA. You’ll find boutiques, bookstores, and plenty of outdoor tables under string lights. Grab lunch at Farmshop—it’s refined but unpretentious, and their seasonal salads and roast chicken are consistently excellent.
Not in a sit-down mood? Reddi Chick in the same courtyard serves classic rotisserie chicken in a red-checkered basket that somehow hits the comfort-food sweet spot every time.
Afternoon Adventures: Choose Your Flavor of Westside
Depending on your mood (and maybe the marine layer), there are two excellent afternoon routes.
Option A: Coastal Bike Ride from Santa Monica to Venice
Rent a cruiser near the Santa Monica Pier and hop on the Strand bike path, which hugs the coast all the way down to Venice. You’ll pass volleyball courts, beachgoers, and probably at least three aspiring influencers posing near lifeguard towers.
Lock up your bike and wander into Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Think stylish meets beachy: independent shops, cult-favorite ice cream (hi, Salt & Straw), and some of the best people-watching in LA.
Back in 1905, Abbot Kinney founded Venice as a picturesque seaside resort town. For over two decades, it operated independently before joining Los Angeles in 1926, bringing its distinctive character to the city.
Option B: The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades
If you’re in the mood for art and architecture with a side of ocean air, drive north up PCH to The Getty Villa. It’s less visited than the Getty Center and arguably more atmospheric. Modeled after a Roman country house, it’s surrounded by gardens and mosaics—and it’s free to visit (parking is $20, so carpool if you can).
This is one of those LA gems that doesn’t scream for attention but lingers in your mind long after you leave.
Evening: Dinner + Sunset Somewhere Special
Dinner on the Westside can swing wildly depending on your vibe. Want to keep it coastal? Book a table at The Lobster right by the Santa Monica Pier. It’s touristy, yes—but sit outside and order the grilled fish of the day, and you’ll remember why you’re here.
Prefer something more low-key and local? Try Gjusta in Venice. It’s a bakery, deli, and casual dinner spot with a back patio that feels like a secret. Their smoked fish plates and vegetable sides are delicious without being fussy.
Catch the sunset from Will Rogers State Beach, a quieter spot just north of Santa Monica. Park for $6, roll down a beach towel, and soak it in. You’ve officially earned your end-of-day exhale.
Day 2: Coffee, Culture, and Some Beach Time (Of Course)
Morning: Coffee in Culver + Art in Westwood
Start your day just inland in Culver City—less breezy but equally charming. Grab a coffee at Blue Bottle or Super Domestic (local favorite), then head to the Hammer Museum in Westwood. It’s free, smart, and compact enough to feel doable on a schedule.
The Hammer Museum, part of UCLA, offers year-round contemporary art exhibitions and is considered one of the most progressive museums in LA for emerging artists.
If you’re into bookstore browsing, UCLA’s campus bookstore is surprisingly good. It’s also a nice place for a casual stroll—college campuses have their own kind of low-key optimism.
Lunch: Beachside Tacos or Elevated Plant-Based Eats
Lunch options abound, but here are two favorites that never disappoint:
- Tocaya Organica (Venice or Santa Monica): Modern Mexican with health-conscious twists—great for taco bowls, agua frescas, and shaded patio seating.
- Plant Food + Wine (Abbot Kinney): If you’re feeling more elevated, their garden seating and inventive plant-based menu are perfect for a leisurely midday meal.
Pair with a cold brew or fresh juice, and you’re ready for your afternoon.
Afternoon: To the Beach or the Bluffs
You didn’t come to the Westside to not spend time near the ocean, right?
If it’s beach weather, skip the Santa Monica crowds and head slightly north to Will Rogers Beach or El Matador (if you’re up for a scenic 30-minute drive up the coast). Bring a towel, a book, or just your willingness to do absolutely nothing—and stay a while.
Not feeling the sand? Drive up to Palisades Park again and walk the bluffs at sunset. You’ll get panoramic views of the ocean, a gentle breeze, and enough perspective to forget whatever city stress you carried in.
Weekly Nugget: The best moments on the Westside aren’t always planned—they’re found in pauses, benches, and the spaces between stops.
Dinner: End With a Local Favorite
Cap off your 48 hours with one final dinner that feels rooted in Westside culture.
Try Milo + Olive in Santa Monica—a cozy spot with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and the kind of bustling energy that makes you want to linger. It’s walk-in only, but the waitlist moves fast.
Or, if you want something a little more celebratory, Scopa Italian Roots in Marina del Rey is a sleek-but-welcoming Italian spot that locals love for birthdays, date nights, and late dinners with friends who actually like each other.
What Makes the Westside So Special?
The Westside isn’t about flash. It’s about flow.
It’s a place where you can go from barefoot on the beach to an art gallery in heels—where smoothies and sushi live on the same block, and the sunset makes even the busiest person pause.
In 48 hours, you may not cover everything. But you will feel a rhythm. And if you do it right, you’ll leave feeling lighter, cooler, and maybe just a little bit more attuned to what a weekend should feel like.
So pack your layers, bring your curiosity, and give yourself permission to explore without overplanning. The Westside knows how to surprise you—if you let it.
MJ Brioso, Writer, The Urban Explorer
MJ is our go-to guru for all things city life. With a love for shopping and a passion for cultural exploration, she's constantly diving into the heart of big cities, finding hidden gems that most tourists miss.
