While Santa Monica, California is best known for its sandy beaches and stellar surf, this beloved coastal town is also famous for having some of the best nightlife in Los Angeles. Sure, Hollywood and DTLA are known for their trendy clubs and exclusive parties, but there is a beachy and more laidback charm that the westside of LA possesses. Whether you’re looking for a funky dive bar that is just a few feet away from the sand or a bougie rooftop bar that serves up stiff drinks and ocean views, Santa Monica is one of the best places to explore no matter what time of the year it is. In order to help you narrow down your options and find your new favorite spots, here is our list of the 10 best bars in Santa Monica.

1. Onyx Rooftop Bar

 

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Perched right on top of the popular Shangri-La Hotel on Ocean Avenue, the Onyx Rooftop Bar boasts some of the best views in all of Santa Monica. From the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Monica Mountains, you can see it all from this small yet sultry rooftop in the heart of Samo. Onyx Rooftop Bar is hands down one of the best spots for a romantic date night, and their drinks and small bites are sure to satisfy. While they have an impressive wine list, they are famous for their tasty cocktails. Be sure to try either their La Dolce Vita or Waterloo Sunset along with their addicting herbed fries.

P.S. If you’re craving something sweet, their Knickerbocker Glory dessert that features vanilla and strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry compote, pineapple chunks, pop rocks, whipped cream, and meringue is totally worth the indulgence.

2. The Bungalow

 

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The Bungalow is perhaps the most popular and well-known spot on our list. While the trendy and somewhat college-like scene is not for everyone, even the most intense of Bungalow haters manage to have a good time when visiting this beautiful and massive bar. Reminiscent of a house party, The Bungalow features ample space with plenty of spots both inside and outside. If you’re not in the mood to mingle and flirt (which is what pretty much everyone does here) head over to the pool table in the study or play some ping pong on the patio.