TH E BROAD STA G E
BAY STR E E T BOARDS
Shop AERO HOBBIES 2918 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 3, 310-828-5264, aerohobbiesgames.com ³ Geekiness is a badge of honor at this longstanding hobby shop, an area institution and community meeting space that’s packed with tabletop games galore. Check out the game nights Wednesday through Sunday, when kids of all ages break out board games, paint airplane models, or play Star Wars X Wing.
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TIATO 2700 Colorado Ave., 310-866-5228, tiato.com ³ The sleek, airy Vietnamese restaurant doesn’t shy away from simplicity. The owner, Catherine An (whose mother owns the renowned Crustacean restaurants), specializes in homestyle cooking using the bounty from the café’s garden. It’s open for breakfast and lunch only.
BAY STREET BOARDS 3216 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-310-2485, baystreetboards.com ³ Named after Santa Monica’s popular surfing spot at Bay Street, this mom-and-pop store keeps Dogtown spirit alive with personal service by lifelong surfers. Browse the boards (full and half-day rentals are available), or just stop by to chat and chill with the locals.
RIP CITY SKATES 2709 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-828-0388, ripcity.net ³ The Santa Monica skateboarders who famously put the sport on the map in the ’70s are still here in spirit. This skate shop has been going strong since 1978 and is about as authentic as you can get, offering boards, accessories, and clothing that totally rips.
Play B E R G A M OT STATI O N
P ETE R F ETTE R M A N G A L L E RY AT B E R G A M OT STATI O N
BERGAMOT STATION 2525 Michigan Ave., 310-453-7535, bergamotstation.com ³ Occupying a former stop for Santa Monica Air Line streetcars, this sprawling arts complex is impressive in both variety and scale. However, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate, with forty or so art galleries all within steps of each other. The on-site Bergamot Cafe is a perfect place to refuel with coffee and sandwiches after an art-filled day.
THE BROAD STAGE 1310 11th St, 310-434-3200, thebroadstage.com ³ Founded in 2008, the stunning Broad Stage has grown to become the most prominent theatre in Santa Monica, presenting top-tier drama and musical productions, plus opera, jazz, modern dance, chamber music, and more. Check out The Edye, a smaller, adjacent stage, for spontaneous performances by developing artists.
18TH STREET ARTS CENTER 1639 18th St., 310-453-3711, 18thstreet.org ³ One of Santa Monica’s bestkept secrets, this under-the-radar arts community is home to a vibrant residency program and draws talent from around the world. You can view artwork at two on-site galleries that are open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or check the website for special events.
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