We've flip-flopped a bit and now plan on spending our long weekend next week in Santa Monica. We'll be staying at the Four Points Sheraton at 530 West Pico.

We would love any recommendations for restaurants/bars/nightspots. For restaurants, we prefer casually hip and even trendy is OK as long as the place isn't living off its reputation rather than its food. Recommendations from cheap to expensive would be much appreciated.

Is Santa Monica bike friendly? Anyone have a favorite place to rent bikes?

Thanks in advance for your help.

you can rent bikes on the beach at the base of the pedestrian walkway over the PCH...the boardwalk( paved path) goes for miles.,,,,easy to bike ride to Venice.

If you like Calif contemporary...and you have a flexible budget....have you considered the Hotel Oceana
http://www.hoteloceana.com/

Its our favorite place to stay in Santa Monica,,,really get a west coast feel not just another hotel

Just did this and didn't post so will try again. What is wrong with this site lately?? Ditto above about renting bikes on the beach. It's great, but not sure I'd want to ride on the streets. Favorite restaurants are still Michael's, and Chinois on Main,Wolfgang Puck's Santa Monica place. It is fabulous, but I like it best for a late and leisurely lunch --you won't eat dinner that night. Love Cafe Del Rey at nearby Marina Del Rey, and for casual lunch go to Broadway Grill on the promenade -- an uscale diner with great food. Ivy at the Shore is highly overpriced and not so great -- cheaper than Michael's, just overpriced.

Hi,

Try the Border Grill or La Serenad di Garibaldi for some excellent gourmet mexican food--fun and right on fourth street next to the third street promenade!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. And Dick, the Oceana would be our first choice if not for that $325 price tag . . .

Brian..

I know that the Ocean is pricey,.,,,they keep going up.
When we stayed there it was cheaper and the gave a AAA discount.
Parking was extra.

Be sure to have dinner at OCEAN SEAFOOD. Great service, fresh seafood, beautiful preparations.

Brian, take a look at the L.A. boards of chowhound.com. As with Fodor's, the website is searchable. I found lots of good tips for my L.A. trip (sorry, didn't try any in Sta. Monica - but enjoyed meals in Venice.) Have fun!