We will be staying in Santa Monica at the Fairmont Miramar from August 15-19 and would like suggestions for things to do and places to eat in the area. Our two families each have a one year old so that really limits our options. Thanks!

For breakfast/lunch I love the Ocean Park Cafe on Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica (it's just west of Centinela). It's a great little neighborhood place - cheap, friendly, unique. I'm sure they'd have no problems with a 1-year old since it's all neighborhood people that eat there.

There are tons of places along Wilshire in Santa Monica - head out to about 20th Street or so. Lots of diners, Chinese restaurants, etc.

I hate the crowds and sterile mall-like nature of the 3rd Street Promenade, so I would tend to stay away from that area.

The little shopping area along Montana Avenue can be obnoxiously trendy, although there are tons of mothers with baby strollers so I know that most restaurants up there are baby-friendly.

hope that helps a little!

Two restaurants come to mind that are very close to your hotel. The Broadway Deli which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is basically a good diner, and Il Fornaio, an Italian retaurant right on Ocean, and both are family friendly. Santa Monica is a great neighborhood and you will be within easy access of the beach, where there is a miles long concrete path to stroll on, and playground equipment too. You should go out on the Pier as the kids may enjoy watching all of the rides even if they are too little to go on them. There is a big Toys R Us not far from your hotel,in case you forget anything at home and also an upscale toy shop a few stores down from the Broadway Deli. Ask your concierge for specific directions.

You might consider a walk to the pier (not too far, very stroller friendly). There is a lovely old wooden carousel (featured in the movie, The Sting) that you could put the little ones on with you behind on the horse. Also the sand is just below and what 1 year old doesn't love playing at the shore? You can rent bikes with baby trailers and put the punkin's together in one and ride along the shoreline. There's a restaurant farther up the coast owned by an acquaintance. It's called Back on the Beach and it's where lot of families go for casual meals since the tables are directly in the sand and next to swingsets and the bike path. The food is moderately priced, they have high chairs and indoor seating if you want to avoid the sun. We love it!

Another area (my area) is Main Street in the Ocean Park area of Santa Monica. They have a great breakfast/brunch place called "The Omelette Parlour" that serves a lot more than omelettes. Also on Sunday mornings the area has a very colorful Farmers Market - with pony rides!

Breakfast at Broadway Deli or at the Omelette Parlor (down on Main, a mile or so away from your hotel)-- those are great ideas. Note also that on Saturday there is a Farmer's Market at the corner of Second and Arizona (a block south of your hotel)-- great for grabbing fresh fruit and treats from local bakeries.

In the immediate area of your hotel there is a Houston's, a California Pizza Kitchen and a P.F. Chang's-- all chains, but upscale and reliably good. Border Grill, on Fourth Street, is high-end Mexican; El Cholo, on Wilshire (around Tenth or Eleventh, I believe), is more authentic and lots of fun. A pan-Asian eatery called Monsoon (Third Street) has a certain Tiki Lounge feel to it, but the food is good; don't be in a hurry, however, the service is friendly but slow. There are dozens of restaurant choices in the area, so you will have no problem finding something. The concierge at the Miramar will be able to help (even though they'll try to steer you to a hotel restaurant).

Thanks everyone. We will certainly try to hit every place you recommended. Btw, where exactly is the "Back on the Beach" restaurant?

Back on the Beach has a website with photos.

http://www.backonthebeach.com/

You can see how close to the bike path it is.

I was also going to suggest Back to the Beach, but Mommar beat me to it!