In our last blog, we gave a brief history of Santa Monica which, sure, it provides you a talking point with your date over a cocktail at the Shangri-La’s outdoor patio, but that kind of knowledge only serves you once. It’s simply a little tidbit to know. Santa Monica has free events and things to do all summer long. Knowing about things to do in Santa Monica this summer serves more than a single conversation. Benny’s Tacos lists some of the best free things to do in Santa Monica – things of course that you can do before or after you grab a bite at our four and a half star reviewed restaurant!
Start your weekends off on the corner of Arizona and Third Street every Friday afternoon with a breezy outdoor eating area and a KCRW DJ spinning blissful summer jams. Benny’s is less than a quarter-mile away from here! Grab some lobster tacos and go claim your spot at the carefree Promenade.
Every summer, Santa Monica puts together a gallery of LA-based up-and-coming artists’ work at the Annenberg Community Beach House. This summer’s exhibition is Unseen, a photography collection. At the same location that houses this exhibition is the Marion Davies Guest House. Named after the actress that once called it home, it’s now a preserved historic site open to the public. Similar to other Hearst estates, it brags sprawling square footage with over 100 rooms, lavish furnishings, and unique interior design.
Downtown’s public silver screening series, Cinema on the Street, brings you the wacky, heartfelt “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” Friday, July 17, at 8 p.m. Watch Gene Wilder and his purple and his tiny green-haired employees merrily skip along as the golden ticket winners drop like flies. Want more public movie screenings? Starry Night Poolside Cinema at the Miramar Pool Club. Every Friday night at 8, (you’ll have to make a decisive action on the 17th) Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows will be putting up a family-friendly flick for everyone, non-hotel guests included.
Every summer, the Santa Monica Pier throws their Twilight Concert Series. It’s every Thursday throughout July, August, and into September. From Latin funk to rock n’ roll, Twilight Concerts hosts relevant bands of all genres. Looking for something more laid-back? Stewart Street Park is the venue for Jazz on the Lawn, a concert series on Sundays from 5-7 p.m. throughout August. Bring your picnic fittings and relax to a myriad of differently styled jazz bands! Things to do in Santa Monica just got simple.