The Hottest Places to Meet Single People in Santa Monica and Venice

The Venice/Santa Monica area is one of the most popular parts of Los Angeles county to meet single people. You’ll find lots of young, beautiful, successful men and women in their 20’s and 30’s here. So, check out my list of the top ten places to meet single people in Santa Monica and Venice. Oh, and by the way, most of the places on this list do not have a cover charge.

1. The Bungalow (Santa Monica)

Located on the grounds of the Miramar Hotel at the corner of Wilshire and Ocean, The Bungalow simply can’t be beaten when it comes to the sheer number of young beautiful people who go there almost every night. This outdoor bar/lounge has a laid-back atmosphere that is a welcome change from Hollywood club snottiness, even though you might see a celebrity or two here. The beach house vibe makes even casual attire acceptable, but I suggest dressing up anyway.

Go early on the weekends, as a line forms at about 9:30 PM and the place gets packed. The crowd is young, mostly 20’s and 30’s. This is easily the hottest place to meet young attractive single people in Santa Monica.

2. The Lincoln (Venice)

The Lincoln is a relatively new wine bar type of place with a homey vibe similar to the Bungalow. Go on a Friday or Saturday night to find it packed with very attractive, but casually dressed, young people who are friendly as long as you are not a jerk.

As a bonus, they sometimes serve hot dogs in the patio – perfect for late-night munchies!

3. The Coco Club at the Sonder Hotel (Santa Monica)

The rooftop bar of the Sonder Hotel, called the Coco Club, is outdoor rooftop bar in Santa Monica with a great view of the ocean. People who can’t get into the Bungalow often overflow to the the Coco Club by default. That, along with great views and great crowds make this an ideal place to meet single people.

4. The Victorian / Basement Tavern (Santa Monica)

The Victorian is one of the most picturesque properties on Main Street. The patio and first-floor bar are usually teeming with young single people on weekend nights. Don’t miss the live band downstairs in the Basement Tavern. It’s hot, sweaty, and loud, but after you meet someone you can bring them upstairs for better conversation.

5. Twilight Concerts at the Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)

During the summer, the Santa Monica Pier attracts huge crowds on Thursday nights for free outdoor concerts. Arrive early, because parking and traffic will be a nightmare. But, you’ll be around more single people than at almost any other event in Santa Monica. Check the schedule online.

6. Main Street (Santa Monica and Venice)

I’ve already mentioned a few Main Street venues, but I also should mention Main Street itself, which is crowded with single bar-and-restaurant-hoppers on any given weekend night. How’s your “street game”?

7. Urth Caffe (Santa Monica)

For those of you not into bars, this coffeehouse is usually packed with young people on a given night. Meet someone in line or approach someone at a table if they are not on a date already. Urth Caffe is located on Main and Hollister.

8. Casa del Mar (Santa Monica)

If you are into a slightly older crowd, then you might want to check out the exquisite lobby and bar of Casa del Mar. Located right off the Strand, it has a great view of the carousel on the pier. Grab a drink and enjoy live music on the weekends.

9. The Viceroy Hotel (Santa Monica)

The hip Viceroy Hotel on Ocean Avenue has a cool bar and a great poolside lounge. It used to be one of the hottest spots in town for singles, but now it’s kind of hit-or-miss. There is sometimes a DJ on weekends. Sometimes there are private events that occupy some of the spaces.

10. Whole Foods / Erewhon / Trader Joe’s

I have a friend who has actually gotten multiple dates at the Whole Foods on Lincoln and Rose. Okay, maybe you wouldn’t think of a supermarket as a typical singles’ “hot spot”, but consider this: the people at these higher-end supermarkets are affluent, health-conscious, fit, and often attractive. Go right after work to find the highest concentration of single people grabbing dinner.

11. Walk a Dog at Palisades Park

There are tons of young, fit, beautiful people who work out, jog, and walk at Palisades Park. Bring a cute dog and you’ll at least strike up a conversation with another dog owner!

Where Else?

What did I miss? Let me know the best places you’ve found in Venice and Santa Monica to meet single people in the comments below.

Before you leave, check out these tips on how to meet more people when you go out. – Brian