1. Picture This, There’s A Room-Sized Camera In Santa Monica
A device dating all the way back from the Age of Aristotle can be found in Santa Monica, that’s right the camera obscura still exists in this age of Instagram and Snapchats. In a darkened room in the Senior Recreation Center, you can see the world outside through a small hole carved in the roof.
2. James Cawell Has Weird Antiques—Weird Antiques You Need
James Caswell’s Historia Antiques is certainly eclectic. Think artisan sculptures of Jesus, mescal monkey statuettes, traditional moccasins, a dance mask shaped like a bird—don’t worry, if it’s surprising, offbeat and something you didn’t even know you needed, it’s in this here shop.
3. Enjoy The Sweet Serenade Of A… Beach Chair?
Now there’s a sentence you weren’t expecting to see today.
Well, in Santa Monica, not only can you take a breather on some beach chairs on Santa Monica Beach, but you can listen to the sweet oboe-like etudes that exude when the wind blows through the aluminum sculptures. There’s space enough for two, so bring a friend!
4. This Shop of Curiosities Is Hard To Get Into And Even Harder To Leave
Part of the reason why Jadis, the mind-boggling collection of bizarre props, may be a secret is because the “Back in 10 Minutes” sign always seems to be up.
Still, if you can get inside (with a little assistance from the lady who runs the Laundromat next door), you’re in for a treat. Many of these devices—a functioning Tesla coil, for one—are often rented out to movie studios.
There’s also textbooks, scientific instruments, optometry lenses for sale. So, if you’ve been dying to get your hands on any of that, Sunday between 1 and 5 is your best bet!
5. The Guy Who Invented Modern Air Transportation Has An Under-the-Radar Monument
The largest employer for five decades, the Douglas Airport, has a fitting memorial to the founder, Donald Wills Douglas.
Douglas can be credited with the advent of modern air transportation so, If you’ve ever flown anywhyere, this is where you should make a pilgrimage. At night, the plane lights up with fancy lights so not only is it auspicious, but it looks good, too.
6. The World’s Very First—Very First—Hot Dog On A Stick
It’s common knowledge that Hot Dog On A Stick is a big chain modeled after 1950s beach couture. However less known is that the very first one—the one that started the lemon-pressing, corn-dog-cooking, multiple-candy-stripe-wearing snack spot craze is right here in Santa Monica?
7. Let Me Tile You A Secret
Any fan of quirky avant-garde housing projects or a passion for mosaic tiles will be glad to hear there’s a place for them: the Farnam House in Santa Monica.
The folks who reside there have covered the entire house with different murals crafted from mosaic tiles. Plus, the folks who live inside run a decorative tile business.
8. Where Do Famous Architects Live? Here, Let Me Show You
Frank Gehry is a well-known architect based in the area—we know this because he lives inside one of his stunning creations. The Gehry House in Santa Monica is channeling a few things: Dorothy’s house, mid-tornado, and a little metal fortress.
Still, the house itself is very striking, just let the genius work in peace, OK?
9. In The Market For A New Book? Let The Little Free Library Help!
The Little Free Library movement has touched down in Santa Monica—here’s the skinny: in Ocean Park, there stands a red box that’s ben fashioned into two bookshelves, and if you spot a title you like, you can take it. It’s a library, so you should leave a book behind for the next person to find (especially with a little note to pass on!)
10. This Little Spot Checkmates Every Other Park You’ve Been To
Ever wanted to relive that heart-stopping scene from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” where the kids play wizard chess to get that much closer to Voldemort?
Well, while you won’t be riding any stone horses into battle, you can play a mean game of life-size chess at the International Chess Park in Santa Monica.
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Santa Monica? Tell us in the comments below! 
