I moved to santa monica recently with my 2 kitties to stay temporarily as I apartment shopped around midwilshire this month. I thought it would be a wise profitable relocation as well....WRONG. Its anything but that. It seems very stuffy, a lot of old money , and I feel so isolated here, goin broke and miserable. I know I should give it a chance but....1. I'm hungry and 2, I need to get the hell out of this apartment and find a peaceful stress free spot. I'm thinking el matidor beach but l have romantic memories there so myeh.....I need new ones. New spots. New foods new faces new outlook. But most of all the 1st thing I need is......your suggestions and recommendations, gracias. Maybe someone can relate to this as well

and full of old money where I live in SM.  Sounds to me that you may be living near Montana.  Correct me if I am wrong.

Have you hung out around Main Street?  Off of Main St. on Pier is a cool little cafe with lots of books to read.  Cool little hangout spot

If you venture to Abbott Kinny in Venice there's Abott's Habit which as great sandwiches.  Another great hangout spot.

Sushi Mon on 4th and SM isn't that good any more, but they have a regular happy hour and a late night happy hour.  32oz draft Sapporo for $4 and $4 dollar sake.  Happy hour menu isn't too bad.

If you got to the beach around tower 28 and head towards Venice, there's rarely a crowd.

Feel free to PM if you want more specific suggestions or have any questions.

the Lobster, or Il Fornaio

One of my favorite things to do is to go to Santa Monica Pier and take Trapeze and trampoline classes.  I also love to go on the ferris wheel and go on the rollercoasters.  There are lots of little places to eat on the pier.  I love going there for a great pick me up.

Hugs,
Keisha

Main Street has fun Happy Hours at Enterprise Fish, Chaya Venice, and LaVeccia.  3rd st promenade has lots of stuff.  Go salsa dancing at Monsoon.  Try Casa Del Mar and Shutters for cocktails.  I'm leaving here, but have so many good memories.

Cheers

Not sure where in Samo you are at. I assume with your reference to 'old money', that you have an apt near Montana. Come in closer to the beach, near / off Main St. Some great bars, with fun happy hours. The Coffee Bean on Main is a good gather spot in the mornings. Venture down the street a bit and catch Abbot Kinney- Venice and there are even more good eats, and bars. The Other Room is a great hang out. From Venice Pier to pass El Segundo is a beautiful bike ride in the morning.
I live down here and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. (well Tuscany, but that's a few years away) There isn't anything more peaceful than walking my dog along the beach at sunset.

No matter where you go, there you are.