Parentography > Breakfast at Shoop's, Then to the Beach - Kid-friendly excursions from Parentography.com

by: metaDAD (los angeles, ca), May 24, 2007

parentographer since: May 22, 2007

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I would like to say this is a regular routine for us but since we had Jude (or second child) the morning routine is still a bit spotty on the weekends. This weekend breakfast routine has become something more "special" and less commonplace.

Strangley enough, the key to this experience (as locals will certainly know) is to park in the Santa Monica Beach Parking area right on Ocean Avenue, two longish blocks away from Main Street. I know people from L.A. hate to walk but, trying to find parking on Main Street on the weekends is next to impossible. After loading up on a generous-sized breakfast you may appreciate a little walking.

Shoop's is on Main Street in Santa Monica (diagonal) across the street for the ever-pretentious Urth Cafe. Shoop's remind me of the more old-school delicatesen/cafes from my Brooklyn days - very family friendly, a bit cramped, kinda loud, they always forget my toast, the waitresses are constantly walking around you with a pot or regular and decaf and so forth. Perfect for a young family with kids that like to blab and giggle and (occassionally) drop their toast. Oh, and their sausages are to die for and their omelettes are ginormous.

Yeah there is probably better breakfasts to be had on Main Street (actually I know there is) but we love the atmosphere and proximity to the beach and more importantly the Santa Monica Beach Parking at the end of Holister (on Ocean Avenue). After an early breakfast, we stroll down to the beach. You will find just south of Holister and Ocean (if memory serves me correctly) there is a great playground with a jungle-gym and so forth, right on the beach. Another viable option besides a stroll to the beach is to walk south down Main Street (just beyond the intersection of Rose) to the Farmers Market which has some great flower vendors, and stuff for the kids (the even have a little pony ride thing).

Locals know the beach is a great place for people (and kid) watching. There is the bike/running path which rivals the craziness of the bike paths of Central Park (NYC) on the weekend - picture three or four lanes of bikers, roller bladers, roller skaters and walkers all flying up and down a pedestrian path about 12' wide, good times! The best part is you are right on the beach!

Short Term Parking is good for up to two or three hours and it is the honor system in terms of paying. There are little ticket machines that you use.