A day in Santa Monica that starts off with Donuts

I like it when an unplanned day turns out well. Today was one of those days.

This morning, husband said, “Let’s go to Sidecar Doughnuts.”

I never turn down an offer to eat doughnuts (which I mistakenly(?) hashtagged #donut), especially at a place I’ve never been. I’m glad we went because it was quite a delicious experience:

Breakfast at Sidecar Doughnuts

We arrived around 10:30am (today was one of those extra-lazy Sundays), which was average by L.A. standards, and stood in a pretty long line. They cook doughnuts every hour, so the selection is based on what’s available and fresh at the time. We should have gotten there a little earlier because when it was our turn to order, there were only a few flavors available. I ordered the “Choc a lot” doughnut (pictured above), husband ordered the Huckleberry doughnut, and we got Buttermilk Drops (like doughnut holes) for the kid. These doughnuts were amazing. They were warm, cake-like, and melted in your mouth. I was seriously in love.

Love at first bite

The Choc a lot donut reminded me of a molten chocolate cake, but with the melted goodness on the outside. I don’t usually lick food off my fingers, but for this doughnut, I made an exception.

The Huckleberry doughnut was pretty darn good too. It’s a favorite of Yelp reviewers, and co-owner of Sidecar Doughnuts, Brooke Desprez.

The kid enjoyed the Buttermilk Drops, and I’m glad she did because my husband and I not want to share our doughnuts (haha).

I highly recommend a visit to Sidecar Doughnuts, and that you eat your treat on the premises.

Sidecar Doughnuts in Santa Monica is located at 631 Wilshire Blvd. (between 6th and 7th streets). Website: sidecardoughnuts.com

Drop Dad and Kid off at Tongva Park

After doughnuts, I dropped off my husband and daughter a few blocks down the street at Tongva Park. It’s a beautiful, well-designed park that is like a “please-touch” sculpture garden. It’s been almost two years since I’ve visited this park, mainly because free parking isn’t easy to find. That’s why it made sense for me to drop them off and pick them up later, so I could do some shopping on my own!

Tongva Park is located at: 1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: tongvapark.smgov.net

Shop at Third Street Promenade

Parking in structures around Third Street Promenade are free for 90 minutes. It’s quick, but a decent amount of time to hit a few stores, sans toddler. There’s a huge selection of stores, but it’s best to know what’s out there first to make the most of your time.

Third Street Promenade is located at: 1351 3rd Street Promenade #201, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: www.downtownsm.com

Pick up Dad and Kid, then Eat lunch at Bay Cities Deli

Anytime we are in Santa Monica, we like to hit up Bay Cities Deli for our favorite sandwich, The Godmother. If you haven’t been and love Italian sandwiches, it’s a MUST-DO. It’s super crowded on weekends, but because The Godmother is their most popular sandwich, they have several pre-made and wrapped, so there is no waiting. I learned about their pre-made pizza dough today from the customer in line behind me. I didn’t buy one but plan to in the future. Personal size pizza dough made in-house for less than $2.00!

Bay Cities Deli is located at: 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (closed Mondays)
Website: www.baycitiesitaliandeli.com

This post is for informational purposes only. Westside Mommy was not compensated for advertising or promoting these businesses or attractions