At Beach Nation, you can wiggle your toes in the sand in the heart of West Hollywood. The open-air cafe features a sandbox in the middle of the action, palm trees, sea grasses and seaside accoutrements like umbrellas and beach chairs - but no ocean anywhere in sight. Thomas Schoos, the trendy Santa Monica-based designer who is part-owner, helped create the concept. The menu includes artisan sandwiches, salads, pastries, healthy munchies and a weekday happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm.

beachnation.com