Southern California’s Chic Beach City Boasts Luxury Shopping, Acclaimed Restaurants, Boutique Hotels & Historic Sites
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – With its blend of California chic and laid-back vibes, Santa Monica has long been a favored hotspot, getaway and hideaway for celebrities, scenesters and dealmakers. Nestled on a picturesque stretch of Los Angeles County coastline, the famously fashionable beach city offers a wealth of luxury shopping, award-winning restaurants, boutique hotels and iconic, fun-in-the-sun destinations like the Santa Monica Pier.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Kardashian to enjoy the good life in Santa Monica. Let us pull back the velvet rope and invite you to enjoy a curated portfolio of celeb-worthy sites and indulgent experiences to make you feel like the star you are — personal assistant not included.
Where to Stay
For a return to Old Hollywood, visit The Beacon, which has stood across from Santa Monica Beach since 1928. Sunsets from the rooftop bar are divine and so is the seafood at The Albright, much of it locally sourced. 1301 Ocean Ave. www.sonder.com/destinations/los_angeles/the-beacon/c35521
The Georgian Hotel is a 1933 Art Deco icon famous for hosting legends like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable. Its 56 rooms and 28 suites offer stunning ocean views, and The Georgian Room is the city’s most exclusive underground bar. Want to splurge? Enjoy a catered day trip aboard a 65-foot yacht, paired with an overnight suite stay. 1415 Ocean Ave. www.thegeorgian.com
Fairmont Miramar now offers Santa Monica’s first wellness suite, an 800-sq.-ft. oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. The Bryte Balance mattress delivers bespoke comfort for each sleeper while built-in “Somnify” technology provides meditation exercises and sound therapy. 101 Wilshire Blvd. www.fairmont-miramar.com/accommodations/serenity-suite/
Opening soon, Regent Santa Monica Beach will offer an ultra-luxury resort experience, including a deck with multiple pools, a full-service spa and beach butler service. Still to be announced is a new restaurant concept from a celebrity chef. 1700 Ocean Ave. www.regenthotels.com
Don’t leave your fur babies behind! Wag Hotels’ new Santa Monica site offers pet owners premium boarding accommodations, including private rooms with plush bedding, enrichment activities, indoor/outdoor play time, seasonal camps, themed parties and photo updates by app. 1653 19th St. www.waghotels.com/santa-monica
Where to Dine
Josiah Citrin’s Michelin two-starred Mélisse now offers an intimate “backstage” dining experience, while his newest restaurant, Citrin, serves a menu of seasonally driven California cuisine. 1104 Wilshire Blvd. www.citrinandmelisse.com
Awarded a recent Michelin Bib of the Week, Cobi’s is distinguished for its wide-reaching Southeast Asian menu. Trythe Beef Rendang or Devil Curry with rice, roti and a chili-and-sambal sampler to turn up the heat. 2104 Main St. www.cobis.la
Isla, the new seafood restaurant from chef Brian Bornemann, features a wood-fired assortment of skewers, pasture-raised birds, sustainable local fish, charcuterie and grilled vegetables. 2424 Main St. www.isla-la.com
Inspired by the markets of Paris, award-winning chef Dave Beran’s Pasjoli pays homage to classic French bistro fare using fresh, local ingredients. 2732 Main St. www.pasjoli.com
Chef/owner Jeremy Fox’s Michelin-starred Rustic Canyon features an ever-changing menu of “beautiful vegetables, local seafood, house-made terrines and charcuterie, and California’s finest meats and poultry.” 1119 Wilshire Blvd. www.rusticcanyonrestaurant.com
Inspired by the charms of Tuscany, Sogno Toscano is a new luxury wine bar, espresso bar and marketplace with counter service, indoor seating and open-air dining. 1512 Montana Ave. www.sognotoscano.com/st-cafe-santa-monica
Executive chef David Yamaguchi’s new signature restaurant, The Surfing Fox, serves “coastal casual” cuisine with a Southern California twist at the Pierside Hotel. 120 Colorado Ave. www.thesurfingfoxsm.com
Other Santa Monica standouts include Birdie G’s, Cassia, Colapasta, Chinois on Main, Élephante, Fia, The Lobster, Lunetta, Michael’s, Milo and Olive, Mon Ami and Tūmbi.
Where to Shop
For the latest looks and to-die-for finds, visit Santa Monica Place, a three-level temple of upscale boutiques and luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Hugo Boss, Peloton and Tesla. 395 Santa Monica Place. www.santamonicaplace.com
“Curated closets from celebrities, stylists and influencers” are available on an always-changing basis at Open Closit, a stylish new boutique that rents and lists designer wardrobes. 1528 Montana Ave. www.openclosit.com
Headquartered in Santa Monica, designer Mitchell Binder’s King Baby brand blends the sexy swagger of rock n’ roll with handcrafted, artisanal jewelry in a uniquely American style. 1621 12th St. www.kingbabystudio.com
Hoorsenbuhs (pronounced “horse-en-boo”) is a lifestyle brand whose flagship jewelry store showcases the vision of creative chief Robert Keith and brand director Kether Parker. Since it debuted in 2005, the luxury label has attracted celebrity fans such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Cara Delevingne and Alessandra Ambrosio. 2217 Main St. www.hoorsenbuhs.com
What’s Happening
Each year, The People’s Choice Awards honor the best in movies, television, music and pop culture, as chosen by fans. The 2024 awards will stream live on NBC, E!, and Peacock on Sunday, Feb. 18, from Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar.
On March 25, celebrities and power brokers will gather next to the Santa Monica Pier for the annual Spirit Awards, which celebrates outstanding work in independent film. The organization previously has honored movies such as Everything Everywhere All at Once, Nomadland, Get Out, Brokeback Mountain and Pulp Fiction.
To see and be seen, check the Santa Monica Events Calendar for a curated list of daily stage shows, festivals, fundraisers, art exhibitions, farmers markets, and be sure to save the date for these popular annual events.
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ABOUT SANTA MONICA TRAVEL & TOURISM
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is a nonprofit organization chartered to strengthen the local economy by promoting our community as a vibrant, accessible and inclusive travel destination. For more information, visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow us on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica) and X/Twitter (@GoSantaMonica).
