What’s New in Santa Monica – Winter 2020
SANTA MONICA, Calif. [January 14, 2020] – A new decade has rolled into Santa Monica and so have some of Southern California’s most-anticipated hotels, restaurants, shopping experiences and events! With fever crowds and cooler temperatures, Santa Monica is the perfect destination to spend the winter months with your toes in the sand, soaking up the California sun.
HOTELS
The Georgian Santa Monica (Pier/Ocean Ave) – The Georgian Santa Monica’s annual winter beach sale has returned. The boutique art-deco hotel is offering 25% offer entire stays exclusively through their website. Guests who book a stay anytime through April 30, 2020 can enjoy a 25% savings in addition to the numerous classic and luxurious amenities the hotel and city have to offer.
Georgianhotel.com
The Ambrose Hotel (Mid-City) – The Ambrose Hotel is offering up to 50% off on Sunday rates when guests book a full weekend this winter. After undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation, The Ambrose Hotel is ready to give visitors an unforgettable experience with signature design rooms, bike rentals to explore the beach and outstanding service. Don’t wait for Spring or Summer to enjoy a break. Continue on with winter relaxation in sunny Santa Monica and enjoy a longer stay with reduced prices through The Ambrose Hotel.
Ambrosehotel.com
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Socalo (Mid-City) – Two of LA’s most beloved chefs, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, return to Santa Monica with one of the most anticipated restaurants of the year, Socalo. Located within the Gateway Hotel in Mid-City, Socalo is a California Canteen and Mexican pub serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner for anyone looking for a fine-dining twist on Mexican food. Socalo is a zero foodprint restaurant that uses organic rice, beans, flour tortillas and locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Socalo.com
Citrin & Mélisse (Wilshire Blvd) – After closing their doors for remodeling in March 2019, Mélisse has reopened with a new look and partnering restaurant Citrin, all from chef, owner and Santa Monica native Josiah Citrin. Citrin is a 77-seat dining room and bar that serves as a bistro, while Mélisse is tucked in the back with an intimate 5-table restaurant setting where there are no waiters, and the chefs personally serve guests. Mélisse was awarded two Michelin stars in 2009 and continues to serve the same fine dining experience in 2020. Citrin serves “progressive California cuisine,” along with some of Mélisse’s famous dishes that helped earn its Michelin Stars.
Citrinandmelisse.com
Fia (Wilshire Blvd) – Inspired by the Italian coast, Fia combines California produce with European techniques to create a unique blend of flavors in rustic dishes with an emphasis on fresh regional seafood. Their lounge brings an all-new distinct menu of cocktails to Santa Monica, with beverages that explore a variety of styles, from a spritzes rooted in Vincenzo’s Italian heritage to a throwback selection of 80’s cocktails. With a selection of more than 25 cocktails sorted into five sections, Fia Lounge offers something for every type of guest.
Fiarestaurant.com
Pasjoli (Main Street) – Michelin-starred chef Dave Beran has introduced his second concept in Santa Monica with Pasjoli, an elevated French bistro that pays homage to French cuisine by utilizing and sourcing the plentiful ingredients of Southern California. Chef Beran creates a sense of exclusivity and magic with semi-mirrored windows and personalized touches to each dish. Pasjoli gives every guest the fine dining experience they expect when in Santa Monica.
Pasjoli.com
Canary (Downtown Santa Monica) – Canary opened its fruitful and tropical doors in early November and has brought a fresh splash of color to Santa Monica. With tropical inspired décor, live music and colorful cocktails, Canary is the perfect destination for anyone looking to liven up their evening in Downtown Santa Monica.
Canarysm.com
ATTRACTIONS
Heal the Bay Aquarium (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Heal the Bay, formally known as the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy and clean. Located under the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium features over 100 local species on exhibit, hands-on activities, and daily educational programs. Throughout the winter months, Heal the Bay Aquarium will host family-friendly events including Aquarium Science Camp, Beach Clean Ups, a 360-degree virtual experience and more.
Healthebay.org
18th Street Art Center (Mid-City) – 18th Street Arts Center is a community space that has provoked public dialogue through contemporary art making, events and art labs for more than 30 years. The art center hosted 16 unique exhibitions and art labs that played with guests’ sense of sight, touch and hearing. Now heading into its 32nd year, the 18th Street Art Center continues to bring Santa Monica some of the best art exhibits and experiences in the region. Their newest exhibit, Las Hijas de los Dias: 7 Female views from the Margins, will focus on seven female-identifying photographers who drew inspiration from Uruguyan writer Edurado Galeano’s book, Los “Hijos de los Dias” from Jan. 27 – April 3, 2020.
18thStreet.org
EVENTS
Arnold Strongman Pro World Series (Pier/Ocean Ave) – International body building icon Arnold Schwarzenegger brings the biggest and strongest athletes from around the world to Santa Monica for the second year in a row to compete at the Arnold Strongman Pro World Series. The Santa Monica Championship Competition will serve as the final qualifier for competitors attempting to compete in the World Championships. The event will take place Saturday, January 18 from 12 to 4 p.m. on the Santa Monica Pier. A portion of the proceeds raised from the competition will be donated to Santa Monica, Ventura County and CalFire charities.
Arnoldsportsfestival.com
Fireside at the Miles (Mid-City) – Santa Monica’s historic Miles Memorial Playhouse will host the 11th annual Fireside at the Miles, an intimate performance series featuring a mix of world-class music, dance and comedy. The series will kick ff at 8p.m. on Friday, January 10 with the series ending on Saturday, February 22.
Smgov.net
Santa Monica Place Lunar New Year Celebration (Downtown Santa Monica) – Santa Monica Place will transform their plaza for a Lunar New Year celebration commemorating the Year of the Rat. Performances include a traditional Chinese lion dance, Korean fan dance, stilt walkers and much more. All festivities take place on Saturday, January 25 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Santamonicaplace.com
SHOPPING
Tazga (Downtown Santa Monica) – New this winter, the Third Street Promenade welcomed Tazga, a sister-owned fashion and lifestyle clothing store from Tatiana and Gabriela Flores. The shop offers bottoms, jackets, jumpsuits, home décor and more. Tazga, and their trendy, modern-chic looks can be found on the northern-most block of the Third Street Promenade.
Shop-tazga.com
Santa Monica Place (Downtown Santa Monica) – Guest Services at Santa Monica Place now offers shopping bag and luggage storage at the Concierge Lounge. With rates starting as low as $5, Santa Monica Place’s luggage storage is a great service to take advantage of to free up your hands when exploring the shops, city and beach. Santamonicaplace.com
Trader Joe’s (Wilshire Blvd) – Santa Monica’s second Trader Joe’s location has opened on Wilshire Boulevard. Located across the street from Whole Foods and near Erewhon Market, Trader Joe’s gives Santa Monica residents and visitors more health-conscious options when shopping for groceries.
TraderJoes.com
Santa Monica Airport Antique Market (Ocean Park Blvd) – Find some of the best treasures at the Santa Monica Airport Antique Market. Noted as one of America’s Top Ten Flea Markets, this market is a must for collectors, decorators, designers and anyone who loves a day of antique shopping. This kid and dog-friendly market operates the first and fourth Sunday of every month from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be accessed through the Santa Monica Airport at 3223 Donald Douglas Loop S, Santa Monica, CA.
Santamonicaairportantiquemarket.com
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For travel and accommodation information or a free copy of the official Visitors Guide, the public can write to the Santa Monica Visitor Center, 2427 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405; call (310) 319-6263; visit www.santamonica.com; or email info@santamonica.com. Follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), Twitter (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Contact: Lauren Salisbury
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
310-319-6263
lsalisbury@santamonica.com
