SANTA MONICA, Calif., (May 2, 2022) – As springtime transitions to summer fun, Santa Monica in May is a sun-filled time to visit one of Los Angeles’ most popular beach cities. Perfectly situated on 3.5 miles of quintessential Southern California coastline, Santa Monica offers unique and luxurious accommodations, an abundance of outdoor dining selections, open-air wellness events and activities, along with indoor attractions to beat the heat or change of pace from the hectic rigors of relaxation in the sun and surf.
HOTELS
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Fairmont Miramar’s FIG introduces “Farmer’s Market Package” hosted by Culinary Director Jason Prendergast. Chef Prendergast is inviting guests to become part of the FIG kitchen team with an exclusive insider look at how he selects ultra-seasonal ingredients at the beloved Downtown Farmers Market. This intimate farm-to-table shopping and cooking experience allows up to four guests to accompany Chef Prendergast during a Saturday morning Farmers Market visit to select ingredients of their choice to use at dinner at FIG later that evening. Guests will then return to FIG to dine on their selected items prepared by Chef and team – a truly one-of-a-kind and personalized experience that adds a new meaning to “locally sourced.” The Farmer’s Market Package is available for a limited time on one Saturday of each month, now through September, and includes a picture and champagne toast with Chef Prendergast to commemorate the unique culinary experience.
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Welcome to the recently opened Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites, located in the heart of sunny Santa Monica and ushering in a fresh new aesthetic and chic destination to the California bucket list city known for its perfect balance of seaside charm and coastal sophistication. Situated just a few blocks from the shores of the Pacific, the former DoubleTree by Hilton is Santa Monica’s newest lifestyle hotel offering more suites with spacious accommodations – all with unique layouts to accommodate an array of guests’ needs and this new era of travel. The hotel draws aesthetics from the Southern California coast and the newly developed breeding ground for tech innovation, Silicon Beach, while seamlessly interweaving elements of the destination’s rich legacy as a source of inspiration for artists, musicians, innovators, and filmmakers. Walking distance from trendy Santa Monica Beach and Pier and minutes from Third Street Promenade, Venice Beach and Malibu Beach, Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, friendly service and an unbeatable location with easy access to the Santa Monica Freeway and Southern California’s most popular destinations. Spearheading the hotel’s culinary program is Los Angeles native, Edy Lucas, known for his work at Manhattan Beach’s The Strand House and Fishing with Dynamite. Executive Chef Lucas’ Monica’s, Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites’ full-service restaurant and bar, celebrates fresh ingredients, local farmers markets, and the surrounding community. The menu changes seasonally to showcase Southern California’s freshest produce and its opening menu features American classics while flirting with international flavors. Hilton Honors members can earn both points and miles for every qualifying stay through the award-winning Hilton Honors program. Click here for more information.
Viceroy Santa Monica (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue at Viceroy Santa Monica, the ultimate indoor-outdoor coastal dining concept with the laid-back fun and sun of Southern California is now open. Enjoy sipping cocktails by the pool, working quietly in the lounge, meeting friends for a meal, and getting social in the evenings. The menus are full of captivating culinary creations, the drinks are a celebration of modern mixology and the design features inviting spaces for any occasion. Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue is now featuring its spring menu that aims to transport guests on a journey through California’s diverse coastline with line-caught seafood and market fresh produce. The restaurant is increasing vegan offerings and utilizing ingredients reflective of the changing seasons like pea shoots and California spot prawns in the bright and light spring iterations of Chef Jason Francisco’s daily sunrise and sunset menus. Click here for more information.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
McCall’s Meat & Fish Co. (Montana Ave.) – Now open in Santa Monica, the goal for McCall’s Meat & Fish Co. is to create a gourmet neighborhood market featuring the highest quality meats, fish, farmers market produce, pastries and retail accompaniments. Mission accomplished, as they offer a selection of specialty cheeses along with handpicked items to stock any pantry while striving to bring the best quality products needed to create any meal, from simple to fine dining, in the comfort of home. Click here for more information.
Urban Skillet (Main Street) – Urban Skillet is the only burger restaurant in the Los Angeles area that exclusively has a 100 percent halal menu. Urban Skillet is American fusion with popular items including loaded tots and hand-blended shakes, burgers featuring Southern BBQ and Truffle Burger, sides with a variety of fries and specialty items such as Urban Frenchie and Flamin Dog. Click here for more information.
The Brother’s Sushi (Montana Ave.) –The Brothers Sushi is a Japanese food and sushi bar that specializes in high-end cuisine made from fresh quality ingredients from all around the world. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Mark Okuda and his team offers exquisite food, friendly service and an inviting environment for everyone to enjoy. They present seasonal Omakase Chefs courses or al a carte options. In addition, a Sake Advisor is on site. Click here for more information.
Nostalgia Bar & Lounge (Pico Blvd.) – A new American eatery and watering hole concept from the minds of Chris Sayegh and The Herbal Chef™ Team, that evokes fond memories of childhood Americana through a familiar, yet whimsically sophisticated menu and ambiance. Creature comforts from back in the day are reimagined utilizing Sayegh’s technical culinary background, paired with expertise from THC’s team – Chef and Partner Jared Ventura, Services Director Jack Goldberg, and Beverage Director Bradley Fry, to create playful New American bites and a quality bar program. Guests can sip inventive CBD and terpene-infused cocktails that draw inspiration from nostalgic delights like Otter-Pops, Orange Julius, and Capri Suns, play old-school board games like Operation and Battleship in the lounge, or kick back on the numerous picnic tables situated on the expansive outdoor patio. Click here for more information.
Kitchen United Mix (Downtown Santa Monica) – For foodies who love variety, Kitchen United Mix is the future of takeout and delivery, as the nation’s first “Multi-Restaurant Ordering” to-go experience. It’s the only destination that allows culinary fans that love variety to order meals from a wide-range of restaurants in Santa Monica including Fuku, Wow Bao, Camile Thai, Continental Empanadas, and MIX Snax, all on the same bill. Click here for more information.
Sharetea (Downtown Santa Monica) – Now in Santa Monica, Sharetea is the most authentic Boba Tea brand from Taiwan, and along with their Bubble Tea, they are made from high quality tea leaves and selected ingredients shipped directly from Taiwan. In addition to over 50 regular Boba tea menu items such as milk tea, fruit tea, smoothie or hot beverages, Sharetea keeps creating bubblicious seasonal new flavored tea and provides incredible tea experiences. Click here for more information.
Shunji (Ocean Park Blvd.) – This Michelin star Japanese restaurant by legendary Chef Shunji Nakao has now relocated to Ocean Park Blvd. Omakase is the specialty at this small but refined eatery with a Californian touch. Should guests be interested in Sake, a sommelier is on hand. Click here for more information.
Sol Agave (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – From a dream that began inside a 17-foot food truck with the burning desire to change the way guests perceived food truck cuisine, these foodies have always believed that Mexican fare should be more. Sol Agave in Santa Monica brings a complex, modern, enjoyable and healthier Mexican food for pure enjoyment. Click here for more information.
SHOPPING
Knix (Main Street) – Knix is redefining intimates and encouraging everyone to live unapologetically free. Free from judgment. Free from self-doubt. Free to be yourself. That’s why all their products, from the most comfortable wireless bras to super absorbent underwear, are designed to make you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Click here for more information.
2nd STREET (Main Street) – 2nd STREET Santa Monica is the store for men’s and women’s second-hand clothing and accessories. They buy and sell gently used clothing and accessories. Merchandise is always fresh as they regularly import second-hand items from Japan, in addition to buying used items from individuals. Expect to find high quality designer brands, unique vintage items and trendy pre-owned clothing, shoes and accessories. Click here for more information.
SUSU (Main Street) – The travels of Susu Zheng, the founder and chief designer of SUSU Handbags, along with the fashion scene of Los Angeles and the world influence SUSU handbags. From chic crossbody purses to unique clutches to stylish backpacks to functional wristlet to traditional shoulder bags accented with simple hardware, SUSU’s fleet of sleek, versatile designs continues to deliver timeless, tasteful styles for the professional woman seeking handbags that are classic and modern all at once. Click here for more information.
ATTRACTIONS
BODIES 2.0: The Universe Within (Downtown Santa Monica) – BODIES 2.0: The Universe Within has been experienced by millions of people worldwide. The exhibition shows over 200 actual human specimens, whole bodies and organs respectfully displayed, offering an unprecedented and entirely unique view into the amazing human body. Did you ever wonder how the human body is composed and put together? Have you ever wanted to understand how the conservation process of specimens works? The Exhibition in Santa Monica will provide the answers to both of these questions in a surprising, jaw dropping and spectacular way. Click here for more information.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Aviator Nation RIDE (Main Street) – Ride, box and yoga classes are available daily at Aviator Nation RIDE in Santa Monica. Plus don’t miss the full collection of RIDE apparel and accessories. Click here for class schedules and more information.
Calming Spot (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Beach meditation soundbaths take place on Santa Monica Beach. The views are beautiful and there really is nothing like a soundbath meditation while breathing in the fresh ocean air. The powerful energy of the beach, waves, sunset, and soft winds make these soundbath meditations a very powerful experience for all ages. Click here for class schedules and more information.
Chateau Beauty Bar (Downtown Santa Monica) – Pampering from head to toe is the latest beauty experience for men and women with services for all hair types and skin tones. Chateau Beauty Bar now offers a jewelry line and makeup with plans to perform lashes, eyebrows, nails and facials. For more information, call 424-727-9190.
Love For Pilates (Main Street) – Love for Pilates offers a contemporary approach to classical Pilates specializing in group reformer classes focusing on total body conditioning. Their certified, friendly instructors will provide a safe, effective, total body workout certain to bring results. Sculpt, strengthen and stretch your body to new lengths. Click here for class schedules and more information.
EVENTS
MAINopoly (Main Street) – Celebrate Memorial Day weekend and experience the best restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and more by participating in the 7th Annual “MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street” on Sunday, May 29 from 12-5 p.m. This all ages event is a fun take on the classic board game, giving players access to tastings at over 20 participating locations. Stop at every location for a chance to win free prizes. Throw on your top hats and monocles, get your “dice” ready, and make your way down Main Street for a culinary walking tour of the street’s finest eateries. Learn more.
SaMo Pride (Santa Monica) – SaMo Pride is an altruistic partnership between the Santa Monica Pier, Downtown Santa Monica, and Santa Monica Place, in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, to host a variety of Pride events in June throughout the city including Pride Month Kick-off with a Pride Proclamation presented by the City of Santa Monica, City Hall building, streets and pier illuminated in rainbow colors, Rainbow Road Art Walk features original creations by LGBTQIA+ artists, Annenberg Community Beach House presents Pride at the Beach event, and Santa Monica Public Library invites folks of all ages to celebrate Pride through reading, among others. Also, the annual Santa Monica Queer Prom is sponsored by Santa MoniCARES with the Gender and Sexuality Alliance from Santa Monica High School, the Church in Ocean Park and the City of Santa Monica, to assist with the organization’s event at the Annenberg Community Beach House. Learn more about SaMo Pride 2022.
Illuminated By Art And Light (Montana Ave.) – The City of Santa Monica recently unveiled a tree art and light installation spanning ten blocks of the Montana Avenue business district. The installation aims to support the economic recovery of the area amidst ongoing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and can be viewed through September 2022. Each block features a Ficus tree that has been transformed into a unique, illuminated work of art with themes that range from whimsical butterflies and flowers to hanging lanterns, chandeliers, and colored panes. The installation is a partnership between the City’s Art of Recovery initiative and the Montana Avenue Merchants Association. Click here for more information.
IN THE NEWS
Downtown Farmers Market Named 10Best by USA Today (Downtown Santa Monica) – According to USA Today, the fast-growing farm-to-table movement has led to a surge of farmer’s markets popping up all over the country, with over 8,600 markets registered in the United States. Many have become a weekly highlight for regulars, with food stalls and produce quality that can’t be found anywhere else. A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 10Best Farmers Market nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular reader vote. Santa Monica’s very own Downtown Farmers Market was #10 in the top 10 winners list in the Best Farmers Market category in 2022. Click here to see the entire list.
Interdepartmental Pier Task Force (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – A new multi-department task force to patrol unlicensed vending on the Pier has already shown results in an effort that will make a long-term dent in the Pier’s unlicensed vending problems. The City of Santa Monica has launched a new interdepartmental task force focused on criminal activity associated with unlicensed vending at the Santa Monica Pier. The group includes representatives from SMPD, SMFD, Public Works, Code Enforcement and the City Attorney’s Office. While the task force is composed of Santa Monica employees it works in partnership with county offices including the County Department of Public Health. Read the full story.
Santa Monica Named LEED Platinum City (Santa Monica) – The U.S. Green Building Council has named the City of Santa Monica a LEED Platinum City, the first city to achieve Platinum level certification in LEED for Cities Version 4.1. LEED was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED for Cities evaluated the City of Santa Monica’s performance on energy, water, waste, transportation, education, health, safety, prosperity and equitability outcomes. Read the full story.
About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) works to strengthen our local economy by enhancing and promoting our communities as a distinctive, compelling and welcoming travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), Twitter (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
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