WHAT’S NEW IN SANTA MONICA – SPRING 2025
Santa Monica Blooms This Spring with New Restaurants, Experiences and Programming
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 24, 2025) – The spring season in Santa Monica welcomes a wave of vibrant new hotel, restaurant and cultural offerings across the destination. Enjoy a spring getaway to Santa Monica and be amongst the first to experience world-famous soup-dumplings alongside ocean views at Din Tai Fung at Santa Monica Place, shop the latest tech at Google Store on Third Street Promenade and enjoy a newly debuted brunch experience at Regent Santa Monica Beach’s Orla. From farmers market-fresh dining and renewing wellness treatments to flourishing arts programming and buzzing seasonal events, spring has sprung in Santa Monica!
HOTELS
Shutters on the Beach Lobby Renovation (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – A landmark of luxury along the Pacific coast, Shutters on the Beach has unveiled a thoughtfully redesigned lobby in collaboration with acclaimed LA-based design firm Nickey Kehoe. Affectionately dubbed “The Living Room,” the new lobby seamlessly blends the hotel’s historic Cape Cod elegance with a light, airy atmosphere to match the fresh Pacific breezes that drift through it. The result is a sense of timeless, laid-back coastal luxury one can only find in Santa Monica. Prioritizing sustainability and giving back to the community, all furniture replaced in the renovation has been pledged to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires through Santa MoniCARES.
santamonica.com/hotels/shutters-on-the-beach/
New Wellness Offerings at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (Wilshire) – Renowned for world-class health and wellness offerings, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel presents their newly created Wellness Grand King rooms equipping guests with top workout equipment and accessories including a Peloton bike, Theragun and more for an elevated private fitness experience. For those in search of relaxing wellness opportunities, the property has also leaned into the “sleep tourism” travel trend with an exclusive in-room Lullaby Sound Bath. The hour-long experience invites guests to conclude their day with a guided in-room sound bath session to calm both mind and body before drifting off to sleep.
santamonica.com/hotels/santa-monica-proper-hotel/
Brunch Service at Orla at Regent Santa Monica Beach (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Orla by celebrity Chef Michael Mina invites guests to an indulgent brunch experience featuring family-style appetizers, bold takes on brunch dishes and decadent desserts. Designed for leisurely conversations and relaxation, Orla invites guests to enjoy the fresh ocean breezes over a luxurious weekend brunch.
santamonica.com/restaurants/orla/
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Din Tai Fung (Downtown) – Din Tai Fung is now open at Santa Monica Place, offering diners an authentic culinary experience first originated in Taiwan in 1958. Coupled with ocean views from their patio and a distinctly Santa Monica beach aesthetic, the new restaurant promises a world-class combination of food, service and atmosphere. Din Tai Fung is renowned across the globe for its flavorful, meticulously crafted soup dumplings and savory noodle dishes that utilize fresh ingredients.
santamonica.com/restaurants/din-tai-fung/
SELINE (Main Street) – Just a few months after its debut, SELINE was announced as one of 15 restaurants in California added to the 2025 Michelin Guide. A new concept by acclaimed Chef Dave Beran, SELINE is designed to encourage a relationship between diners and the kitchen by removing barriers and implementing a service style that encourages conversation. The restaurant’s 15-18 course menu presents flavors inspired by Southern California through a memorable dining experience.
santamonica.com/restaurants/seline
Fogo de Chão (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – The renowned Brazilian restaurant chain expands into Santa Monica with a new seaside location now open on Ocean Avenue. In addition to the premium churrasco meats they are known for, Fogo De Chão serves classic Brazilian side dishes, desserts and festive cocktails complete with tableside service for an immersive dining experience.
santamonica.com/restaurants/fogo-de-chao
Cosetta (Ocean Park) – Celebrated Chef Zach Pollack brings California Italian cuisine to the charming Ocean Park neighborhood serving small plates, house baked bread, salads made with seasonal ingredients and signature puffy-crusted pizzas. Diners will enjoy a meal on the expansive alfresco patio, or take things indoors for a refreshing cocktail or zero-proof beverage in the chic dining room incorporating earthy colors and texture.
santamonica.com/restaurants/cosetta
Sampa’s Pizza (Wilshire) – Sampa’s Pizza opened its doors on Wilshire Boulevard, marking the restaurant’s third location. Owned by Gustavo Siqueira, Sampa’s presents a unique take on pizza incorporating Brazilian, Italian and American influences. Sampa’s will also operate as a coffee shop serving decadent Brazilian coffee for a charming new all-day eatery option.
santamonica.com/restaurants/sampas-pizza-cafe
H&H Bagels (Montana Ave.) – The iconic New York City staple H&H Bagels is now serving warm, freshly baked bagels and sandwiches at their first West Coast location on Montana Avenue. Known for its TV appearances on beloved hit shows like “Seinfeld” and “The Office,” H&H Bagels first opened in 1972 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Their beloved bagels are made with non-GMO ingredients, unbleached flour and 13 grams of protein for a hearty, high-quality bite.
santamonica.com/restaurants/h-h-bagels/
ARTS & CULTURE
Clay Cafe (Wilshire) – Visitors are invited to unleash their creativity at Clay Cafe, a new addition to Santa Monica’s arts and culture landscape inviting all to experience the joy of pottery painting. This unique pottery studio is a combination Paint-Your-Own-Pottery studio and coffee shop where guests can connect with friends or meet new ones while they explore their artistic side.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/clay-cafe-620/
Spring Exhibitions at Bergamot Station Arts (Mid-City) – Bergamot Station is the largest art gallery and cultural complex of its kind on the West Coast, with over 100 years of history as an active railroad station and factory before being repurposed as a creative campus. Bergamot Station contains over 25 individual galleries and creative venues highlighting rising artists, abstract pieces, stunning photography, architectural design and more. This season, Bergamot Station welcomes new exhibitions including:
- ”Out My Window” at Galerie XII now until April 26
- “Allen Harrison: Realm of Wonder” at Lois Lambert Gallery now until May 10
- “Kevork Cholakian: Look Again, Ceramics” at Lois Lambert Gallery now until May 10
- “Daveed Shwartz: Once in a Blue Moon” at Lois Lambert Gallery now until May 10
- “The World of Sebastião Salgado” at Peter Fetterman Gallery now until June 21
- “Hillary Gruenberg: Enchantment” at Lois Lambert Gallery from May 17 to July 5
- “Pnosa: Simultaneously Coming Together” at Lois Lambert Gallery from May 17 to July 5
santamonica.com/things-to-do/bergamot-station-arts-center
Spring Exhibitions at 18th Street Arts Center (Mid-City) – 18th Street Arts Center is dedicated to supporting the creation of meaningful work, utilizing performance art and fine art to foster positive social change and support engaging, diverse artists. The Center also hosts the largest artist residency program in Southern California, providing artists space to create and share the impactful results with the public through exhibition and community engagement programs. 18thStreet Arts Center’s new exhibitions this season include:
- “The Healing Heart of LA Design Competition” from April 28 to May 5
- “Art for Renewal: A Benefit Art Sale for Fire Recovery” now until May 18
- “The Irish Contemporaries” from June 7 to June 27
santamonica.com/things-to-do/18th-street-arts-center
“Quilts” at the California Heritage Museum (Main Street) – Artist Michael C. Thorpe presents his largest exhibition to date, showcasing over 50 contemporary quilts and an original sculptural installation now through May 4 at the California Heritage Museum.
santamonica.com/event/michael-c-thorpe-quilts-a-solo-exhibition/2025-05-03
SHOPPING/RETAIL
Google Store Santa Monica (Downtown) – Third Street Promenade’s lineup of top retail offerings continues to expand with the new Google Store Santa Monica, one of only six brick-and-mortar Google stores in the world and the first in Southern California. The new outpost offers a hands-on shopping experience with the latest Google hardware and technology, from smartphones and smart home devices to accessories and more. The Google Store provides a space for customers to explore, test and purchase Google products while receiving expert advice from knowledgeable staff.
santamonica.com/shopping/google-store-santa-monica
WELLNESS
Fred Fitness (Downtown) – AI-powered gym concept Fred Fitness debuted its first ever location in the Downtown neighborhood. The 11,500-square-foot space is revolutionizing health and fitness training by utilizing the latest technology to deliver personalized workout plans based on each individual’s goals, condition and abilities. Fred Fitness welcomes gym goers with a free assessment to measure body composition, metabolic baseline and overall fitness capabilities to kick off the innovative workout experience. In addition to its high-tech capabilities, Fred Fitness offers friendly, knowledgeable personal trainers and intuitive gym equipment to ensure the best workout.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/fred-fitness/
EVENTS
Wellness & Waves at the Santa Monica Pier (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Welcome spring with free wellness programming at the Santa Monica Pier! Every Saturday now through October 11, enjoy the ocean breeze with a group run followed by a yoga and pilates class on the world-famous Pier for a fresh way to experience the beloved landmark.
santamonica.com/event/wellness-waves/2025-04-05
10th Annual MAINopoly (Main Street) – Enjoy a taste of Santa Monica’s vibrant dining scene with MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street on Sunday, May 25. From trending food spots and upscale restaurants to hidden gems and delicious desserts, visit every location for a chance to win a special prize at this popular community culinary event.
santamonica.com/event/10th-annual-mainopoly-a-taste-of-main-street
Main Street Summer Soulstice (Main Street) – The beloved annual festival returns to Main Street on Saturday, June 21, inviting all to a free celebration featuring live entertainment, local artists, drink tastings and more. Summer Soulstice provides fun for the whole family, featuring children’s activities and even a pet zone for furry friends.
santamonica.com/event/summer-soulstice-festival
Pier 360 Beach Festival (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – The Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival is a can’t-miss annual event, inviting visitors and locals alike to hit the beach at this free festival for all ages on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. Programming includes ocean sports competitions, food and drinks, live entertainment and games during a weekend celebrating Southern California’s iconic beach culture near the legendary Santa Monica Pier.
santamonica.com/event/santa-monica-pier-360-beach-festival/2025-06-28
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