Santa Monica Insider

SANTA MONICA INSIDER

CALIFORNIA, UNITED SATES

WELCOME TO SANTA MONICA. Our iconic coastal city is a place where inspiration, sophistication and effortless relaxation come together along 3.5 miles of sparkling coastline. With eight distinctive neighborhoods, more than 400 restaurants and a vibrant blend of culture, creativity and coastal energy, Santa Monica offers an experience that is both timeless and ever-evolving. From the birthplace of twoperson volleyball to the historic Original Muscle Beach, the city has long been a California playground, attracting Hollywood legends while embracing both historic charm and new trends.

Amazing weather, thriving headquarters for major companies, locally-loved boutiques and renowned cultural landmarks all contribute to Santa Monica’s dynamic appeal.

A community built on diverse perspectives and world-class talent, Santa Monica celebrates thoughtful craftsmanship and the art of living well. Michelin-recognized dining, curated wellness offerings, oceanfront retreats and globally-inspired cuisine reflect a destination shaped by creativity and guided by a warm, welcoming spirit. Every visit contributes to the city’s ongoing story, adding new moments of discovery and connection.

With its intersection of near-perfect weather, outdoor activities and abundant locally grown food, it’s no wonder Santa Monica is a hub of healthy living. In a rapidly changing, fast-paced world, Santa Monica’s continued emphasis on wellness and health, both physical and mental, is more relevant now than ever. During your stay here, pristine beaches, curated wellness offerings, globally inspired cuisine and countless hidden gems create memorable opportunities to explore. During your travels through the city, supportive hospitality professionals, local experts and passionate residents embody the sense of community that defines Santa Monica, offering insight, guidance and genuine care when needed.

If celebrating the iconic side of Santa Monica is on your list, be sure to explore Route 66 – which holds a significant place in the city’s history, marking the terminus of this iconic highway that served as a lifeline for travelers during the mid-20th century.

As the “End of the Trail,” Santa Monica became emblematic of the American Dream and the promise of the open road. Today, the city is honored to welcome you as part of this ongoing story and we hope your time here brings joy, inspiration and meaningful connections. Thank you for choosing Santa Monica as the backdrop for your Southern California experience.

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SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH

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SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH

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OCEANA SANTA MONICA

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CONTENTS Welcome to Santa Monica

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3-Day Itinerary

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World-Class Accommodations

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Signature Culinary Experiences

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Designer Shopping & Styles

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Wellness & Rejuvenation

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Sustainable Travel

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Exclusive Cultural & Leisure Activities

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3-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 — ARRIVAL & CURATED COASTAL EXPERIENCES Ease into your trip with the kind of unhurried California morning Santa Monica is known for, by arriving aboard a luxury flight with JSX, Aero or PS LAX. First, enjoy a seasonal, California breakfast at The Georgian Hotel’s Sirena while taking in views of the Pacific Ocean.

Follow it with a visit to the Guerlain Wellness Spa at Regent Santa Monica Beach for one of their signature rituals in a private suite. For extra indulgence, pair your treatment with champagne or curated aromatherapy.

Next, settle into a leisurely late lunch within FIG at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, whose menu celebrates the region’s bounty of fresh produce and flavors. Don’t miss the bistro’s classics like the lobster cobb salad and free range roasted chicken, which sit alongside vibrant, market-driven specials.

As the afternoon fades, experience the area’s iconic SoCal sunsets from a

REGENT SANTA MONICA BEACH

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different perspective. For this, you’ll head to the skies on a Sunset Helicopter Tour arranged by the team at Oceana Santa Monica or Maverick Helicopters. While in the air, take in breathtaking aerial views of Santa Monica, Malibu and the Pacific coastline at golden hour.

Cap it off with an evening cocktail at Sandbourne Santa Monica’s stunning, earth-toned bar Marelle, before an elegant dinner at Mélisse. Founded in 1999 by chef Josiah Citrin, this twoMichelin-star restaurant in the heart of Santa Monica’s Wilshire Boulevard offers one of the most intimate fine-dining experiences in Los Angeles. Dishes evolve with the seasons on the restaurant’s contemporary French tasting menu and often include Citrin’s signature hay-smoked chicken and delicately composed seafood courses that showcase California’s coastal bounty.

HUNTLEY SANTA MONICA BEACH

DAY 2 — PRIVATE SEA & CULINARY INDULGENCES Your second day in Santa Monica is all about enjoying the beauty of California, first by taking in views at a chic restaurant with ocean views, ORLA. Enjoy fresh juices and breakfast favorites such as a Mediterranean-inspired shakshuka or superfood yogurt, before setting off on your first adventure of the day: The Riva Experience, a private yacht cruise curated by The Georgian.

On board this fully crewed, Italiandesigned Riva yacht, you’ll sail from Santa Monica to Malibu and back in style. This completely private sailing is rounded out with champagne and curated canapés for an elevated on-deck experience as you take in panoramic views.

After returning to shore, take time to unwind. You could opt to relax in your ocean-view suite with an in-room spa treatment. Or, let your concierge arrange

a personalized experience, such as a curated shopping excursion on Montana Avenue.

As evening approaches, make your way to cocktail hour at The Penthouse at The Huntley Santa Monica Beach — one of the area’s best dining destinations above a luxurious high-rise. Take in sweeping city-to-ocean views as you sip creative, bespoke cocktails and enjoy live music at this rooftop bar.

For dinner, continue to explore Santa Monica’s culinary scene with a visit to Mélisse’s sister restaurant, Citrin.

Although you can’t go wrong with any table at this French-Californian, Michelinstar restaurant, consider reserving the chef’s table for a semi-private experience, complete with a sommelierselected wine pairing that highlights the restaurant’s seasonal compositions.

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GETTY VILLA

DAY 3 — SURF, ART & SUNSET ELEGANCE In true SoCal style, start your day in Santa Monica with a beachside breakfast followed by a surfing session. Fuel up while taking in the ocean views at 1 Pico within Shutters on the Beach, where the Italian-American menu includes classics like omelettes and benedicts alongside burrata-topped toast.

Then meander down to the beach for your private surf lesson arranged by Oceana Santa Monica. One-on-one instruction and premium gear help surfers of all levels get more comfortable on the waves while experiencing an integral sport to Santa Monica’s spirit.

For lunch, make your way to Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar, where large windows frame the view of nearby Santa Monica Pier. It’s an idyllic setting for enjoying the restaurant’s Mediterranean, seafoodforward menu, where post-surf dishes like poke and fish tacos await.

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In the afternoon, step off the beach and enjoy exclusive access to one of the region’s iconic cultural institutions: the Getty Villa. On a curator-led private tour, you’ll explore the museum’s collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities as well as its tranquil peristyle gardens.

Next, enjoy a private sunset viewing at Regent Santa Monica Beach. Settle into a comfortable oceanside setup arranged by the hotel’s butler team, complete with refreshments and snacks.

Close out the evening with an elegant meal at La Monique, a modern French brasserie at Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Pair elevated staples like escargot poppers, Dover sole or a beautifully seasoned steak au poivre with thoughtful, sommelier-selected wines as you take in your final evening in this beautiful Californian city.

TERRAZZA AT HOTEL CASA DEL MAR

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SANDBOURNE SANTA MONICA

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FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS

WORLD-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS Santa Monica’s luxury hotel scene blends coastal ease with world-class sophistication, offering stays that feel both polished and deeply rooted in California’s beach culture. Along the shoreline, iconic properties like Shutters on the Beach, Hotel Casa del Mar and the newly reimagined Regent Santa Monica Beach pair sweeping ocean views with refined dining and premier wellness programs.

Just up the coast, find residential-style escapes like Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts’ spacious suites and The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalow’s private bungalows. Travelers looking for design-forward stays will find them at Santa Monica Proper Hotel

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and art-deco stylings of The Georgian Hotel, where architectural heritage meets thoughtful hospitality.

Additional boutique options — including The Huntley Santa Monica Beach, Viceroy Santa Monica, Sandbourne Santa Monica and Palihouse Santa Monica — bring their own blend of comfort and understated luxury.

Together, they create a landscape of accommodations where every style of traveler can find a stay that feels both elevated and unmistakably Santa Monica.

For a more private experience, consider renting your own landmark beach home at The Cottage Santa Monica, complete with ocean frontage, spectacular views and luxury amenities.

PALIHOUSE SANTA MONICA

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CHEF JOSIAH CITRIN OF MÉLISSE AND CITRIN RESTAURANTS

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SIGNATURE CULINARY EXPERIENCES Few coastal cities blend fine dining and California freshness as seamlessly as Santa Monica, where produce, seafood and technique take center stage.

CALABRA

THE GOURMANDISE SCHOOL

Michelin-recognized restaurants such as Pasjoli, with its elevated French classics, and Rustic Canyon, known for farm-totable California cuisine, sit alongside two-star French-American Mélisse.

This restaurant anchors the scene with elegance and culinary creativity. Santa Monica also boasts standout Michelin Bib Gourmand spots, including Cobi’s, a lively eatery serving Southeast Asian inspired plates; Tumbi, which offers coastal Indian dishes with bold, modern flavors and Colapasta, known for handmade Italian pastas crafted from fresh, simple ingredients.

Dive into Santa Monica’s culinary heritage with a visit to the classic Italian eatery Capo, a mainstay of the city’s dining scene since 1998, and The Georgian Room, a newly reimagined steakhouse speakeasy that nods to the space’s storied past.

SELINE

Or, embrace the city’s present with design-forward destinations like Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Élephante and SELINE, all of which draw a stylish crowd for curated dishes and sunset cocktails. Other neighborhood standouts include seafood-and-steakhouse Fia and the homey Tar & Roses, which showcases wood-fired, produce-driven plates in a welcoming setting. santamonica.com

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SANTA MONICA PLACE

DESIGNER SHOPPING & STYLES From designer fashion houses to curated independent shops, Santa Monica delivers a shopping landscape that reflects its blend of creative innovation and sophistication.

Along Montana Avenue, tree-lined blocks reveal an array of elevated shops featuring contemporary fashion, fine jewelry, home design and thoughtfully sourced lifestyle goods.

Just a few blocks from the beach, Main Street captures the essence of California cool with eco-conscious brands, surfinspired apparel and relaxed, designforward boutiques that reflect the neighborhood’s creative spirit.

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For classic luxury, Santa Monica Place in Downtown Santa Monica brings together global fashion houses and modern retail concepts, anchored by the outdoor, pedestrian-friendly Third Street Promenade, all within walking distance of the ocean. Throughout the city, shoppers will also find resort-ready pieces, artisanal accessories and refined athleisure that capture Santa Monica’s understated yet sophisticated style, while King Baby stands out with handcrafted pieces, personalized service and the chance to experience an on-site factory tour. Whether browsing independent boutiques or marquee designers, the experience unites a creative spirit with a distinctly elevated sensibility.

VICEROY SANTA MONICA

SANTA MONICA PROPER HOTEL

SANTA MONICA PROPER HOTEL

WELLNESS & REJUVENATION Wellness isn’t just an amenity in Santa Monica. It’s part of the city’s culture, woven into its spas, fitness studios and outdoor spaces. At the city’s luxury hotels, wellness programs range from the Ayurvedic therapies at Surya Spa in Santa Monica Proper Hotel — one of the most acclaimed holistic spas in the U.S.— to personalized rituals at Regent Santa Monica Beach’s Guerlain Spa, where modern innovation meets traditional French skincare.

EMWELL Spa at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and the serene treatment rooms at Shutters on the

Beach offer everything from oceaninspired bodywork to advanced facials, while Hotel Casa del Mar’s Sea Wellness Spa provides a quieter, boutique-style retreat steps from the sand.

Beyond the spa, Santa Monica’s landscape and fitness culture is an ideal setting for more active adventures.

Sunrise beach yoga, coastal runs along the bluff, stand-up paddleboarding and guided breathwork sessions invite travelers to connect with the city’s wellness mindset.

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SANTA MONICA BEACH

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Santa Monica’s ethos, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the city while treading lightly. Many of the city’s luxury hotels prioritize eco-conscious operations through energy-efficient design, locally sourced products and robust wastereduction programs.

The city’s compact, walkable layout encourages low-impact exploration.

Unlike other parts of Los Angeles, visitors can ditch the car and walk along palmlined streets or bike the oceanfront path using the city’s extensive network of electric bike shares and miles of protected bike lanes. Light rail and train access connect Santa Monica to the broader region and a growing number of electric vehicle charging stations make it easy for visitors to travel sustainably.

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Dining locally aligns with sustainable principles as well, with chefs drawing heavily from nearby farms, fisheries and the renowned Santa Monica Farmers Market. Travelers can also support local artisans and makers through neighborhood boutiques that emphasize craftsmanship and responsible production.

Combined with the city’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives and community-led environmental programs, Santa Monica offers a model for sustainable luxury — one where mindful travel and elevated experiences go hand in hand.

FRIEZE LA

EXCLUSIVE CULTURAL & LEISURE ACTIVITIES Santa Monica’s cultural landscape is shaped by its long-standing ties to Southern California’s creative community, best explored through exclusive tours and activities unique to this area.

Art lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Bergamot Station, which anchors the contemporary art scene with a collection of galleries set within a former rail station turned cultural hub, or the internationally recognized Frieze Los Angeles art fair.

Frieze Los Angeles brings together a dynamic range of 95 international and local galleries within a custom-designed indoor-outdoor structure that reflects Los Angeles’ open, creative spirit. Broad Stage — located at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center and founded in 2008 — brings world-class chamber music, theater and dance to an intimate, architecturally striking venue.

Film lovers can step into the historic Aero Theatre, built in 1940 and now operated

by American Cinematheque, where classic films and curated screenings reflect the region’s deep connection to Hollywood.

Beyond the arts, Santa Monica’s coastline offers its own form of cultural immersion: private surf lessons, guided paddleboard outings along the shoreline, scenic bike rides atop the Palisades bluffs and chefled visits to one of the four famed Santa Monica Farmers Markets, a cornerstone of California cuisine. Santa Monica also marks the “End of the Trail” for the legendary Route 66, commemorated by the historic sign near the Santa Monica Pier and symbolizing the culmination of countless journeys across America’s iconic highway.

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ORLA AT REGENT SANTA MONICA BEACH

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