150 YEARS OF SANTA MONICA
The City Marks a Milestone Anniversary with a Host of Local Events and Exhibits
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (September 18, 2025) – The city of Santa Monica is coming together this year to celebrate 150 years since its founding in 1875. The festivities kicked off in July at State of the City: A Celebration of Growth and Resilience, marking the first in a series of community events commemorating the anniversary through the end of this milestone year.
In July 1875, Santa Monica’s town map was drawn and the first plots of land were sold. From the time of its original inhabitants, the Tongva Gabrielino, to the vibrant community and host of legacy businesses welcoming travelers today, Santa Monica invites visitors to learn and reflect on the rich history of this beloved beach city with a number of events and exhibits.
The Santa Monica History Museum is a fascinating place to start, presenting a groundbreaking exhibition on the environmental history of the city. Now through December 14, “Roots and Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica”encourages visitors to explore how nature and humanity coexist and reflect on how the city has evolved with ecology as a focal point. For a closer look at the pivotal role of female figures throughout Santa Monica’s 150 years, don’t miss their “Herstory: Trailblazers”pop-up exhibition now through October 5 diving into the legacies of women who challenged restrictions and carved inspiring paths forward in the community.
Travelers and locals alike join in toasting to 150 years at Santa Monica’s iconic seaside hotels. The coastal property Shutters on the Beach is celebrating with a custom cocktail menu honoring key milestones in Santa Monica history, capturing the spirit of Santa Monica’s founding with their classic “Gold Rush,” the city’s aviation industry with the “Paper Plane,” the legendary Santa Monica Pier with the “Whitewater Cocktail” and many more tasteful takes on defining moments in the city’s history. Just north on Ocean Avenue lies The Georgian Hotel, another landmark Santa Monica property inviting guests to step back in time with an Art Deco atmosphere and Old Hollywood allure. Standing since 1933, The Georgian welcomes guests to immerse themselves in an atmosphere rich with historic charm where travelers, leaders and stars have walked the halls throughout decades past. A key site in Santa Monica history is the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, originally built by Santa Monica founder John P. Jones and his wife Georgina Jones as their family mansion in the late 1800s. The property later began serving as a hotel hosting both global travelers and A-listers while carefully preserving its history, with the famous Moreton Bay Fig Tree standing at its entrance declared a historic landmark in 1976.
As autumn approaches, look ahead to continued fall festivities with Lifting As We Climb, a November 6 event recognizing Philomathean Hall as a Santa Monica Historic landmark celebrating the Philomathean Club and their contributions to Santa Monica’s Black community throughout the city’s 150 years.
Finally, enjoy an evening of the arts with “Happy Birthday, Santa Monica!” at the Santa Monica Playhouse. This family-friendly play created by students and artistic staff honors Santa Monica’s leaders and notable figures. This free admission theatrical event will take place throughout the first week of December.
It is the many legacy businesses and landmarks throughout the city that have made Santa Monica an iconic beach destination over the years. A world-famous symbol of Southern California, the Santa Monica Pier has welcomed international travelers and local beachgoers for over 115 years to enjoy the unmatched ocean views, amusement park thrills at Pacific Park and fun-filled beach culture at this bucket list attraction. For lively evenings at legacy establishments, visit the city’s oldest restaurant and bar The Galley serving up steak and seafood on Main Street since 1934, savor community favorite Mexican dishes perfected over 50 years in business at the family-run Gilbert’s El Indio, or enjoy classic cocktails and free peanuts at old school hangout Chez Jay where famous figures have rendezvoused since 1959. The journey through history continues with a visit to the Aero Theatre beckoning moviegoers since 1940, welcoming today’s cinephiles to special screenings of both Old Hollywood classics and modern blockbusters paired with unforgettable in-person discussions with filmmakers and industry figures. With so many prominent attractions and beloved businesses standing the test of time, today’s visitors can experience Santa Monica throughout its 150 years.
For more events being added every month, check the community calendar at SantaMonica150.com and experience for yourself the city’s storied past and vibrant present.
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
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 more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
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