NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: WELCOME 2026 SANTA MONICA-STYLE
Celebrate the New Year with Wellness Experiences and Healthy Habits in Santa Monica
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (December 11, 2025) – Is there any better way to ring in the New Year than by prioritizing health and happiness? Welcome 2026 by embarking on a journey of self-discovery in Santa Monica: the trendsetting beachfront destination that offers the perfect environment for a getaway grounded in wellness, creativity and self-care.
Countless worldwide wellness trends were born right here in Santa Monica, home to the first spin class studio, a pioneer of premium juice and smoothie bars and the birthplace of sports like paddleboarding and modern beach volleyball. Santa Monica continues making waves as a top wellness destination, with celebrated authorities including Goop basing themselves in Santa Monica for positive energy, an inspiring coastal atmosphere and a like-minded community.
Energize & Exercise
Kick off the morning bright and early with moments of reflection, time for planning and study, and an invigorating movement session at one of Santa Monica’s many active experiences. Travelers will enjoy outdoor beach adventures like getting in the flow with Yoga en la playa de SoCal, catching Pacific waves with lessons at Aqua Surf School, spinning on the sand with The Sun Cycle or serving up some competition on one of the city’s 74 public beach volleyball courts. Reserve a court to play with friends and family, or drop in for a pick-up game south of the Santa Monica Pier where many pro players have been spotted training.
Visitors can also take things indoors and enjoy Santa Monica’s beautiful fitness studios. Recommended by Goop and attended by Gwyneth Paltrow herself, La clase offers unique music-driven cardio and strength-based classes in a stunning studio environment. Santa Monica’s celeb-favorite fitness methods continue with Pvolve, a studio in the Main Street neighborhood celebrated by Jennifer Aniston for their transformative workouts and one-of-a-kind equipment. Meanwhile, Good Body Pilates is a beloved boutique studio inviting visitors to join resident regulars on the reformer for group classes or book a private session for a customized experience.
For those looking to build their own tailored routine, Santa Monica is an ideal destination for outdoor fitness at every intensity level. With over 100 miles of protected bike lanes across the city, Santa Monica is home to a thriving cycling culture. In addition to bike rental shops like Perry’s Café & Beach Rentals y Santa Monica Bike Center, several hotels such as Shore Hotel, Hotel Santa Monica Proper, Hotel Pierside y Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offer their guests bicycle rentals at little to no cost. Both cyclists and runners will enjoy a scenic trip along the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail taking in the beautiful ocean views while making progress toward fitness goals. For further inspiration visit the Original Muscle Beach, a key player in the physical fitness movement and a hub for exercise enthusiasts where gymnasts and acrobats perform incredible athletic feats.
Healthy Eating in Santa Monica
With a popular farmers market scene and several restaurants prioritizing dishes that are both delicious and nutritious, options abound for health-conscious diners in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica is home to four weekly farmers markets abundant in colorful produce and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each market offers its own character and unique offerings, setting up shop in city blocks across the destination each week. The largest of the four markets is the Mercado agrícola del centro de la ciudad each Wednesday, welcoming locals and visitors to shop for the freshest produce alongside celebrated Santa Monica chefs shopping for the highest quality ingredients to serve up in their restaurants. This organic-certified market also operates on Saturdays, perfect for a leisurely weekend morning in the Downtown neighborhood. Travelers will also enjoy the Pico Farmers Market filled with both local produce and delicious prepared food for a family-friendly morning at Virginia Avenue Park each Saturday, as well as the Mercado agrícola de Main Street on Sundays offering artisanal goods and vibrant flowers alongside fresh produce options complete with live music and a picnic on the lawn at the Museo del Patrimonio de California.
Diners looking to prioritize healthy eating habits in the new year will find mouthwatering options across the city. The Santa Monica community’s healthy coastal lifestyle is reflected in its dining options, with delicious vegan favorites like B&T’s Deli, Health Nut and more. California cuisine thrives as well with healthy fare at Rabano, Kreation Kafe & Juicery y The Curious Palate serving fresh, vibrant dishes emulating the city’s breezy coastal environment.
Pick up Your Next Passion Project
As we welcome 2026, it’s the perfect time to learn a new creative skill or find a favorite new hobby. Travelers are invited to make lasting memories with fulfilling artistic and athletic experiences in Santa Monica.
Perched at the top of Santa Monica Place, La Escuela Gourmandise invites visitors to sharpen their skills in the kitchen with the guidance of expert chefs. Whether travelers are looking to whip up a restaurant-quality meal, bake desserts like a pro or book a lesson geared toward kid-friendly recipes, The Gourmandise School offers the ultimate hands-on culinary experience.
Santa Monica is a true hub for the arts in Southern California, home to over 55 museums, galleries and performance venues. Visitors can immerse themselves in the destination’s creative culture with classes guided by local artists. Located in the Mid-City neighborhood, PAINT:LAB invites travelers of all ages to join workshops in drawing, watercolor, acrylic and more to learn new techniques and create their own beautiful memento of their time in Santa Monica. Open studio sessions are a fantastic option for visitors looking to create freely with top-notch tools at their fingertips, as well as plenty of supplies available for purchase to continue creating at home. Meanwhile, guests of Sandbourne Santa Monica will enjoy complimentary ceramics classes each Saturday morning led by a local artist. This exclusive experience invites travelers to take inspiration from the property’s design-forward spaces and learn to create their own ceramic pieces.
Visitors are welcomed to pick up a paddle and enjoy the latest sports craze at Pickle Pop. Located on the world-famous Paseo de la calle Tercera, Pickle Pop invites travelers to step on the court for an open play session or sign up for a clinic to learn the basics of pickleball and bring home the perfect souvenir—a new sports skill! Santa Monica has visitors covered for all types of athletic goals in 2026, carrying a diverse range of sporting goods at Downtown shops including Nike, Wilson, Beyond Yoga, Patagonia, Lululemon, Adidas, JD Sports and more to gear up for the year ahead.
Relax & Rejuvenate
As we enter the new year, it is essential to take time to slow down, reflect and recharge to be your best self in 2026. From spa treatments to meditation, Santa Monica offers a host of rejuvenating ways to care for both body and soul.
Several Santa Monica hotels welcome both hotel guests and the public to enjoy luxurious spa treatments and amenities. The stunning new Regent Santa Monica Beach beckons travelers with the tranquil Guerlain Wellness Spa offering 10,000 square feet of treatment facilities and wellness spaces. Visitors will enjoy custom services including massages, facials and body treatments developed by renowned French institution Guerlain exclusively for Regent Santa Monica Beach. Meanwhile, the serene Hotel Santa Monica Proper presents the ultimate in relaxation with contrast and red light therapy in their Recovery Suite, as well as Ayurvedic treatments at the internationally acclaimed and celeb-favorite Spa Surya on the property. For the ultimate in California coastal wellness, visit Persianas en la playa ONE Spa and Hotel Casa del Mar’s Sea Wellness Spa for spaces and services reflective of their location just steps from the Pacific waters. With nearly 30 spas across the destination, visitors will discover an abundance of treatment options and unique facilities in Santa Monica.
For a highly personalized wellness experience, Mystic Journey in the Main Street neighborhood offers an inspiring guided look into metaphysical healing and insights. Mystic Journey provides tarot readings, energy healing, dream interpretation and more, as well as assistance selecting crystals and gemstones for healing and meditation.
Whether travelers are new to the world of sound baths or practice meditative exercises daily, Calming Spot offers unique classes suited to many different needs from guided breathwork to chakra alignment. Their Santa Monica beach location provides an enhanced sound bath experience surrounded by the gentle waves and fresh breezes, while candlelight sessions offer a soothing ambiance and healing vibrations.
To learn more about how to start the new year in this beautiful and health forward beach destination, visit santamonica.com.
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Acerca de Santa Mónica Viajes y Turismo
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) es una organización sin ánimo de lucro concebida para aumentar el gasto de los visitantes, los ingresos por turismo y las oportunidades de empleo local mediante la promoción de Santa Mónica como destino turístico. Para más información, visite santamonica.com, Correo electrónico info@santamonica.com, o siga a la SMTT en Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) o Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Contacto para la prensa
Emily Ohara
Responsable de Relaciones Públicas
