Press Kit
SMTT’s downloadable press kit is packed with the facts, figures, and story ideas needed to supplement any Santa Monica destination story.
Story Ideas:
Stay in Santa Monica to Explore Los Angeles
Santa Monica sits perched on the Pacific Ocean at the crossroads of Pacific Coast Highway and California Interstate Highway 10, a mere eight non-freeway miles from Los Angeles International Airport and within close proximity to all of Los Angeles’ most famous landmarks and attractions.
Santa Monica’s prime location within greater Los Angeles easily allows for day trips to take in the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills, the nightlife of West Hollywood, the thrill of Universal Studios, or a hike behind the Hollywood sign, without having to sacrifice a heavenly beachside base.
In May 2016, the new Metro Expo Light Rail opened, connecting Downtown Santa Monica to greater Los Angeles by rail for the first time in over 50 years. Visitors and locals are now able to travel to Downtown Los Angeles (home to Staples Center, Nokia Theater, and a world-famous dining and nightlife scene) in under 50 minutes, no matter the time of day.
Santa Monica’s Eight Unique Neighborhoods
If you’ve visited Los Angeles, chances are you’ve spent some time on Santa Monica Beach, but there is more to Santa Monica than meets the eye. Break away from the expected and discover eight unique neighborhoods that bring Santa Monica’s authentic character and local flavors to life. Pick your scene and experience this city by the sea like a true local.
- Take in an improv comedy show in Downtown Santa Monica
- Enjoy a day of celebrity-inspired pampering along Montana Avenue
- Fly high above the Pacific Ocean at the Santa Monica Pier’s trapeze school
- Catch one of McCabe’s weekly music shows on Pico Boulevard
- Explore the birthplace of modern aviation at the Santa Monica Airport’s Museum of Flying
- Rub shoulders with local surfers, yogis, and celebrity chefs at the Main Street Santa Monica Farmers Market
- Catch a show in Mid-City at the the intimate Broad Stage, a modern 499-seat venue that hosts performance from opera and jazz concerts to contemporary dance and film premieres
- Practice your lawn bowling at Douglas Park on Wilshire Boulevard
Cheap & Chic Santa Monica
Although the city’s shining beaches and celebrity-dotted neighborhoods give the distinct feel of luxury, it is easy to enjoy a Santa Monica getaway without breaking the bank. Book a room for under $200 a night at Hotel Carmel, Sea Shore Hotel or Seaview Hotel (temporarily closed) to enjoy sunsets just steps from the sand. Take a stroll up the idyllic Montana Avenue, a neighborhood flush with glamorous wellness, dining and retail experiences, to browse in boutiques favored by local celebrities. Enjoy the health and financial benefits of buying local produce from Santa Monica’s world-famous farmers markets, then workout for free at the Original Muscle Beach at the foot of the Santa Monica Pier. End your day with a ride on the Pacific Wheel to take in stunning views from the world’s only solar powered Ferris wheel for only $5 per ride, followed by happy hour in the lap of luxury at The Penthouse, the Huntley Hotel’s penthouse restaurant where guests can enjoy sprawling views of Santa Monica Bay and $5 happy hour drinks.
Interactive Culinary Experiences
Santa Monica emerged as an international culinary destination in the 1980s and has remained in the top echelon of American dining thanks to local culinary innovators, a firm commitment to farm-to-table dining and year-round access to the world’s finest ingredients. The prominence of Santa Monica’s culinary scene has become a central part of the destination’s culture, and interactive culinary experiences offer an exciting opportunity for visitors to be authentically integrated into it. Some experiences could include:
- Stroll through one of Santa Monica’s world-famous farmers markets to pick up a sampling of the country’s freshest produce, flower, meats, cheeses, nuts and more.
- Cruise along Santa Monica Bike Center‘s Sweet Spots Tour, a guided tour through Santa Monica’s premiere shopping districts and landmark neighborhoods and an insider’s guide to the city’s sweetest secrets.
- Hands on culinary courses at The Gourmandise School, located in Santa Monica Place, teaches students classic cooking and baking techniques that use only seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Local favorites include “Intro to French Macaroons” and “Farmers Market Meals.”
