What’s New in Santa Monica – Fall 2023
Autumn Brings Exciting Flavors, Themed Fundraisers, New Boutique Hotels, Star Wars Memorabilia and More to L.A.’s Popular Beach City
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2023) – Warm sunsets, cool temperatures and exciting new additions to Santa Monica’s unparalleled shopping, dining and hotel choices add up to an autumn of can’t-miss sights, don’t-miss events and unforgettable, not-to-miss attractions.
Nestled on 3.5 miles of Los Angeles County coastline, the popular Southern California beach city offers luxury accommodations, acclaimed dining indoors and out, daily wellness activities, a robust public transit network and some of the world’s most photographed sites and scenery.
Home to creative minds across industries, Santa Monica is a trend-setter on the global stage and a dynamic destination where there’s always something new to discover. Here’s a look at what’s new this fall in Santa Monica:
HOTELS
The Beacon (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Built in 1928 across from Santa Monica Beach, The Beacon is like stepping into Old Hollywood. Rooms feature modern amenities with a classic touch, like soaking tubs and Roku smart TVs. Don’t miss sunsets from the rooftop bar at Onyx and enjoy locally sourced seafood at The Albright. 1301 Ocean Ave. www.sonder.com/destinations/los_angeles/the-beacon/c35521
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Fairmont Miramar recently debuted Santa Monica’s first wellness suite. The state-of-the-art Serenity Suite, an 800-sq. ft. haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. Designed with calming earth tones and natural elements, the suite features city views and the new Bryte Balance mattress, which delivers bespoke comfort for each sleeper. Built-in “Somnify” technology provides meditation exercises and sound therapy for a restorative experience. 101 Wilshire Blvd. www.fairmont-miramar.com/accommodations/serenity-suite/
The Georgian Hotel (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – This 1933 Art Deco icon has emerged from a yearlong restoration with “a vibrant and cinematic new look,” raves the Hollywood Reporter. The famed getaway for legends like Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe boasts 56 rooms and 28 suites with stunning ocean views. Don’t miss its historic, Wes Anderson-esque lobby and The Georgian Room, Santa Monica’s most exclusive underground bar and dining experience. 1415 Ocean Ave. www.thegeorgian.com
The Pierside Hotel (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Opposite the Santa Monica Pier in the former Wyndham Hotel building, the Pierside Hotel is a 132-room lifestyle hotel with chic, coastal-inspired rooms drenched with natural sunlight. Guests can rent rollerblades, fishing rods, GoPro cameras, beach cruisers and skateboards at The Board Shop, and board games and video game consoles for in-room use. 120 Colorado Ave. www.thepiersidehotel.com
Regent Santa Monica Beach (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Announced to open this winter, the first Regent in the Americas has transformed the former Loews hotel into a beachfront resort, adding a deck with multiple pools, a comprehensive spa and beach butler service. The ultra-luxury hotel group promises to “usher in a new era of extraordinary experiences” on California’s coastline, including a brand-new restaurant concept from a celebrity chef and a high-end artisanal marketplace. 1700 Ocean Ave. www.regenthotels.com
Viceroy Santa Monica (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Santa Monica’s Viceroy property recently underwent a $21 million renovation, adding a bold new look and whimsical original works by local artists to each of its 169 midcentury-styled rooms and suites. Vivid new murals decorate public spaces, and the all-new lobby showcases an ever-changing digital work by Karen Bystedt featuring Santa Monica surf and skate scenes. 1819 Ocean Ave. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/santa-monica
Wag Hotel – New Pet Daycare & Boarding ‘Hotel’ (Mid-City) – Wag Hotels’ new Santa Monica site offers pet owners premium boarding accommodations, including private rooms with plush bedding, personalized daycare with enrichment activities and indoor/outdoor play time, seasonal camps, themed parties and regular photo updates delivered by app. 1653 19th St. www.waghotels.com/santa-monica
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Bar Monette (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – The new wine bar and pizza restaurant from Toronto star Sean MacDonald features Italian-inspired tapas and pizzas including a spicy calabrese and honey option or a margherita made Monette’s way — with truffle and caviar. 109 Santa Monica Blvd. www.barmonette.com
Citrin / Mélisse (Wilshire Blvd.) – Josiah Citrin’s Michelin two-starred Mélisse now offers an intimate “backstage” dining experience, while his newest restaurant, Citrin, serves a menu of seasonally driven California cuisine anchored by his oven-roasted “dirty chicken.” 1104 Wilshire Blvd. www.citrinandmelisse.com
Cobi’s (Main Street) – Tapped with a recent Michelin Bib of the Week, this restaurant imagined by Cobi Marsh offers “a vivacious and wide-reaching Southeast Asian menu.” Pressed to name a must-order dish, Marsh suggeststhe Beef Rendang or Devil Curry with rice, roti and a chili-and-sambal sampler for added heat. 2104 Main St. www.cobis.la
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream (Ocean Park Blvd.) – Since 1945, Handel’s has been making premium ice cream with fresh ingredients and a commitment to quality. Santa Monica’s new location features 48 flavors made fresh daily and chosen each month from up to 150 selections. 1701 Ocean Park Blvd. www.handelsicecream.com/store/santamonica
Isla (Main Street) – The new seafood restaurant from Crudo e Nudo chef Brian Bornemann and designer Leena Culhane features a wood-fired assortment of skewers, pasture-raised birds, sustainable local fish, charcuterie and grilled vegetables. 2424 Main St., open Wednesday through Monday. www.isla-la.com
Le Great Outdoor (Mid-City) – “Experience a blend of French elegance and vibrant Brazilian energy” at this intimate Mid-City spot in the parking lot of Bergamot Station Arts Center. Picture a backyard barbecue featuring Mediterranean and French-influenced cuisine with a California twist. 2525 Michigan Ave. a3. www.legreatoutdoor.com
Lunetta (Pico Blvd). – Lunetta, a Michelin-recognized establishment, shines a spotlight on locally sourced, responsibly grown ingredients to create the freshest California cuisine. Located in Santa Monica, this restaurant proudly sources its produce from local farmers’ markets. This Thanksgiving, savor the exceptional flavors and comfort of Lunetta’s dishes with their exclusive pre-fixe three-course menu. Be sure to indulge in delectable options such as the Potato Sweet Garlic Marcona Almond Soup or the delicious French Apple Pie. 2424 Pico Blvd www.lunettasm.com
Mad Scientist Ice Cream (Downtown) – Located in the Kitchen United Food Hall at Third Street Promenade, Mad Scientist brings dizzy ice cream concoctions to life from 45 flavors, 19 toppings and 15 test-tube “drizzles.” www.madscientisticecream.com
Mochidoki (Montana Ave.) – Now open at 1133 Montana Ave., New York’s Mochidoki serves Japanese-style treats that combine ice cream with chewy mochi rice cake. Flavors include red bean, salted caramel, black sesame and matcha made with premium organic ingredients. www.mochidoki.com
Mon Ami (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – This Mediterranean fusion restaurant serves a rich mix of flavors from Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Morocco and more, much of it sourced locally. Menu items include prosciutto-wrapped tomatoes, burrata toast with gazpacho and a seared branzino with olive tapenade. 1541 Ocean Ave. www.monamism.com
Sogno Toscano (Montana Ave.) – Live your Tuscan dream at this luxury wine bar, espresso bar and marketplace inspired by the lifelong friendship of Pietro Brembilla and Brian Persico. The 3,000-square-foot site features counter service, indoor seating and open-air dining. 1512 Montana Ave. www.sognotoscano.com/st-cafe-santa-monica
The Surfing Fox (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Executive chef David Yamaguchi’s new signature restaurant at the Pierside Hotel serves “coastal casual cuisine” with a Southern California twist. New is a stylish, al fresco seating area. 120 Colorado Ave. www.thesurfingfoxsm.com
True Food Kitchen (Downtown) – Every weekend at Santa Monica Place, enjoy True Food Kitchen’s newest addition — brunch. Indulge in their signature brunch tower, clever cocktails and breakfast favorites until 3 p.m. 395 Santa Monica Place. www.truefoodkitchen.com/locations/santamonica
Winston Pies (Pico Blvd.) – From its commissary kitchen on Pico Boulevard, Winston Pies now offers pre-ordered artisanal pies to go, each made fresh with all-natural, locally sourced ingredients. Online orders only; same-day orders are available through UberEats and DoorDash. 826 Pico Blvd. www.winstonpies.com/santamonica
Xuntos (Downtown) – Occupying two storefronts of a 1926 building, this tapas bar includes two kitchens, two mezzanines, a dining room and bar. The menu is made of small plates from the farmer’s market to traditional Spanish dishes from Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya and Basque Country. 516 Santa Monica Blvd. www.barxuntos.com
SHOPPING
Barnes & Noble Returning to Third Street Promenade (Downtown) – After a five-year absence, Barnes & Noble Booksellers is opening a new location at Santa Monica’s iconic, open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The popular retailer will join more than 30 new Promenade businesses to open within the past year, including Herschel Supply Company, Aldo, JOHN REED Fitness, Blenders, Wilson, Swish Studio and Bella + Canvas. www.downtownsm.com
Brilliant Earth (Downtown) – Recently opened at Santa Monica Place, Brilliant Earth is creating “a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate and inclusive jewelry industry.” The progressive firm uses recycled precious metals “to minimize our footprint and help diminish the negative impacts of metal mining.” www.brilliantearth.com
Open Closit (Montana Ave.) – Rent or list designer wardrobes while supporting the slow fashion movement at this stylish new boutique. Help create a more sustainable fashion future by extending the lifespan of designer clothing — and look fabulous too! 1528 Montana Ave. www.openclosit.com
Santa Monica Place (Downtown) – This upscale, three-level collection of always-chic boutiques and luxury brands is home to retailers like Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Bath & Body Works, Nike and Uniqlo. Don’t miss the rooftop dining deck, with gorgeous views of the city, mountains and Pacific Ocean. 395 Santa Monica Place. www.santamonicaplace.com
Zibby’s Bookshop (Montana Ave.) – Founded by New York “bookfluencer” Zibby Owens and run by a tight-knit team of authors, screenwriters and book lovers, this cozy independent bookstore is “the place to connect and meet authors in Santa Monica.” 1113 Montana Ave. www.zibbysbookshop.com
ATTRACTIONS
The Dr. Seuss Experience (Downtown) – Nov. 10 through Jan. 31 at Santa Monica Place, this “imaginative and interactive immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss” takes visitors through nine iconic Seuss stories, with appearances by The Grinch, The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax. https://losangeles.experienceseuss.com
The Fans Strike Back (Downtown) – Santa Monica Art Museum shares the galaxy’s largest private collection of “Star Wars” memorabilia in this limited-run attraction. The by-fans, for-fans exhibit at Third Street Promenade includes hundreds of unique collectibles, life-size figurines, costumes, sculptures, lightsabers, blasters, helmets, masks and photo ops like the Emperor’s throne and the Millennium Falcon cockpit. www.fansstrikebackexhibition.com/los-angeles
Premium Yacht Adventures (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – For an unparalleled maritime adventure, drop anchor at The Georgian Hotel for all-new luxury excursions aboard a 65-foot Riva Virtus yacht. Multiple packages offer a variety of destinations and catering choices, from an intimate, half-day adventure paired with a First Lady Suite stay to an eight-hour odyssey for up to 10 guests. www.thegeorgian.com/experiences.htm
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BT5K / Breakthrough for Brain Tumors (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Set for Saturday, Oct. 14, from 8-11 a.m. at Tongva Park, the American Brain Tumor Association’s annual 5K run/walk raises funds for research and services for tumor patients, caregivers and families. https://give.abta.org/event/2023-bt5k-los-angeles/e487275
Pickle Pop (Downtown) – All new at Third Street Promenade is a 10,000-square-foot pickleball venue that’s part sports club, part clothing retailer and part restaurant. Players can reserve indoor court time here, making it a nice alternative to the long waits found at public parks. www.picklepop.co
Skate the Coast (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – The 16th annual fundraiser is a mellow, 15-mile skate-bike-roll from the Santa Monica Pier to Redondo Beach on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Boarding for Breast Cancer aims to raise $75,000 for education, prevention and survivorship programs with this year’s event. https://www.classy.org/campaign/b4bcs-16th-annual-skate-the-coast/c484722
EVENTS
Coming Out West: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories (Downtown) – Now through Dec. 17 at Santa Monica History Museum, this exhibition explores the journeys of eight LGBTQ+ elders with Southern California roots. Through oral histories, images, art, and personal ephemera, visitors experience a history of the LGBTQ+ community through the people who shaped it. 1350 7th St. www.santamonicahistory.org/exhibitions/exhibitions-current/coming-out-west-lgbtq-elders-share-their-stories
Día de los Muertos Celebrations (Downtown) – All three blocks of the Third Street Promenade will celebrate the cherished Mexican tradition Saturday, Oct. 28 from 2-9 p.m. All-ages activities are scheduled to include live entertainment, a Latinx pop-up market, face painting, arts and crafts, and displays of Ricardo Soltero’s larger-than-life La Catrinasculptures.
Continue the journey at the Santa Monica Pier with “Return of the Monarch” – a lively seaside celebration featuring live music, spirited dancing, and more. This exciting event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 12-9 p.m. Next, make your way to the Santa Monica History Museum to admire heartfelt altars crafted by talented local high school students on display from Nov. 1-17. www.downtownsm.com/events-calendar/8671/da-de-los-muertos-celebration
Howl-O-Ween (Downtown) – Cayton Children’s Museum at Santa Monica Place summons all ghouls, little witches and superheroes for a day of family-friendly activities Saturday, Oct. 28, including puppets, face painting, costume parades, a spooky maze, magic tricks and more. Advance tickets recommended. www.caytonmuseum.org/special-events
Monster Bash 2023 – Santa Monica’s Meals on Wheels West hosts its Halloween “fun-raiser” Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 p.m. to midnight in Marina Del Rey. Ghoulish games, bone-chilling beats, delicious treats and drinks, and multiple costume-contest categories promise a night of lightly frightful festivities. www.mealsonwheelswest.org/events
Rinsing the Bones (Mid-City) – Now through Nov. 30 at 18th Street Arts Center, Jenny Yurshansky’s exhibition explores how generational displacement passes the embodied trauma of dislocation onto future generations. Personal migration stories take the form of eroding X-rays, bone-like sculptures and photograms resembling airport security scans. 1639 18th St. www.18thstreet.org/exhibitions/rinsingthebones
Santa Monica Pier Events (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – On Saturdays at 9 a.m. from Oct. 14 through Nov. 18, Wellness & Waves encourages people to connect with nature and “meditate with the sunshine.” Separately, The Return of the Monarch celebrates the cultural tradition of Día de los Muertos with vibrant festivities Saturday, Oct. 28. www.santamonicapier.org/happenings
Volley-Ween (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – On Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 2-5 p.m., join SantaMoniCARES at Perry’s Café for the second annual Halloween-themed volleyball tournament benefiting local charities. The all-ages event features games, entertainment, food and a costume contest. www.santamonicares.org/volley-ween-2023
Westside Food Bank Hunger Walk (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – The 32nd annual event returns to Ocean View Park on Sunday, Nov. 5, to raise awareness about food insecurity in Los Angeles County. All registered participants walk for free and receive a complimentary T-shirt. A separately ticketed Beach Bash afterparty will be catered by Perry’s Café at the finish line. https://my.wsfb.org/event/hunger-walk/e507935
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Media Contact
Lauren Salisbury
Senior Director of Communications
lsalisbury@santamonica.com
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Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is a nonprofit organization chartered to strengthen the local economy by promoting our community as a vibrant, accessible and inclusive travel destination. For more information, visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow us on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica) and X/Twitter (@GoSantaMonica).
