WHAT’S NEW IN SANTA MONICA – FALL 2025
Exciting Openings, Cultural Exhibitions and Fall Festivals Highlight What’s New in Santa Monica This Season
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 20, 2025) – As autumn festivities and a change of season arrives in Santa Monica, our beach city welcomes both innovative openings and beloved traditions that celebrate its creativity and community spirit. Fall visitors can explore dynamic new art exhibitions, discover family-friendly fun at Pacific Park’s new Funhouse and shop the latest arrivals Downtown, while seasonal favorites return with Locals Night at the Pier, Día de los Muertos and Halloween celebrations. Read on to explore the best of Santa Monica this fall!
ACCOLADES
Santa Monica has proudly accepted its third consecutive WhereverFamily Award for Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, West Coast United States, its fourth-ever Trazee Award for Favorite Beach Town, West Coast United States and the Sunset Magazine Travel Award for Best Place to Go in the West. Selected by readers and editorial staff, these awards recognize traveler-favorite destinations with diverse offerings across dining, entertainment, outdoor experiences and more. Our seaside city offers a Southern California beach experience unlike any other, and it is an honor to be recognized for these achievements.
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism congratulates Chef Josiah Citrin, awarded One Knife at the 9th edition of The Best Chef Awards in Milan. Chef Citrin is a pillar of Santa Monica’s culinary community, welcoming diners with an acclaimed tasting menu at Mélisse, approachable fine dining at Citrin and deliciously inventive chicken dishes at Augie’s on Main. The Best Chef Awards winners are carefully determined by a collective of chefs and industry professionals, with One Knife representing excellent culinary skill.
HOTELS
Regent Santa Monica Beach (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – It’s the perfect time to book a luxurious autumn seaside getaway at Regent Santa Monica Beach, with fall packages including a champagne welcome, $365 resort credit and late check-out with the Milestone Moments offer valid on stays through end-of-year booked by October 31, or 30% off the best available rate with the Endless Summer offer valid on stays through end-of-year booked by November 30.
Enjoy signature seasonal experiences inviting guests to savor gourmet s’mores fireside each evening during S’mores Sunset Hour, browse fresh fall produce at the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market, interact with majestic hawks poolside during an educational session with a wildlife expert and even celebrate Halloween festivities with Tricks & Treats by the Tide October 24-31 inviting young guests to collect special sweets across the property.
santamonica.com/hotels/regent-santa-monica-beach
The Sovereign Hotel Santa Monica (Montana Avenue) – A carefully preserved and thoughtfully updated Spanish Colonial Revival-style building on the south end of Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue neighborhood, The Sovereign is a true Santa Monica landmark first opening its doors in the 1920s as an apartment-hotel hybrid serving high society travelers of the day, often welcoming stars and appearing in mid-century cinema. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, The Sovereign now offers short-term hotel stay bookings inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a Santa Monica historic treasure and enjoy the property’s charming vintage atmosphere, spacious rooms and residential-style features including kitchenettes and on-site laundry, all steps away from the beach and vibrant dining and shopping scenes Santa Monica has to offer.
santamonica.com/hotels/sovereign-hotel
La Monique at Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – The award-winning Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts has unveiled La Monique, a stylish French brasserie set to redefine the city’s elegant coastal dining scene. Led by Top Chef France semi-finalist David Fricaud, La Monique celebrates the art of French brasserie cooking with a refined menu featuring A5 Wagyu and dry-aged cuts, fresh seafood towers, Linguine Vongole, Escargot Poppers and more. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the intimate establishment draws inspiration from Hollywood Regency glamour and European sophistication, layering jewel tones, plush velvets and handcrafted details for a sophisticated, cinematic ambiance. With an elegant Riviera-inspired cocktail menu and a curated global wine list to top it off, a meal at La Monique promises an unforgettable experience.
santamonica.com/restaurants/la-monique
Santa Monica Proper Hotel Restorative & Performance Wellness Rooms (Wilshire Boulevard) – Santa Monica Proper Hotel has introduced its Wellness Rooms, offering guests an integrated hospitality and exclusive retail experience. These suites merge luxury accommodations with fully shoppable in‐room amenities including spa tools, fitness gear, recovery aids and sleep enhancement devices, allowing visitors to try out a curated selection of premium wellness goods and take home those they enjoyed during their stay. Designed to serve both Restorative and Performance needs, the suites are outfitted respectively with features for rejuvenation and tools to sustain fitness routines while traveling.
santamonica.com/hotels/santa-monica-proper-hotel
ARCANA at The Georgian Hotel’s Gallery 33 (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – Tucked in the Art Deco landmark Georgian Hotel, Gallery 33 welcomes ARCANA, a group exhibition presented by TASCHEN showcasing contemporary works alongside rare historic examples. ARCANA will explore artistic representations of Tarot and oracle decks, on view now through November 15.
santamonica.com/hotels/the-georgian-hotel
Coffee Manufactory at The Eden Hotel (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – The Eden Hotel, a newly debuted property housed in a landmark Ocean Avenue building, has collaborated with California roaster Coffee Manufactory for its new café concept. Built to embody the hotel’s focus on community, sustainability and connection, Coffee Manufactory serves light seasonal fare and specialty beverages in a welcoming dining area in The Eden’s lobby-level space.
santamonica.com/hotels/the-eden-hotel
Le Petit Chef at Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica (Pico Boulevard) – Santa Monica is stirring up something magical at the Hyatt Centric Delfina SantaMonica with the arrival of Le Petit Chef, the world’s smallest chef. This enchanting, 3-D projection-mapping dinner experience brings storytelling and theater to the table, featuring creative visuals that unfold right before your eyes as you enjoy a gourmet meal. This one-of-a-kind experience blends culinary artistry with cutting-edge technology, perfect for diners seeking a whimsical evening in Santa Monica.
santamonica.com/restaurants/le-petit-chef
New Menus at The Penthouse at Huntley Santa Monica Beach (Downtown) – Perched on the 18th floor of Huntley Santa Monica Beach, The Penthouse is a favorite dining destination for delicious dishes with panoramic views. The restaurant has launched its newest dinner and lunch menus, as well as a $39 pre-fixe lunch menu showcasing flavors of the California coast from Shrimp Ceviche and Truffle Honey Burrata to the Catch of the Day and Grilled Fish Tacos.
santamonica.com/hotels/huntley-santa-monica-beach
A Pierside Barkation at The Pierside Hotel (Downtown) – Santa Monica is a pet-friendly destination offering many accommodations, restaurants and events where furry friends are invited to join the fun. Treat your pet to a Pierside Barkation including an adventure walk, toys and games, a keepsake dog toy and bandana, pup treats and more for an unforgettable pet-friendly stay at The Pierside Hotel.
santamonica.com/hotels/the-pierside-hotel-santa-monica
ATTRACTIONS
New Funhouse at Pacific Park (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is proud to unveil its all-new Funhouse, a kooky reimagining of Santa Monica’s beloved Toonerville Funhouse. Drawing upon the legacy of the original Funhouse from Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s and Pacific Ocean Park in 1958, the new 2,800 sq. ft. attraction includes nine themed chambers designed to amuse and surprise with optical illusions, tricky layouts and unexpected encounters.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/pacific-park
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Florence Osteria Pizza e Vino (Downtown) – Florence Osteria Pizza e Vino brings the warmth of Tuscan tradition to the bustling Downtown neighborhood. Created by LA restaurateur Francesco Zimone, the intimate 35-seat space blends rustic Italian hospitality with modern design, featuring cozy leather seating, artisan details and a curated wine bar. Guests can enjoy an expansive list of more than 100 Italian wines by the glass, alongside a menu of house made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal small plates.
santamonica.com/restaurants/florence-osteria-pizza-e-vino
Hermanito (Downtown) – Hermanito, the beloved LA-based Mexican bar and restaurant known for its inventive fusion of Mexican and Japanese flavors, has officially opened its doors in Downtown Santa Monica. This stylish new location brings house-made Sonoran-style tortillas, playful mezcal-forward cocktails and a cozy community atmosphere to the neighborhood.
santamonica.com/restaurants/hermanito
Turn Dough (Downtown) – Turn Dough, the artisan ice-cream chain known for its European-style chimney-cake cones, has opened its third LA location in Downtown Santa Monica. Indulge in playful, Instagram-worthy creations like the “Unicorn,” dripping with Nutella, sprinkles and a fondant horn, or the “Minnie Macaroons” adorned with dulce de leche, Italian soft serve and macarons styled like Mickey Mouse ears. All soft-serve is made from grass-fed dairy and is GMO-free, gluten-free, egg-free, kosher and halal.
santamonica.com/restaurants/turn-dough
Jade Rabbit (Mid-City) – From celebrated local restaurateurs Chef Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng comes an all-new Chinese American concept, Jade Rabbit. Serving inventive takes on nostalgic dishes, Jade Rabbit honors the history of Chinese American cuisine and celebrates the coziness of family favorite recipes inviting diners to build their own bowl with options including Orange Mango Chicken, Canto Steamed Salmon, Spicy Chinese Broccoli and many more.
santamonica.com/restaurants/jade-rabbit
Rolld Sushi (Montana Avenue) – Australian favorite Rolld Sushi has made its U.S. debut in Santa Monica with a new location on Montana Avenue. The restaurant introduces its signature hand-rolls inspired by the flavors of Japanese and Australian street food, emphasizing convenience, freshness and creativity. Rolld’s menu blends traditional sushi techniques with unique global influences, creating an approachable experience for both sushi enthusiasts and casual diners.
Little Chelsea (Wilshire Boulevard) – Local favorite Chelsea Restaurant unveils its new outdoor dining experience, Little Chelsea. Open Friday to Sunday each week, Little Chelsea presents a relaxed, open-air gathering place featuring a flavorful selection of starters and entrees accompanied by signature cocktails and refreshing spritzes in a laid-back patio atmosphere.
santamonica.com/restaurants/chelsea-restaurant
Pizza Fling (Wilshire Boulevard) – Santa Monica welcomes Pizza Fling, a new pizzeria serving hand-tossed dough and fresh, high-quality toppings and ingredients imported straight from Italy. The restaurant’s concept combines a playful, contemporary spirit with a focus on the craft of pizza, inviting guests to savor creative pies alongside familiar classics.
santamonica.com/restaurants/pizza-fling
ARTS & CULTURE
Fall Exhibitions at Bergamot Station Arts Center (Mid-City) – Bergamot Station is the largest art gallery and cultural complex of its kind on the West Coast, with over 100 years of history as an active railroad station and factory before being repurposed as a creative campus. Bergamot Station contains over 25 individual galleries and creative venues highlighting rising artists, abstract pieces, stunning photography, architectural design and more. Bergamot Station is the perfect place to spend a day, with an afternoon browsing the galleries and an evening of delicious dishes at Le Great Outdoor on the grounds. This season, Bergamot Station welcomes new exhibitions including:
- Clare Woods at Leslie Sacks Gallery now through October 25
- New in The Gallery at Leslie Sacks Gallery now through October 25
- “Alex Couwenberg: Highline” at William Turner Gallery now through November 8
santamonica.com/things-to-do/bergamot-station-arts-center
Yu-Cheng Hsieh at 18th Street Arts Center (Mid-City) – The Atrium Gallery at 18th Street Arts Center presents “Yu-Cheng Hsieh,” a solo exhibition by Taiwanese artist Hsieh Yu-Cheng, on view now through November 24. Yu-Cheng’s work explores how visual illusions influence meaning and reality, engaging both sensation and cognition through his work.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/18th-street-arts-center
SHOPPING/RETAIL
Culto Futbol (Downtown) – Mexico City–based specialty footwear retailer Grupo Innovasport has brought its new brand Culto to the Third Street Promenade with a 7,500 sq. ft. U.S. flagship store. Just in time for FIFA World Cup 26, this bold expansion introduces Santa Monica to Culto’s curated mix of authentic soccer jerseys, sporting gear, exclusive drops and performance-meets-streetwear collections, marking the brand’s first foray into the U.S. market.
santamonica.com/shopping/culto-futbol
TARANIS Kids (Downtown) – TARANIS, a premium children’s footwear brand, has officially opened a new store on Level 2 of Santa Monica Place, bringing its collection of stylish, high-performance shoes to the heart of Santa Monica. The brand is known for marrying refined aesthetics with advanced functionality, designed to ensure superior comfort, safety and durability in every pair.
santamonica.com/shopping/taranis
EVENTS
Locals’ Night Returns to the Santa Monica Pier (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – The Santa Monica Pier welcomes back its beloved Locals’ Night series every third Thursday of the month now through May. Each month’s event welcomes guests with a curated theme from Art Mart (November) and Sandy Cane Lane (December) to Drive-In Movie Night (January) and Jazz Night (February). Locals’ Night emphasizes experiences curated by and for Santa Monicans, offering an evening of local culture against the backdrop of the Pacific.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/visiting-santa-monica-pier
Western Wednesdays at Santa Monica Place (Downtown) – Held weekly now through the end of October, Santa Monica Place hosts Western Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a free dose of country on the coast. Visitors and locals alike are invited to grab their cowboy boots, round up their friends and learn to line dance from seasoned pros. Perfect for beginners and experienced line dancers alike, all are welcome to enjoy an evening at Santa Monica Place with happy hour specials at LouLou Restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory or The Curious Palate before dancing the night away at the Center Plaza.
santamonica.com/event/western-wednesday-at-santa-monica-place/2025-10-29
Día de los Muertos at the Santa Monica Pier (Pier/Ocean Avenue) -On November 1 and 2, the Santa Monica Pier will host its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration featuring art, remembrance and cultural tradition. Inside the Looff Hippodrome Building, this free event will include offerings such as a community altar, installations by local artists Sylvia Sanchez and Yolanda Medina, live performances and an Aztec dancer-led procession. Families are invited to contribute photographs to the communal ofrenda and participate in both reflective and joyful traditions.
santamonica.com/event/dia-de-los-muertos-at-the-pier/2025-11-01
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Hocus Pocus at The Eden Hotel (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – In partnership with CINEHAUS, The Eden Hotel welcomes locals and travelers to enjoy a unique cinema series including a special screening of “Hocus Pocus” on Wednesday, October 29. Take your seat under the stars and enjoy the beloved Halloween classic complete with s’mores, popcorn and witchy cocktails.
santamonica.com/event/cinehaus-presents-courtyard-screening-at-the-eden
Trick or Treat Downtown (Downtown) -On Friday, October 31, Downtown Santa Monica will come alive with Trick or Treat Downtown from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. along the Third Street Promenade. Families are invited to don their best costumes and walk the Promenade for candy and treats, kid-friendly character interactions, games and activities, a mini pumpkin patch and photo opportunities. Open to all ages (and their costumed pets), this event welcomes visitors and community members to enjoy festive fun in a welcoming, walkable neighborhood setting.
santamonica.com/event/trick-or-treat-downtown-2
Halloween at The Bungalow at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (Wilshire Boulevard) – Spend a lively night out this Halloween at The Bungalow with themed drink specials, spooky décor and lighting, a live DJ and photo ops for the ultimate Halloween party from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31 for guests age 21 and over.
santamonica.com/event/halloween-at-the-bungalow
TRANSPORTATION
Electrify America Charging Station (Mid-City) – Electrify America has officially opened its first hyper-fast electric vehicle charging station in Santa Monica, located on Santa Monica Boulevard near the I-10 Freeway. The new station delivers twenty 350 kW chargers capable of adding up to 20 miles of range per minute for compatible electric vehicles. The station operates 24/7 and is supported by 100% renewable energy. Arriving just in time for the centennial anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, this new station reflects Santa Monica’s offerings as a modern destination for sustainable road trips in California and beyond.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/electrify-america
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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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