WHAT’S NEW IN SANTA MONICA – FALL 2026
Santa Monica Welcomes Fall with the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, New Culinary Destinations, Seasonal Arts & Culture, Shopping and Experiences
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 27, 2026) – Santa Monica invites travelers to experience a destination where a century of California history meets a new generation of autumn’s bounty with food, culture and creativity. From the milestone 100th anniversary of Route 66 to new restaurants, shopping experiences, public art and seasonal events, October and November offer plenty of reasons to plan a fall escape with a chance to hit the beach. Here’s what’s new and happening in Santa Monica this season of change.
ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Santa Monica Celebrates 100 Years of Route 66
While we’ve long been celebrating, November 11 marks the official 100th anniversary of Route 66, the legendary highway that has connected communities, travelers and roadside culture across the country since 1926. As the western end of the historic route, Santa Monica is positioned to celebrate this milestone where the Mother Road meets the Pacific. Throughout the centennial year, Santa Monica has been highlighting its Route 66 landmarks, legacy businesses, cultural history and contemporary experiences. This fall, the milestone takes on added significance as the anniversary date approaches, giving visitors a timely opportunity to explore the city’s connection to the Mother Road.
Route 66 Song Contest Winner to Be Announced
Santa Monica’s Route 66 Centennial Song Contest will conclude this fall, with the winning song to be announced in November around the Route 66 centennial anniversary. The selected songwriter(s) will receive a $10,000 prize recognizing their work to bring a contemporary musical interpretation to Santa Monica’s century-old connection to the highway.
“Creating Route 66: Road, Legend, Community” at the Santa Monica History Museum (Downtown) – Discover Route 66 history in Santa Monica at this special exhibition scheduled for November 2026 through June 2027. In celebration of the centennial, the Santa Monica History Museum will spotlight the legendary highway’s role in popular culture and local communities.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/santa-monica-history-museum
HOTÉIS
Signature Fall Experiences at Regent Santa Monica Beach (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Check in at Regent Santa Monica Beach for a curated collection of autumn programming. This season’s signature experiences celebrate fall flavor and Halloween fun, all in a luxurious beachfront setting. Enjoy a spooky season edition of Cinema by the Sea, screening Halloween classics accompanied by spirited cocktails and elevated bites with “Practical Magic” on October 31. Exclusively for resort guests, The Mediterranean Wine Journey’s expert sommelier guides participants through five curated wines from Greece, Spain and Italy paired with fresh mezze selections.
santamonica.com/hotels/regent-santa-monica-beach
Coastal Petite Rooms at Shore Hotel (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – The vibrant Shore Hotel introduces a newly designed guest room type with Coastal Petite Rooms. Located in the East Building, this room style welcomes guests with modern comforts, intimate scale and coastal style inspired by the sand, sea and sunlight. Coastal Petite Room reservations are now open for stays beginning January 1.
santamonica.com/hotels/shore-hotel
Sessões “Shutters Spin” (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Landmark Santa Monica hotel Shutters on the Beach introduces Shutters Spin Sessions, where a live DJ sets a coastal vibe every Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Step into the Living Room and enjoy a new cocktail menu, light bites and great beats by the ocean.
santamonica.com/hotéis/shutters-on-the-beach
Après Surf Lounge at Viceroy Santa Monica (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Settle in for a fireside fall experience with Après Surf Lounge at Viceroy Santa Monica’s Sugar Palm, where California surf culture meets après-ski spirit. Now through December 31, book an Après Surf private heated cabana featuring charcuterie and s’mores boards, a personal fire pit, games, premium décor, cable TV and a dedicated cabana server for a cozy luxury experience.
santamonica.com/hotels/viceroy-santa-monica
Wellness Lounge at Huntley Santa Monica Beach (Downtown) – The glamorous property near Third Street Promenade welcomes an updated Wellness Lounge experience. Huntley Santa Monica Beach provides guests a heated saltwater whirlpool spa, barrel sauna, infrared sauna and cold plunge for a tranquil retreat that rejuvenates both mind and body.
santamonica.com/hotels/huntley-santa-monica-beach
La Petite Monique at Oceana Santa Monica (Montana Ave.) – Glamorous French brasserie La Monique unveils La Petite Monique, a new dining experience in an intimate alfresco patio space. Outdoor diners will enjoy a menu of restaurant favorites and dishes developed specifically for La Petite Monique, accompanied by live music on weekends.
Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Every October, Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach proudly support Breast Cancer Awareness Month through a commitment to education, compassion and community impact. Beginning October 1, the iconic oceanfront buildings shine pink, team members wear pink in solidarity and a special Pink menu raises funds for this important cause.
In partnership with Providence Saint John’s, the properties and their partners will match $1 for every Pink menu item purchased, with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research. Start your morning with the new Perfectly Pink Breakfast Menu at Terrazza restaurant, or enjoy the sunset with a Pink menu cocktail or mocktail at the Living Room available throughout October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
santamonica.com/hotels/hotel-casa-del-mar
santamonica.com/hotéis/shutters-on-the-beach
ATRAÇÕES E EXPERIÊNCIAS
Aldeia Suíça de Inverno no Píer de Santa Mônica (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Just in time for the holiday season, Santa Monica is preparing to welcome a new Swiss-style holiday market to the Santa Monica Pier from November 18 to January 3. The village is inspired by the famed European and Swiss holiday markets with multicultural representation, welcoming guests with artisanal food stalls, festive bars, live performances, a Swiss chalet and even a skating experience paired with Santa Monica’s coastal setting and local business partnerships.
santamonica.com/event/swiss-winter-village-at-the-santa-monica-pier
Holiday Cooking Classes at The Gourmandise School (Downtown) – Celebrate the season with themed cooking classes at The Gourmandise School atop Santa
Monica Place! Whip up a spooky menu with classes like Halloween Harvest on October 31. As autumn continues, don’t miss the Winter Soups & Stews workshop on November 19 or the 15th Annual Bake & Take: Thanksgiving Pies class on November 25. The holiday season is in full swing with Classic Hanukkah Dishes on December 6, Christmas Afternoon Tea on December 19 and the 15th Annual Yule Log Bake & Take event on December 20.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/the-gourmandise-school
ALIMENTOS E BEBIDAS
Rustic Canyon Celebrates 20 Years (Wilshire Blvd.) – Beloved local dining destination Rustic Canyon celebrates its 20th anniversary this December. Founded by Josh Loeb in 2006, the restaurant embraces the slow food approach and world-class Santa Monica farmers market ingredients. Rustic Canyon has become a celebrated culinary institution and favorite gathering place for residents and visitors over the last two decades.
santamonica.com/restaurants/rustic-canyon
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen (Downtown) – Founded in Fullerton, Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen expands with a new location in Downtown Santa Monica. Helmed by Pakistan-born Chef-Partner Imran Ali Mookhi, Khan Saab serves a visionary 100% halal menu of elevated Pakistani and Indian cuisine accompanied by a refined zero-proof beverage program. The restaurant welcomes diners to celebrate South Asian flavor with warm hospitality, exceptional preparation and top-tier ingredients.
santamonica.com/restaurants/khan-saab-desi-craft-kitchen
Kogen Omakase (Downtown) – Chef Yasu Iwai and restaurateur Adrian Taylor present Kogen, a Japanese fine dining experience. The intimate restaurant hosts two seatings a night Tuesday through Sunday, with room for up to 10 guests. Kogen Omakase serves fish sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market paired with seasonal produce from local farms, crafting thoughtful courses inspired by both the Japanese mountains and California coast.
santamonica.com/restaurants/kogen-omakase
New All Afternoon Happy Hour at West Side Oyster Club (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – New seafood stop West Side Oyster Club has launched a happy hour menu of specially priced offerings to be enjoyed at their al fresco patio or indoor dining space Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Savor Peruvian ceviche, clams in a white wine cream sauce, an oyster special and refreshing margaritas and beers for a delicious meal at a great price along Ocean Avenue.
santamonica.com/restaurantes/westside-oyster-club
Met Her at a Bar (Main Street) – The popular Los Angeles restaurateurs behind Met Her at a Bar in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood have opened their newest location in Santa Monica. The trendy neighborhood café is an all-day spot featuring extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverage menus served in a hip dining space.
santamonica.com/restaurants/met-her-at-a-bar
Bar Fortuna (Main Street) – Chef Brian Bornemann of the beloved Santa Monica restaurant Crudo e Nudo has debuted his latest concept, Bar Fortuna. The new dining destination will serve handmade pastas, Italian-style beverages, a curated wine list and plates featuring farmers market ingredients.
santamonica.com/restaurants/bar-fortuna
Punchbowl Sucos e Smoothies (Main Street) – Santa Monica welcomes a new healthy beverage shop with Punchbowl, a refreshing stop for handmade smoothies, juices and wellness shots. Find your new morning ritual with premium smoothie creations like Cinnamon Blossom and Matcha Strawberry Mucuna mixed with milks made in-house.
santamonica.com/restaurants/punchbowl-juice-smoothie
Divine Vintage Presents New Food Menu (Montana Ave.) – Retailer and wine bar Divine Vintage introduces an expanded food program designed to complement their curated selection of wines. The updated menu includes flatbread pizzas and shareable plates along with artisanal meats and cheeses, perfect for savoring while enjoying a glass.
santamonica.com/shopping/divine-vintage
Bacio di Latte (Montana Ave.) – Bacio di Latte has opened a second Santa Monica shop in the Montana Avenue neighborhood, serving freshly made premium gelatos with a seasonal menu of flavors alongside Italian espresso and an irresistible cookie selection.
santamonica.com/restaurants/bacio-di-latte-1510
Gott’s Roadside (Wilshire Blvd.) – Napa Valley favorite Gott’s Roadside is bringing its California roadside dining concept to Santa Monica this fall, marking the brand’s second Southern California location following its debut at The Original Farmers Market. The Santa Monica restaurant will bring Gott’s signature burgers, fries, shakes, tacos, salads and California-inspired fare to a popular neighborhood for dining in the city.
santamonica.com/restaurants/gotts-santa-monica
Padaria Louma (Wilshire Blvd.) – The Wilshire neighborhood’s lineup of culinary offerings welcomes a charming new addition with Louma Bakery, where classic pastries, fresh-baked breads and other artisanal baked goods are created using European baking principles and seasonal ingredients. The bakery supports non-profit The Louma Initiative, creating training and employment opportunities in a professional bakery setting for those with intellectual and developmental differences.
santamonica.com/restaurants/louma-bakery
Clube de Surfe de Bower (Mid-City) – Named after a famed surfing location in Australia, Bower Surf Club is an Aussie-inspired café, bar and restaurant. The laid-back location is inspired by the team’s surf travels across the world, including California. Bower Surf Club is an all-day destination serving breakfast dishes, smoothies, midday plates, refreshing cocktails and more in a welcoming space.
santamonica.com/restaurants/bower-surf-club
Metro Café (Mid-City) – Metro Cafe has expanded with a third location next door to The Gateway Hotel, serving a menu of breakfast and lunch favorites. The restaurant prioritizes sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, welcoming guests to gather and enjoy seasonal California flavors with a friendly ambiance.
santamonica.com/restaurants/metro-cafe
Matilda’s (Ocean Park) – Start the morning at Matilda’s for artisanal small-batch baked goods crafted with organic ancient grains and imported French flour. Offerings include croissants, seasonal pastries, brioche, sandwiches, in-house jams, a selection of fine butters and a coffee menu.
santamonica.com/restaurants/matildas-bakery
Mulheres Sensuais (Ocean Park) – Healthy juice bar and café Juicy Ladies has debuted their latest location in Santa Monica, serving a nutritious and energizing menu of organic breakfast items, salads, wraps, juices and more. Juicy Ladies prioritizes fresh, high-quality dishes, developing options for many types of diets with ingredients from organic, non-GMO farmers and suppliers.
santamonica.com/restaurants/juicy-ladies
Pãezinho e Chocolate (Pico Blvd.) – Clémence de Lutz, co-founder of The Gourmandise School and celebrated bakery Petitgrain Boulangerie, opens a sister location with Petitpain et Chocolat. The new walk-up-window bakery serves artisanal bread loaves, whole grain pastries and a selection of chocolatey baked goods.
santamonica.com/restaurants/petitpain-et-chocolat
Loja de Cervejas Exodus (Pico Blvd.) – The former Weary Livers space enters a new chapter with Exodus Beer Shop, serving rare beers and specialty brews. Stop in and sip a unique, curated selection of beers in the Pico Boulevard neighborhood.
santamonica.com/restaurants/exodus-beer-shop
ARTE E CULTURA
ARTE MUSEUM Coming Soon to Santa Monica Place (Downtown) – ARTE Museum presents the ultimate immersive art experience, combining breathtaking digital art with expertly developed soundscapes and captivating fragrances for an unforgettable sensory experience. ARTE Museum will soon debut its newest location at Santa Monica Place in the vibrant Downtown neighborhood, featuring a one-of-a-kind concept and exclusive artwork. Stay tuned for more information soon!
santamonica.com/shopping/santa-monica-place
Fall Exhibits at Bergamot Station Arts Center (Mid-City) – Bergamot Station is a celebrated art gallery and cultural complex, containing over 20 individual galleries and creative venues highlighting rising artists, abstract pieces, stunning photography and architectural design. Bergamot Station is the perfect place to spend a day this season, with an afternoon browsing the galleries and an evening of delicious dishes at restaurant Le Great Outdoor on the grounds. New fall exhibits include:
- Jacqueline Valenzuela | “Sanctified Steel” at Craig Krull Gallery now through October 31
- Craig Krull | “Walking Venice” at Craig Krull Gallery now through October 31
- Gronk | “X Reason” at Craig Krull Gallery now through October 31
- “Florilegium” at Nüart Gallery now through October 31
- Misc. Artists | “Female Focus” at Leslie Sacks Gallery now through November 14
- Wayne Thiebaud at Leslie Sacks Gallery now through November 14
- “Love’s Dart” at Nüart Gallery now through November 7-28
santamonica.com/things-to-do/bergamot-station-arts-center
“RED ALL NIGHTmare” at 18th Centro de Artes de Rua (Mid-City) — 18th Street Arts Center hosts the largest artist residency program in Southern California, providing artists space to create and share the impactful results with the public through exhibition and community engagement programs. 18th Street Arts Center’s newest exhibition, “RED ALL NIGHTmare on 18th Street” by artist duo Beck+Col presents an artistic glimpse into their film “Red All Night.” The unique exhibit runs from November 13 to December 18 including seven striking portals resembling monstrous forest creatures, with a short clip from the film playing in the mouth of each monster.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/18th-street-arts-center
“Portraits: Faces and Waves” at the Annenberg Community Beach House (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – A new exhibition debuts in the Beach House’s gallery with “Portraits: Faces and Waves” showcasing the work of local photographers Sam Comen and Anthony Friedkin. On display now through March 27, 2027, this exhibit highlights deeply local and unique perspectives on contemporary portraiture.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/annenberg-community-beach-house
Extended Hours at the Museum of Flying (Ocean Park) – The family-favorite Museum of Flying at Santa Monica Airport has extended its hours, welcoming guests from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The nonprofit museum traces back to the Douglas Aircraft Company’s origins in Santa Monica, exhibiting original artifacts, impressive aircrafts, historic photos and pieces of aviation history.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/museum-of-flying
COMPRAS/VAREJO
Free-est (Main Street) – Globally popular brand Free People has debuted a new boutique in Santa Monica touting their Free-est collection. The retail location offers guests a personalized shopping experience with styling appointments available, beauty products, swimwear and wardrobe staples from the brand perfect for a beachy shopping spree.
santamonica.com/shopping/free-est-santa-monica
Kreation Pets (Montana Ave.) – Just a few blocks from Kreation Kafe & Juicery lies Kreation Pets, a new outpost from the brand dedicated to healthy foods and products for pets. The shop carries a curated selection of pet toys alongside Kreation’s line of carefully developed pet foods, including meals and treats made with human-grade, unprocessed ingredients.
santamonica.com/shopping/kreation-pets
BEM-ESTAR
Selvagem (Main Street) – Celebrated cruelty-free, vegan wellness brand Wildling has opened their first brick-and-mortar location in Santa Monica’s Edgemar building, bringing their beauty rituals and expertise to locals and visitors in person. Guests can shop their collection of award-winning beauty and wellness products or learn from Wildling’s experts with a personalized gua sha tutorial, facial session or skin consultation.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/wildling
EVENTOS
Retorno da Locals’ Night até o Píer de Santa Mônica (Pier/Ocean Avenue) – The Santa Monica Pier welcomes back its annual Locals’ Night series every third Thursday of the month now through May 2027. Each month’s event welcomes guests with a curated theme including Swiss Art + Sound (November), Holiday Cheer on the Pier (December) and a Drive-In Movie (January). Locals’ Night emphasizes experiences curated by and for Santa Monicans, offering an evening of local culture against the backdrop of the Pacific.
santamonica.com/experience-santa-monica/neighborhoods/santa-monica-pier-ocean-avenue
Celebração da Iluminação da Árvore de Natal do Regent (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in Santa Monica with an enchanting evening at Regent Santa Monica Beach starting at 4:30 p.m. on November 19. This festive event invites all to gather and see a spectacular 45-foot Christmas tree come to life with glittering lights, live music, seasonal bites and even an appearance from Santa Clause himself. In the spirit of the holiday, the event will also feature an opportunity to give back to the community during this special season..
santamonica.com/event/regent-holiday-tree-lighting-celebration
Santa Monica Block Fest (Downtown) – Santa Monica’s biggest free music festival returns this fall for a monthly series on Third Street Promenade. Every second Saturday of the month through December, enjoy an open-air evening of live DJs, a food night market, vendor village, pop-up bars, VIP lounges and more. This event is free for all ages, bringing visitors and the local community together to experience the neighborhood’s energy.
santamonica.com/experience-santa-monica/neighborhoods/downtown-santa-monica-3rd-street-promenade
Quartas-feiras ocidentais no Santa Monica Place (Downtown) – Held weekly now through the end of October, Santa Monica Place hosts Western Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 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. Don’t miss a special Halloween edition on October 28, where the best costume will win a $50 gift card to Tenshoppe!
santamonica.com/shopping/santa-monica-place
Bar Crawl de Halloween (Citywide) – For those 21 and over, Santa Monica will host a spirited celebration on the evening of Halloween (October 31) with a wickedly fun bar crawl. Guests can make their way through some of Santa Monica’s beloved bars, with exclusive drink specials and a different atmosphere waiting at every stop. With electric beats, creepy cocktails and bold costumes, the evening offers a memorable way to celebrate Halloween night by the beach.
santamonica.com/event/the-halloween-bar-crawl-santa-monica
Renegade Craft Fair Returns (Ocean Park) – This November 7 and 8, Santa Monica Airport will welcome the Renegade Craft Fair’s Los Angeles Winter edition, inviting visitors to shop amongst more than 275 curated artists and independent makers. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, this holiday shopping event offers a thoughtful selection of handcrafted goods, art, design and one-of-a-kind gifts, making it a destination for discovering emerging creatives and supporting small businesses ahead of the holiday season.
santamonica.com/event/renegade-craft-los-angeles/2026-11-07
###
Sobre a Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
A Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) é uma organização sem fins lucrativos criada para aumentar os gastos dos visitantes, a receita do turismo e as oportunidades de emprego local por meio da promoção de Santa Monica como destino de viagem. Para obter mais informações, visite santamonica.com, e-mail [email protected], ou siga a SMTT no Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) ou Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Contato com a mídia
Emily Ohara
Gerente de Relações Públicas
