Santa Monica
Live Like a Southern Californian
Living life on the beach at Santa Monica really doesn’t get much better. We would recommend 2-3 days here to unwind and get into the beach culture and vibe. Check out the local café scene. Take a gourmet local cookery class, visit the Saturday food market. Go on a bike tour to Venice Beach. Go whale watching. Be a surfer for the day : learn to surf with a private one on one lesson and hum away to the Beach Boys classic tracks. Take a beach yoga class.
Sample Four Day Itinerary
Santa Monica is Los Angeles’ beach city – a charming seaside town with all of the culture, events and urban amenities of a bustling metropolis. The blend of Santa Monica’s natural beauty, award-winning dining, incomparable hotel collection and famed shopping options, all nestled along one of California’s most iconic stretches of shoreline, offers a truly laidback luxury experience.
DAY ONE
Indulge in an idyllic beach day beginning with a private yoga lesson at the water’s edge. Then, enjoy a curated beach picnic which includes professionally designed furnishings and chef-curated cheese and charcuterie boards, along with optional add-ons such as sounds baths and custom floral arrangements. Next, unwind with one of several luxurious ‘spa journeys’ at Tikkun Spa or have a personalized spa retreat at the natural and organic Alchemie Spa. Tikkun’s lavish Royal Gold Treatment includes a 24-karat gold body wrap that will make you feel like royalty. Or, satisfy your appetite for pampering with Alchemie’s HydraFacial performed by an expert esthetician that will leave your skin glowing for the rest of your trip. After feeling fully relaxed, enjoy a front-row sunset view of the Pacific at Calabra, the rooftop restaurant and bar at Santa Monica Proper Hotel, one of the newest luxury hotels to debut in the city. Whether from the sundeck, circular bar or indoor lounge, the views are best enjoyed with Californiam wines or seasonal cocktails. To finish the evening, head to Fia for dinner. Hidden inside a lush, secret garden, Fia offers a menu highlighting fresh seasonal ingredients, inspired by California and Italian coastal cuisine.
DAY TWO
There’s no better way to start your day than by waking up in one of Santa Monica’s beautiful luxury hotel properties, offering a range of elegant, first-class hotels to classic California bungalows. Enjoy an exclusive sunrise breakfast at Sandpiper at Oceana which features a picturesque seaside backdrop and an illustrious onyx-clad bar. Then, tone up with a Speir Pilates or SoulCycle class followed by a healthy cold pressed juice. In the afternoon, hop on a bike and cycle along The Strand, the world’s longest oceanfront bike path. Stop by Original Muscle Beach where famous bodybuilders, gymnasts, and acrobats have trained. Stroll back up to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, experience the energy of the local street artists and vendors, people watch and relax with an unforgettable sunset dinner at The Lobster, recently named one of the most scenic restaurants in the United States by OpenTable. While The Lobster will always be known for its beautifully prepared Maine and California spiny lobsters, you’ll find a menu filled to the brim with a tantalizing variety of raw and exceptionally cooked seafood dishes. End the night at your choice of Santa Monica’s amazing hotel lounges for creative cocktails in a high-class setting: The Bungalow at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Sugar Palm at Viceroy Santa Monica, or Blue Streak at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, or Terrazza at Hotel Casa Del Mar
DAY THREE
For an early breakfast, a popular among Santa Monica residents is Huckleberry Café, run by renowned culinary husband and wife duo, Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan. Be sure to save room for a treat from the pastry counter; the seasonally-filled crostatas and legendary cinnamon roll never fail to please. After a delicious breakfast, venture to one of Santa Monica’s four weekly farmers markets, which take place throughout the city on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Experience a slice of Southern California life and maybe even catch a glimpse of local celebrities or chefs picking their produce for the day! Afterwards, take the “Art of Making Chocolate” class, master the revered French macarons, or treat yourself with some “Pie Therapy” at The Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories. Or, enjoy an enchanting tour encompassing world-class art and local wines in the nearby Santa Monica mountains. Explore Greek and Roman antiquities at The Getty Villa, and then discover the acclaimed coastal wine country while indulging in the variety of wines that nearby Malibu has to offer.
DAY FOUR
Start your last day with the extravagant Lobster Brunch at 1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica’s premier beachfront dining destination. Afterwards, shop ‘til you drop at Santa Monica Place, a hub for designer brands and premier shops including including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Rolex. Take advantage of the superior customer service at the Concierge Lounge, which offers same-day delivery service to Santa Monica hotels. For a more personalized experience, check out LaLaLuxe and have the shopping done for you. Meet with a LaLaLuxe stylist to begin your wardrobe overhaul, find a new look, shop for gifts, or style you for an important event. Then, make your way to Ester’s Wine Shop & Bar, and sip on the extensive wine collection on their outdoor patio. Round off the day with an Italian feast at Via Veneto and then, catch your last Santa Monica sunset with a drink in hand and the ocean in sight at The Penthouse, located on the 18th floor of the Huntley Santa Monica Beach; ONYX, Hotel Shangri-La’s indoor-outdoor rooftop bar; or, Élephante, a Southern Mediterranean-inspired lounge with scenic views and impeccable interior design.
Then, if you can escape head up the PCH to Santa Barbara……
Hotels down at the beach
There are always so many hotels to choose from wherever you travel. By getting to know what you like to experience in a hotel we can guide you and suggest the best options. There is a very good choice in Santa Monica. These three fabulous hotels offer a great start to discussing where you’d like to stay.
Fairmont Miramar Hotels & Bungalows
FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS Santa Monica, CA, USA. Whether you are dressed in your board shorts and flip-flops or Armani chic, you will feel at home in our close-knit community. Set on five prime acres of a bluff overlooking the Pacific, our eclectic, five-star, seaside property has a secluded resort feel and casual So-Cal vibe.
Hands down, the Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica is the best hotel near the Santa Monica Pier. Get social at the buzzing happy hour of our acclaimed, market-driven FIG restaurant. Line up with locals for iconic Dogtown Coffee, unwind in the popular Baja-chic lounge, The Bungalow, and find balance at our award-winning spa and wellness center. We are the hub of Santa Monica; it all happens here. Our urban resort boasts the most ocean-view rooms in Santa Monica. And our exclusive property is historic yet current, with your choice of three distinctive styles of comfortable, stylish accommodations: BEACH-INSPIRED BUNGALOWS – Set up residence at your own garden bungalow. Renowned Los Angeles interior designer Michael Berman reimagined these 31 original 1930s bungalows, set among the palms and fountains of our fragrant gardens. Each channels modern Southern California surf design, with a fresh colour palette of cooling grays and blues, organic elements throughout, custom lighting and locally inspired vintage artwork. MID-CENTURY-MODERN OCEAN TOWER – Wake up to a sea breeze or take in the pastel sunset from your private balcony with vistas of the Pacific. It’s all about views from our Ocean Tower, built in 1959. The 10-story’s 176 guest rooms look out to the Pacific with panoramas of the iconic beachfront landscapes, the Pier and Malibu and nearly all have sunny balconies. Walnut-grain wooden desks and dressers set the classic tone, accented by oh-so-comfortable beds, iconic 50s furniture and lighting, and vibrant So Cal photography. CLASSIC-MEETS-CONTEMPORARY PALISADES ROOMS – Get a taste of the casually elegant Santa Monica lifestyle in a residential ambiance. Overnight in the spacious Palisades guest rooms and suites of our six-story 1924 historical wing, where politicians and Hollywood stars once stayed. Choose city, lush garden or serene ocean views. The Palisades is ideal for families or guests looking for extra space in a unique historic setting.
Romantic |
Pet-friendly |
Nightlife |
Family-friendly |
Beach |
Food & Wine |
City |
Adventure |
Spa |
Shutters on the Beach
White sand beaches, the sun reflecting off the Pacific, and a gentle ocean breeze. Shutters on the Beach is your seaside haven set in one of Southern California’s most desirable enclaves. FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS Santa Monica, CA, USA. Whether you are dressed in your board shorts and flip-flops or Armani chic, you will feel at home in our close-knit community. Set on five prime acres of a bluff overlooking the Pacific, our eclectic, five-star, seaside property has a secluded resort feel and casual So-Cal vibe.
Both comfortable and luxurious, the acclaimed Santa Monica Beach Hotel recalls the quintessential cottages of Cape Cod, with shuttered doors opening onto breezy balconies and a sun-drenched pool deck replete with chaise lounges. 198 gracious guest rooms, including 12 suites, showcase the residential-style designs of Michael S. Smith. On-site, experience the market-fresh fare of 1 Pico Restaurant and Coast Beach Café. Indulge in organic wellness rituals at ONE Spa and breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific from every vantage. Best of all, the beach is just steps from you at any given time.
Romantic |
Family-friendly |
Food & Wine |
Beach |
City |
Outdoor pool |
Pet-friendly |
Spa |
Casa del Mar
Inspired by the grand villas of the Mediterranean and the beachy vibe of Santa Monica, Hotel Casa del Mar invites you to unwind in style. Its vibrant new ocean view lobby and Terrazza Lounge by interior designer Michael S. Smith are a contemporary contrast to its classic Italian Renaissance exterior. FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS Santa Monica, CA, USA. Whether you are dressed in your board shorts and flip-flops or Armani chic, you will feel at home in our close-knit community. Set on five prime acres of a bluff overlooking the Pacific, our eclectic, five-star, seaside property has a secluded resort feel and casual So-Cal vibe.
This dynamic oceanfront hotel in the heart of Silicon Beach offers some of the most coveted accommodations on the West Coast. Each new exquisitely styled guest room and suite showcases local coastal art and residential design, many feature sweeping vistas of the coastline from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Three two-story penthouses perched atop the building on their own private floor are the ultimate seaside hideaways. Plan your next meeting in a posh lobby Cabana or in our boardroom. Have your wedding reception in the Colonnade Ballroom overlooking the beach. Take a dip in the Palm Terrace Pool as you gaze at the iconic Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel. Indulge in eco-minded wellness at Sea Spa before discovering farmers-market-driven selections at Catch Restaurant as you watch the sunset. No matter where you are at Hotel Casa del Mar, rest assured you are never far from the Pacific or our talented staff to serve you.
Romantic |
City |
Pre & Post Cruise |
Family-friendly |
Pet-friendly |
Food & Wine |
Beach |
Spa |
Outdoor pool |
The Best of the Rest
Within our vetted SELECT hotel program we can also recommend and get you all the lovely VIP perks at :
Oceana Beach Club Hotel, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Loews, Viceroy and Ritz Carlton at Marina del Rey. Ask us for more details.