SANTA MONICA FOR WINTER 2025: A FRESH LOOK AT CALIFORNIA’S ICONIC DESTINATION
With its legendary 3.5 miles of beach, chic boutiques, world-class dining, and unparalleled ocean views, Santa Monica remains the epitome of laid-back luxury. Whether you’re lounging by the waves or exploring the buzzing downtown district, this iconic beach town is welcoming travelers with open arms and a fresh wave of new additions.
Recognition for Santa Monica: A World-Class Destination
Santa Monica has made waves on the global stage, earning a coveted spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of “50 Best Places to Travel in 2025” in their “For Beach Vibes” category. This recognition was driven by a mix of fresh offerings in the area, including the arrival of high-end hotels like Regent Santa Monica Beach, the exciting food scene at eateries like SELINE, and attractions like the immersive Holey Moley Golf Club.
It also earned a spot on the Forbes list of “Top 12 Destinations for 2025” and was named one of the Sunday Times’ “Best Holiday Destinations” for the year. Adding to its accolades, the city was honored as North America’s Leading Beach Destination by the World Travel Awards and was featured on the Los Angeles Times list of the best beaches in Southern California.
New Hotels & Dining Experiences – A Stay in Santa Monica Like Never Before
Regent Santa Monica Beach (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Luxury is redefined at Regent Santa Monica Beach, which made a spectacular debut on October 1, 2024. The Regent brand’s return to North America marks a historic moment for the area. Offering some of the most expansive and luxurious accommodations on the coast, rooms begin at 720 square feet.
The hotel’s design captures the coastal essence of the place, ensuring an intimate and personalized stay. For dining, celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Orla brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to the heart of the hotel, while Sweet July, a collaboration with Ayesha Curry, serves up fresh, seasonal dishes that highlight California’s vibrant farm-to-table culture. For guests looking to unwind, the Guerlain Wellness Spa offers an indulgent 10,000-square-foot sanctuary featuring bespoke treatments, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges.
Shoreside at Shore Hotel (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Just steps away from the beach, Shoreside, the new restaurant and bar at Shore Hotel, brings the flavors of Southern California to life with an all-day menu. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and outdoor seating with ocean views – perfect for a laid-back lunch or an evening dinner under the stars.
Marelle at Sandbourne Santa Monica (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – At the newly renovated Sandbourne Santa Monica, Marelleby Chef Raphael Lunetta offers seasonal flavors with a special focus on desserts this winter. Guests can indulge in French Cream Cheesecake, Huckleberry Cobbler, and Butterscotch Budino, while sipping on winter-inspired cocktails like the Chocolate Espresso Martini. The vibrant California flavors and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax with friends or family.
Upcoming Events & Cultural Experiences
Santa Monica’s event calendar is packed with exciting happenings this winter. Don’t miss Frieze Los Angeles, one of the world’s premier contemporary art fairs, which will return to the Santa Monica Airport from February 20 to 23, 2025. Featuring more than 100 local and international galleries, the event promises to showcase cutting-edge works from both established and emerging artists.
For those looking to give back while exploring the local community, the Sandbourne Community Market on February 8 is a wonderful opportunity to shop from local vendors and support Palisades rebuilding efforts.
Food & Beverage: Santa Monica’s Culinary Scene Heats Up
Santa Monica’s culinary offerings continue to impress, with several exciting new additions to the food scene.
SELINE (Main Street) – A standout this season is SELINE, a new dining experience led by acclaimed Chef Dave Beran. This restaurant challenges the traditional dining model by focusing on a personalized, interactive experience where diners engage with the kitchen and chefs directly. The 15-18 course menu reflects the flavors of Southern California, providing an unforgettable journey through the region’s diverse and fresh ingredients.
Luke’s Lobster (Downtown) – The East Coast lobster roll phenomenon now has a home in Santa Monica. Luke’s Lobsteron Downtown’s Third Street Promenade offers the freshest lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls, made from sustainably sourced seafood from Maine and Canada. For seafood lovers, this is the perfect stop to indulge in classic New England-style flavors right by the Pacific.
Fitoor (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – A fusion of wood-fired Indian cuisine with coastal influences defines Fitoor, the latest fine dining concept in Santa Monica. Guests can savor dishes like Tandoori Green Garlic Prawns and Pulled Jackfruit Ghee Roast while sipping on inventive cocktails that combine traditional Indian flavors with contemporary twists.
Attractions: New & Interactive Fun for Everyone
Holey Moley (Downtown) – Located on Third Street Promenade, Holey Moley Golf Club brings 27 holes of mini golf madness to Santa Monica. This whimsical, vibrant attraction features some truly wild holes, including one inspired by the iconic Pacific Park Ferris wheel. It’s the perfect outing for groups, families, or anyone looking to embrace their playful side.
The Splatter Studio LA (Downtown) – Unleash your inner artist at The Splatter Studio LA, a fun, interactive art studio where guests can create their own masterpieces while enjoying a cold drink. The experience is an immersive and light-hearted way to get creative in Santa Monica.
Shopping & Retail: Fresh Finds Along the Coast
Santa Monica’s shopping scene continues to evolve with exciting new retail openings. From high-end luxury brands to trendy local boutiques, visitors can shop ‘til they drop.
BRIC’S Milano (Downtown) – If you’re in the market for luxury travel accessories, look no further than BRIC’S Milanoat Santa Monica Place. Known for its impeccable Italian craftsmanship, the store offers premium luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories that are both functional and stylish.
Outlandish (Downtown) – For a unique shopping experience, check out Outlandish, a digital-first retail store that doubles as a content creation hub. Shoppers can find exclusive products trending on social media while also using the space to film or edit their own content.
From upscale accommodations and gourmet dining to innovative cultural events and beachside fun, Santa Monica is the ultimate destination for a California getaway in Winter 2025. Whether you’re looking to relax in luxury or dive into the local culture, this iconic beach town has something for everyone. So pack your bags and head to Santa Monica – where sun, sand, and sophistication await.
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