City Guide: Santa Monica
Santa Monica is where beachside ease flirts with urban buzz. Set along Southern California’s sun-drenched coastline, it may be compact, but it packs serious personality. Think golden beaches, cultural touchpoints and creative energy, all underpinned by a wellness-first way of life, miles of bike paths and a dining scene that knows its way around a market stall.
Stay
For a beachfront stay that feels both polished and peaceful, Regent Santa Monica Beach delivers effortless luxury just steps from the sand. Contemporary minimalism meets subtle Art Deco notes, with curated artworks and thoughtful design details creating an atmosphere that’s quietly confident rather than showy. The 167 guestrooms and suites, designed by award-winning studio Wimberly Interiors, channel the soothing tones of the Pacific, with generous layouts, many offering ocean views and residential-style touches such as separate living areas and spa-inspired bathrooms. The 10,000-square-foot Guerlain Wellness Spa is the final flourish—expect restorative massages, results-driven facials and indulgent body treatments that send you back into the sunshine feeling thoroughly rebooted.
For heritage with a side of Hollywood myth-making, The Georgian remains one of Santa Monica’s most storied addresses. In its heyday, it attracted an impeccably dressed roll call of film stars before slipping into quiet obscurity in the 1960s. Today, the landmark has been meticulously restored to its former glory. The hotel now offers 84 newly refurbished guestrooms, including 28 one-bedroom suites with sweeping ocean views. Original details sit comfortably alongside modern comforts, resulting in a kind of whimsical, cinematic elegance—imagine Wes Anderson, but with room service.
Regent Santa Monica Beach
The Georgian
Dine
Santa Monica’s dining scene prizes seasonality, restraint and serious technique. Citrin, the Michelin-starred restaurant overseen by Chef Josiah Citrin, offers a refined tasting experience anchored in locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is precise and beautifully judged, with flavours layered rather than overworked, supported by an excellent wine list and quietly impeccable service.
Le Monique brings French brasserie classics into Californian sunlight. Its intimate dining room, centred around a striking bar and dressed in rich tones and curated art, nods to old-Hollywood glamour without tipping into pastiche. The seafood-and-steak-led menu applies classic French techniques to pristine seasonal produce, delivering dishes that feel indulgent yet composed.
For something more understated, Rustic Canyon champions hyper-seasonal cooking shaped by close relationships with local farmers. Menus shift constantly, allowing ingredients to take centre stage. It’s a favourite among those who appreciate simplicity executed with almost obsessive care.
Do
Few experiences capture the spirit of the coast quite like exploring it on two wheels. Rent a bike or join a guided ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail—also known as The Strand—which stretches 22 miles of oceanfront from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance. Expect uninterrupted sea views, a steady parade of beach culture and plenty of sunshine-fuelled people-watching.
Those keen to sharpen their culinary skills can book hands-on classes at The Gourmandise School, tucked just off the 3rd Street Promenade. Led by professional chefs, sessions focus on technique, seasonality and sustainability, with an emphasis on fresh, market-sourced ingredients.
Visit
No trip is complete without a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier. Opened in 1909, it’s an enduring cultural icon, home to a historic carousel, the famous Route 66 sign and a solar-powered Ferris wheel offering panoramic ocean views. Its starring role in film and popular culture has sealed its status as one of California’s most recognisable landmarks.
For a deeper dive into the city’s food culture, the Farmers’ Market on Arizona Avenue is essential. Held every Wednesday and Saturday, it showcases California produce at its peak—vibrant fruit and vegetables, fresh flowers and just-baked bread. Chefs, locals and visitors mingle among the stalls, creating a lively, fragrant atmosphere that’s as enjoyable for people-watching as it is for shopping.
Finally, take time to wander Santa Monica’s neighbourhoods on foot. Montana Avenue offers a refined mix of independent boutiques, bookshops and galleries, while the pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade provides a more animated blend of retail, cafés and street performers—proof that Santa Monica does laid-back and lively in equal measure.
Article written by Esohe Ebohon