With its extensive coastline, lively entertainment scene, bustling shopping and gaming centres, popular hangout spots, and diverse culinary offerings, Santa Monica has long been a favourite gathering place
for both locals and visitors. The city offers countless ways to unwind, connect, and socialise.
Hotel Hangouts
Social Hours at Hotel Casa Del Mar — Hotel Casa Del Mar invites guests to its “Golden Hour” happy hour at the stylish Lobby Lounge as part of its centennial celebrations in 2026. Available Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., this seaside experience features handcrafted cocktails, half-priced wines by the glass, and specialty drinks paired with light bites, all set against panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
New Social Spaces at Hyatt Centric Delfina — The recently renovated Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica features the 4,526-square-foot Delfina Ballroom—the only rooftop ballroom in Santa Monica overlooking the Pacific Ocean—which can host up to 400 guests. Ideal for weddings, receptions, and corporate events, the property also includes the newly updated Coastal Harvest Bar & Kitchen, an all-day restaurant serving California-inspired cuisine, along with new social spaces such as the Sandbox game room and upgraded public areas designed to encourage connection and relaxation.
Sushi-Making Classes at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows — Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through the end of March, guests can join renowned sushi chef Masa Shimakawa for a hands-on sushi-making experience at the Soko sushi bar. The 90-minute class begins with sparkling sake, miso soup, and salad, followed by guided instruction on crafting salmon, yellowtail, crab, and tuna rolls using fresh ingredients and time-honoured techniques.
Socialising Over Food & Drinks
The Lobster Brunch Service — The Lobster, a beloved seafood restaurant perched atop the Santa Monica Pier, has launched a weekend brunch. Available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the menu features elevated coastal dishes, refreshing cocktails, and fresh-shucked oysters, all paired with sweeping ocean views.
Couplet Coffee — A queer women-founded specialty coffee brand, Couplet Coffee has opened a vibrant new café on Santa Monica Boulevard. Serving freshly brewed coffee, loose-leaf teas, pastries, and light bites, the café also partners with local artists and hosts community-focused events, positioning itself as a lively social hub.
Jus Family Café — Located in Santa Monica’s Pico neighbourhood, Jus Family Café is rooted in coffee, culture, and community. Founded by activist Robbie Jones, the café offers high-quality coffee alongside live music, cultural programming, and community events in a welcoming setting.
Family-Friendly Attractions and Experiences
Museum of Illusions — Now open on the Third Street Promenade, this interactive attraction blends art, science, and entertainment across a 12,000-square-foot space with more than 80 exhibits. Highlights include the Ames Room, Vortex Tunnel, and Reversed Room.
The Cube VR Immersive Park — Also located on the Third Street Promenade, this virtual reality destination offers immersive solo adventures and interactive team challenges using advanced VR technology.
Garden Safaris — These locally led guided walking tours combine nature and neighbourhood history, offering three-hour explorations through garden-lined streets, scenic stairways, and residential enclaves.
Culture and Retail
Food & Family Exhibition — “Food & Family: African American and Intercultural Traditions,” on display through March 29 at the Santa Monica History Museum, explores the city’s culinary heritage through photographs, oral histories, and archival objects.
Retail Therapy — Global apparel brand UNIQLO has relocated to a larger space on the Third Street Promenade, offering its full range of LifeWear essentials. Meanwhile, Gacha & Catch, a limited-time pop-up, brings Japanese arcade fun with capsule toy machines and claw games featuring popular characters.
Wellness and Events
SweatHouz — Santa Monica’s wellness scene welcomes SweatHouz, offering contrast therapy sessions that include infrared saunas, Vitamin C showers, and cold plunges. A new Ocean Park location is now open, with another coming soon to Downtown.
Oceanfront Events — Looking ahead to summer 2026, Michelob ULTRA will debut its “Pitchside Club” fan experience on the Santa Monica Pier during the FIFA World Cup™, combining live match screenings, interactive games, and celebrity appearances in a unique beachfront setting.
