Take the I-10 west – all the way west – to the classic summer road-trip destination of Santa Monica.
As the birthplace of beach volleyball and home to California’s first “amusement pier,” Santa Monica has summer-fun roots that run as deep as any city in the country. Adding to Santa Monica’s mystique: its role as terminus of both Route 66 and its modern-day analog, Interstate 10. The mind boggles imagining the legions of Midwestern road-trippers who kicked open the doors of their Ford Country Squire Wagons and gulped in satisfying draughts of the salty ocean air upon arrival.
But just because this particular summer escape is well-traced doesn’t mean there aren’t fresh delights to unveil – or significant payouts for your five-hour Phoenix to Pacific investment.
Where to Stay: Regent Santa Monica Beach
Formerly a dowdy 1980s-era Loew’s property, the beachfront hotel recently “had some work done” in L.A. parlance, emerging from a $55-million makeover as a bright, well-proportioned luxury hotel with lickety-split access to Santa Monica State Beach. The lone U.S. outpost of luxury hotel brand Regent, and one of just 12 worldwide, the 167-room property checks all the boxes for a bucket-list beach vacay: a celebrity-chef-fronted restaurant in the guise of Orla, where seafood whisperer Michael Mina expands his tent with dukkah Waldorf salad, tahina fried chicken and other Middle Eastern-inflected fusion delights; a world-class pampering at Guerlain Wellness Spa; and complimentary e-bikes to explore the boardwalk; the list doesn’t end until you hop back on the I-10. Summer rates start at $1,500/night. 1700 Ocean Ave., 310-458-6700, santamonica.regenthotels.com
Santa Monica Dining Rec
Though technically a mile up the road in West Los Angeles, this swank steakhouse has resonance for Phoenicians as the namesake of popular Biltmore-area Mod-Med restaurant FLINT by Baltaire. Not to be glib, but it’s basically the Steak 44 of Santa Monica – thrilling raw bar paired with magisterial steaks, all of it impeccably executed with disarming flourishes, from the modest chimichurri add-on to golden ossetra caviar. Pray there’s a fridge in your hotel room – you’ll want to take the uneaten half of your bone-in ribeye home with you. baltaire.com
Santa Monica Summer Social Calendar
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street, May 24
Get a jump on the summer crowds with this clever take on the classic board game, giving players access to tastings at more than 20 participating businesses. mainopolysm.com
Summer Soulstice Festival, June 21
Local musicians, beer vendors and more take over Main Street during this annual music-and-sun-drenched soirée. mainstreetsm.com/summer-soulstice
4th of July Parade, July 4
Pedestrians and slow-moving celebratory vehicles take over Santa Monica Boulevard in this classic local event. santamonicaparade.com
Untitled Music Festival, September TBA
Care to stretch your summering into the fall? The city is partnering with SoCal promoter Goldenvoice to bring around a dozen top acts to the beach for a single-day, Coachella-style music festival in September. goldenvoice.com
