For those looking to build their own tailored routine, Santa Monica is an ideal destination for outdoor fitness at every intensity level
Kick off the morning bright and early with moments of reflection. Photos Courtesy: Special Arrangement
There’s no better way to welcome the New Year than by embarking on a journey of wellness and self-care in Santa Monica in the United States of America. While there are many other different cities you can explore, there is a lot you can do here.
Travellers can easily explore the trendsetting beachfront destination that offers the perfect environment for a getaway grounded in good living, creativity, and self-discovery.
Energise and exercise
Kick off the morning bright and early with moments of reflection, time for planning and study, and an invigorating movement session at one of Santa Monica’s many active experiences. Travellers will enjoy outdoor beach adventures like getting in the flow with Beach Yoga SoCal, catching Pacific waves with lessons at Aqua Surf School, spinning on the sand with The Sun Cycle or serving up some competition on one of the city’s 74 public beach volleyball courts.
Visitors can also take things indoors and enjoy Santa Monica’s beautiful fitness studios. Recommended by Goop and attended by Gwyneth Paltrow herself, The Class offers unique music-driven cardio and strength-based classes in a stunning studio environment. Santa Monica’s celeb-favourite fitness methods continue with Pvolve, a studio in the Main Street neighbourhood celebrated by Jennifer Aniston for its transformative workouts and one-of-a-kind equipment. Meanwhile, Good Body Pilates is a beloved boutique studio inviting visitors to join resident regulars on the reformer for group classes or book a private session for a customised experience.
For those looking to build their own tailored routine, Santa Monica is an ideal destination for outdoor fitness at every intensity level. With over 100 miles of protected bike lanes across the city, Santa Monica is home to a thriving cycling culture. In addition to bike rental shops like Perry’s Café & Beach Rentals and Santa Monica Bike Center, several hotels, such as Shore Hotel, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, The Pierside Hotel and Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, offer their guests bicycle rentals at little to no cost. Both cyclists and runners will enjoy a scenic trip along the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, taking in the beautiful ocean views while making progress toward fitness goals. For further inspiration, visit the Original Muscle Beach, a key player in the physical fitness movement.
Healthy eating in Santa Monica
With a popular farmers market scene and several restaurants prioritising dishes that are both delicious and nutritious, options abound for health-conscious diners in Santa Monica. Santa Monica is home to four weekly farmers' markets abundant in colourful produce and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each market offers its own character and unique offerings, setting up shop in city blocks across the destination each week. The largest of the four markets is the Downtown Farmers Market, each Wednesday, welcoming locals and visitors to shop for the freshest produce alongside celebrated Santa Monica chefs shopping for the highest quality ingredients to serve up in their restaurants. This organic-certified market also operates on Saturdays, perfect for a leisurely weekend morning in the Downtown neighbourhood. Travellers will also enjoy the Pico Farmers Market, filled with both local produce and delicious prepared food for a family-friendly morning at Virginia Avenue Park each Saturday, as well as the Main Street Farmers Market on Sundays, offering artisanal goods and vibrant flowers alongside fresh produce options complete with live music and a picnic on the lawn at the California Heritage Museum.
Diners looking to prioritise healthy eating habits in the new year will find mouthwatering options across the city. The Santa Monica community’s healthy coastal lifestyle is reflected in its dining options, with delicious vegan favourites like B&T’s Deli, Health Nut and more. California cuisine thrives as well, with healthy fare at Rabano, Kreation Kafe & Juicery and The Curious Palate serving fresh, vibrant dishes emulating the city’s breezy coastal environment.
Pick up your next passion project
As we welcome 2026, it is the perfect time to learn a new creative skill or find a favourite new hobby. Travellers are invited to make lasting memories with fulfilling artistic and athletic experiences in Santa Monica. Perched at the top of Santa Monica Place, The Gourmandise School invites visitors to sharpen their skills in the kitchen with the guidance of expert chefs.
Santa Monica is a true hub for the arts in Southern California, home to over 55 museums, galleries and performance venues. Located in the Mid-City neighbourhood, PAINT: LAB invites travellers of all ages to join workshops in drawing, watercolour, acrylic and more to learn new techniques and create their own beautiful memento of their time in Santa Monica. Meanwhile, guests of Sandbourne Santa Monica will enjoy complimentary ceramics classes each Saturday morning led by a local artist.
Visitors are welcome to pick up a paddle and enjoy the latest sports craze at Pickle Pop. Located on the world-famous Third Street Promenade, Pickle Pop invites travellers to step on the court for an open play session or sign up for a clinic to learn the basics of pickleball and bring home the perfect souvenir—a new sports skill! Santa Monica has visitors covered for all types of athletic goals in 2026, carrying a diverse range of sporting goods at Downtown shops, including Nike, Wilson, Beyond Yoga, Patagonia, Lululemon, Adidas, JD Sports and more to gear up for the year ahead.
Relax and rejuvenate
As we enter the new year, it is essential to take time to slow down, reflect and recharge to be your best self in 2026. From spa treatments to meditation, Santa Monica offers a host of rejuvenating ways to care for both body and soul. Several Santa Monica hotels welcome both hotel guests and the public to enjoy luxurious spa treatments and amenities. The stunning new Regent Santa Monica Beach beckons travellers with the tranquil Guerlain Wellness Spa offering 10,000 square feet of treatment facilities and wellness spaces. Visitors will enjoy custom services including massages, facials and body treatments developed by renowned French institution Guerlain exclusively for Regent Santa Monica Beach. Meanwhile, the serene Santa Monica Proper Hotel presents the ultimate in relaxation with contrast and red light therapy in their Recovery Suite, as well as Ayurvedic treatments at the internationally acclaimed and celeb-favourite Surya Spa on the property. For the ultimate in California coastal wellness, visit Shutters on the Beach’s ONE Spa and Hotel Casa del Mar’s Sea Wellness Spa for spaces and services reflective of their location, just steps from the Pacific waters.
For a highly personalised wellness experience, Mystic Journey in the Main Street neighbourhood offers an inspiring guided look into metaphysical healing and insights. Mystic Journey provides tarot readings, energy healing, dream interpretation and more, as well as assistance in selecting crystals and gemstones for healing and meditation. Whether travellers are new to the world of sound baths or practice meditative exercises daily, Calming Spot offers unique classes suited to many different needs, from guided breathwork to chakra alignment. Their Santa Monica beach location provides an enhanced sound bath experience surrounded by the gentle waves and fresh breezes, while candlelight sessions offer a soothing ambience and healing vibrations.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
