You came to Santa Monica for the beach.
But what you may not know is that the city also offers a collection of museums, galleries, and art installations (more than 120) – many of them just steps from said beach.
At Shutters on the Beach and Casa del Mar, you can indulge in both with our new Celebrate the Arts offer. Just outside of your room or suite, revel in the sun-kissed splendor of Santa Monica Beach, then head to one of the city’s top arts destinations to immerse yourself in our iconic seaside culture. (We also have you covered for breakfast and the chance to win a future stay on us.)
See below for a preview of the city’s best cultural institutions:
Bergamot Station
Santa Monica’s largest collection of art galleries can be found at Bergamot Station, the historic site of the Red Line trolley that dates back to 1875. Throughout the collection’s industrial-style spaces, visitors can peruse nearly 40 well-established galleries that represent emerging and acclaimed artists. Visit the William Turner Gallery or the Laura Korman Gallery for thought-provoking, contemporary pieces; Craig Kull Gallery for artwork highlighting the cultural history of Southern California; and Shoshana Wayne Gallery for conceptual and feminist art.
2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
2.4 miles from the hotels
Annenberg Community Beach House
Spanning five acres on the coast of Santa Monica, Annenberg Community Beach House is a community space overflowing with history and art. Originally a luxurious private estate, the property was a hotspot for Hollywood celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable with its 100-plus palatial rooms and marble swimming pool. In the mid-1900s, it was transformed into the Oceanhouse hotel and exclusive Sand & Sea Club, and today it is known by locals as The Beach House. Both residents and visitors enjoy the historic, oceanfront pool, as well as concerts, art exhibits, and poetry and literature readings held in the updated home. Annenberg Community Beach House is a place for locals and travelers to spend the day playing in the California sun and enjoying the Pacific breeze.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402
1.9 miles from the hotels
Museum of Flying
Aviation enthusiasts will delight in the historic planes and curated collection of aviation artwork at the Museum of Flying. Step back in time with aircraft such as the Beech Staggerwing, Boeing Stearman, Cessna L-19 “Bird Dog,” and North American SNJ-5, as well as a replica of the historic Wright Flyer used by brothers Orville and Wilbur in their quest to achieve flight. During your visit to the museum near Santa Monica Airport, make sure to see the iconic Douglas DC-3 aircraft monument outdoors.
3100 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
2.8 miles from the hotels.
California Heritage Museum
From watercolors and ceramics to tattoos and the evolution of surfboard design, the California Heritage museum showcases everything California in its beautiful, nineteenth-century setting. The museum is housed in the historic Roy Jones House, a structure designed by acclaimed architect Summer P. Hunt. It is widely recognized for its style that bridges the exquisite Victorian Queen Anne revival and simpler American colonial.
2612 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
0.6 miles from the hotels.
Stay tune for our next newsletter highlighting the art in Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar!
Reserve our Celebrate the Arts package at Hotel Casa del Mar or Shutters on the Beach.
