Redondo Beach
Can’t-miss Santa Monica celebrity hotspots by the beach
Last Updated: August 02, 2026
For the best chances of Celebrity Sightings in Santa Monica, start at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where stars are often seen enjoying the rides or dining by the ocean. Upscale shopping at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place frequently draws Hollywood’s elite. Celebrities also love dining with ocean views at Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, two of the city’s most luxurious spots. Health-conscious stars are often spotted at Urth Caffé or grabbing organic bites at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. For fitness enthusiasts, Equinox Santa Monica and Palisades Park are prime locations to see actors, models, and musicians staying in shape. Even a stroll along Ocean Avenue or the beachfront Santa Monica Beach can lead to celebrity encounters, making Santa Monica one of the top destinations for spotting stars in California. Beyond the well-known names, the city's rooftop lounges, oceanfront steakhouses, and old-guard beach clubs round out an already star-studded map.
5-star hotel
The Oceana Beach Club Hotel offers an intimate and luxurious retreat for discerning travelers. Boasting 70 impeccably designed suites, the hotel exudes beach-chic decor with swaying palm trees, a courtyard featuring a freeform swimming pool, and a rooftop bar providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The suite-style accommodations feature plush beds with Egyptian cotton linens, Frette bathrobes, kitchenettes, and workstations. Exclusive to guests, the ocean-view dining room, Sandpiper, serves contemporary California cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Oceana Beach Club Hotel provides a haven for relaxation and wellness, offering stand-up paddleboarding, surfing lessons, in-suite spa treatments, personal training, meditation, and free group yoga sessions. Situated just a short walk from the beach, upscale boutiques on Montana Avenue, the Santa Monica Pier, and the vibrant 3rd Street Promenade, Oceana Beach Club Hotel is not only a luxurious stay but a gateway to the best of Santa Monica's attractions. Rumored celebrity sightings include Ashley Olsen, Ewan MacGregor, Brendan Fraser, Johnny Depp, and Gwen Stefani, adding an allure of stardom to this beachside haven.
4-star hotel
Perched atop the scenic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica offers a retreat of unparalleled luxury. Spread across five expansive acres, the 297-room hotel features a mix of modern and historic structures, including the gleaming white Ocean Tower with top-floor suites boasting furnished balconies and breathtaking seaside views. The Palisades wing, built in 1924, adds a touch of historic charm, while the 31 residential-style Bungalows nestled in the Miramar Gardens provide a secluded oasis. With a rich Hollywood history dating back to the 1920s, the hotel has welcomed iconic figures like John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo, and Paul Newman. Its cinematic allure extends to numerous film and TV productions, serving as a backdrop for shows like Entourage and events in movies such as Fracture and That Touch of Mink. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows remains a favorite among celebrities, with rumored sightings including JFK, Greta Garbo, Anthony Hopkins, Paul Newman, and Steven Spielberg, adding to its storied legacy as a haven for the stars.
4-star hotel
The Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel, perched at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Pico Boulevard, stands as a haven of British colonial elegance with a touch of Hamptons charm. Rumored to be frequented by stars like Dustin Hoffman, Sting, Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford, and Leonardo DiCaprio, the hotel offers a tranquil escape with lush, secluded grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The hotel has hosted President Clinton on multiple occasions, with high-profile guests joining him during his stays. Other notable guests include Anjelica Huston, Ashton Kutcher, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the décor seamlessly blends Hollywood Regency with Colonial Britain, featuring mirror-paneled walls, chic mini-chandeliers, and retro furnishings. The 162 guest bedrooms, including the opulent Empire and Monarch Suites, boast ocean views and luxurious amenities. The 1920s-style pool scene, adorned with black-and-white cabanas, sets the stage for daytime lounging and nighttime dining. Paddleboarding, surfing, and complimentary bicycles cater to outdoor enthusiasts, while the 24-hour fitness center and spa treatments ensure relaxation. Chef Tony DiSalvo's Cast Restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine sourced from Santa Monica's farmer's market, providing a globally inspired dining experience. With its celebrity sightings, chic atmosphere, and pet-friendly amenities, the Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel remains an icon of luxury and leisure on the California coast.
4-star hotel
The Huntley Hotel, perched near the iconic Santa Monica Beach, has become a magnet for celebrity sightings, drawing luminaries such as Ben Affleck, Larry David, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the dynamic duo Luke and Owen Wilson. Renowned figures like Barbara Streisand and Patrick Dempsey have also reportedly graced this chic coastal retreat. The hotel's Penthouse restaurant and bar, boasting 360-degree ocean views, cabanas, and billowing white curtains, serve as a magnetic hub for stars seeking a sophisticated and scenic dining experience. The Huntley Hotel meticulously keeps track of its esteemed guests, a roster that reads like a who's who in Hollywood, making it a perennial favorite among the A-list crowd.
5-star hotel
One of only two hotels in the Los Angeles area that open directly onto the sand, Shutters on the Beach has been a mainstay of Santa Monica's celebrity scene since it opened in 1993, with its Cape Cod-inspired, blue-and-white design by Michael S. Smith, the decorator who later redesigned the Obama White House. A longtime hotel manager once told a travel writer that Shutters "gets more celebrities than the Beverly Hills Hotel," and the oversized-living-room lobby is a regular scene of industry meetings, script read-throughs, and A-list guests unwinding with a drink by the fire. Its beachfront pool deck, sunken Jacuzzi suites, and jazz-soundtracked Saturday brunch continue to make it one of the most star-studded places to stay on the California coast.
5-star hotel
Next door to Shutters and sharing the same rare distinction of sitting directly on Santa Monica Beach, Hotel Casa del Mar occupies a restored 1920s Italian Renaissance Revival building that began life as a private beach club for Hollywood's movie colony and has quietly hosted the entertainment industry's elite for nearly a century. The Michelin Guide has described it as an authentic period piece that has "played host to Hollywood royalty for as long as there's been such a thing," with a private fifth-floor pool, an oceanfront Terrazza restaurant, and semi-private lobby cabanas that keep the guest list discreet. Its old-world glamour paired with modern luxury makes it one of the most exclusive celebrity retreats on the Westside.
Fia Restaurant in Santa Monica is known for its chic atmosphere and exquisite cuisine, making it a popular hotspot for celebrities. A favorite among A-listers, the restaurant regularly attracts stars from the worlds of film, music, and fashion. Ariana Grande has been spotted enjoying the cozy atmosphere of Fia Restaurant in Santa Monica, a popular patio hideaway known for its romantic ambiance, impeccable service, and impressive wine list. The restaurant serves a variety of dining experiences, from dinner and cocktail hour to weekend brunch and late-night hangouts, making it a favorite spot for both locals and celebrities. Fashion icons Nicky Hilton and Paris Hilton have also been photographed at Fia, further solidifying its status as a celebrity hotspot. With its stylish setting and top-tier offerings, Fia continues to attract the stars looking for a chic dining experience in Santa Monica.
Giorgio Baldi, a high-end Italian restaurant, has become a discreet haven for celebrity sightings, counting stars like Rihanna, Drake, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Lindsay Lohan among its regular patrons. Despite its unassuming appearance, the restaurant transforms into a hotspot by 8 pm, drawing in a crowd of nearby hilltop denizens, including aging celebrities and individuals with intriguing tales. The intimate setting, reminiscent of a longstanding hometown eatery, takes on a lively atmosphere, where Martha Stewart discusses animal urns, and patrons may encounter people living in airstreams who also happen to own movie studios. As the valium-infused circus unfolds, it's easy to forget that Giorgio Baldi is primarily a place for excellent Italian cuisine, but the unforgettable encounters and good food make it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of both culinary excellence and Hollywood allure.
At the laid-back yet upscale Coast Beach Café & Bar at Shutters on the Beach, it’s not uncommon to spot celebrities enjoying the ocean views and relaxed California vibe. Stars like Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey, and Cameron Diaz have been seen sipping cocktails or grabbing a casual brunch here, while Leonardo DiCaprio and Reese Witherspoon have been spotted dining al fresco with friends. With its beachfront setting, Coast attracts both locals and Hollywood elite, making it a prime spot for celebrity sightings in Santa Monica.
One Pico, the elegant beachfront restaurant nestled within Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, has developed a reputation as a celebrity favorite—thanks to its sweeping views of the Pacific and refined coastal cuisine. The hotel itself is often referred to as “Hollywood’s Beach House,” and One Pico has welcomed an impressive array of famous faces over the years. According to reliable sources, the venue has hosted stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Eva Longoria, Christian Bale, Zac Efron, Megan Fox, and Tim Robbins, all drawn by its sophisticated ambiance and prime oceanfront location.
For decades, The Ivy at the Shore, opened in 1985 by Chef Richard Irving and Lynn von Kersting, has become a well‑known celebrity haunt thanks to its pastel‑pink and olive-green chic decor, ocean‑view patio, and relaxed, private atmosphere that appeals to high‑profile diners. Over the years, celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Reese Witherspoon have been spotted enjoying meals here. The venue has also hosted Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Dustin Hoffman, and Robert De Niro, who reportedly graced its tables. In 2005–2006, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson famously dined here with family, attracting onlookers and fan photos. More recently, Pamela Anderson was captured just outside the restaurant in March 2016 in candid footage, reinforcing its status as a celeb hotspot. If you’re hoping to spot someone famous while enjoying fresh crab cakes or a lobster Cobb salad with an ocean breeze, this is one of Santa Monica’s go‑to celebrity haunts.
Perched above 2nd Street just blocks from the sand, Élephante is Santa Monica's buzziest rooftop restaurant, with a cactus-lined lounge, a Southern Mediterranean small-plates menu, and a sunset room with unbeatable ocean views that make it a magnet for both influencers and A-listers on any given weekend. The lively, DJ-soundtracked scene tends to draw a younger, see-and-be-seen Hollywood crowd looking to share whipped eggplant and wood-fired dishes while taking in the Pacific sunset from three stories up. Reservations for prime sunset tables go fast, especially Thursday through Saturday nights.
Opened by Santa Monica native chef Andrew Kirschner, Tar & Roses has become one of the city's most consistently celebrated restaurants, known for its wood-fired, tapas-style California cuisine and an easy, unpretentious dining room that regularly draws industry regulars and visiting celebrities looking to eat well without the paparazzi scrum of flashier spots. Its wood-oven roasted vegetables, rotisserie meats, and seasonal small plates have earned a loyal local following, and the restaurant's low-key hospitality has kept it a favorite for low-profile celebrity dinners near Santa Monica Place.
Known as the "Godfather of the Glitzy Steakhouse," BOA Steakhouse brings its signature dry-aged, bone-in cuts and tableside Caesar salad to an oceanfront setting near the Santa Monica Pier, with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the Pacific. While its Sunset Strip sibling draws more paparazzi, the Santa Monica location offers a more subdued, sexy scene that industry insiders and celebrities favor for an oceanside dinner date away from the flashbulbs. Premium steaks, Wagyu options, and an extensive wine list keep it a go-to for special-occasion dinners on the Westside.
Created by LA nightlife mastermind Brent Bolthouse inside a retro-groovy 1947 Baja-surf casita at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, The Bungalow is regularly ranked among Santa Monica's top celebrity hangouts, with a brick garden patio, fire pits, and ping-pong tables that draw a young, trendy, entertainment-industry crowd. Guests sip hand-crafted margaritas and Lychee Gimlets while watching the sun set into the Pacific just across the street, and the hotel's summer Night Market series has brought in celebrity guests alongside local DJs and food vendors. It remains one of the most talked-about nightlife spots on the Westside for spotting a familiar face over cocktails.
Several celebrities have been spotted at the Santa Monica Pier, particularly around Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café, a popular hangout located on the eastern side of the boardwalk. Known for its casual beach vibe and great views, Big Dean’s has welcomed famous faces such as Evel Knievel, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Bruno Mars, Tom Cruise, and Ellen DeGeneres. The pier itself is a major tourist attraction and a lively gathering spot, making it a natural place for stars to blend in with the crowd while enjoying the atmosphere. With several celebrities once calling Santa Monica home—including the Beckhams, Ellen DeGeneres, and Bruno Mars—the pier and nearby venues like Pacific Park, the historic Carousel, and adjacent beachfront restaurants become likely places to encounter a star out for a stroll, enjoying family time, or grabbing a bite in the ocean breeze.
The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California, is not only a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment but also a hotspot for celebrity sightings. Whoopi Goldberg attended the grand opening of Cool Planet, an ice cream shop on the Promenade. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Anjelica Huston have been seen at the Fred Segal store, just a block east of the Promenade, which is also a favorite spot for Brad Pitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jodie Foster, Gabrielle Reece, and Pamela Anderson with Tommy Lee. Adding to the Promenade’s star-studded allure, singer-songwriter Andy Grammer began his career as a street performer there, further solidifying its reputation as a place where talent and fame converge.
Montana Avenue, with its array of over 150 boutiques, restaurants, yoga studios, and retailers, offers a laid-back yet upscale alternative to the glamour of Rodeo Drive. Despite the exclusive nature of many of the boutiques, celebrities find this street appealing, leading to frequent A-list sightings. Notable personalities like Steven Spielberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lea Michele have been spotted casually strolling along this fashionable avenue, adding a touch of star-studded allure to the chic and relaxed atmosphere that Montana Avenue provides for both locals and celebrity shoppers alike.
The Santa Monica Farmers Market offers a vibrant tapestry of California's finest produce and culinary delights, drawing not only food enthusiasts but also a sprinkling of Hollywood's glitterati. Amidst the bustling stalls brimming with fresh meats, cheeses, and flowers, celebrities like Tori Spelling, Owen Wilson, and esteemed chefs are often spotted indulging in the market's offerings. Beyond the allure of farm-fresh goods, families revel in the lively atmosphere with kid-friendly activities like face-painting and pony rides. With four weekly markets scattered across Downtown, Main Street, and Pico neighborhoods, the Santa Monica Farmers Market not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a captivating setting for chance encounters with stars like Elliot Gould, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Alison Roman, Lisa Marie Presley, Phil Collins, George Hamilton, Belinda Carlisle, and Beverly D'Angelo, making it a quintessential Southern California experience.
Hot 8 Yoga stands out as the epitome of hot yoga studios, often referred to as the 'Rolls Royce' in this realm. Its state-of-the-art facilities and warm temperature-controlled rooms have attracted an impressive roster of celebrity clients, with regular sightings of stars like Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston, and Pink. With over 100 classes offered per week, the studio provides a range of opportunities to heal, detoxify, and invigorate the mind through various yoga practices. To complement the holistic experience, Hot 8 Yoga includes an in-house cafe serving rejuvenating tonics by Pressed Juicery, offering a complete wellness package for both yoga enthusiasts and celebrities seeking a balanced and revitalizing workout routine.
Santa Monica, California, is a favored coastal enclave for numerous celebrities seeking a blend of privacy and proximity to the entertainment industry. Among its notable residents are actors Christian Bale, known for his roles in The Dark Knight and American Psycho, and Billie Lourd, recognized for her work in Scream Queens and American Horror Story . Additionally, the city has been home to stars like Reese Witherspoon, Robert Downey Jr., and Tom Hanks, who appreciate its serene atmosphere and scenic views . Santa Monica's appeal lies in its combination of upscale living, beachfront access, and a community-oriented environment, making it a prime location for those in the public eye.
Santa Monica has been the educational foundation for numerous celebrities who attended its local institutions. Santa Monica High School boasts alumni such as actors Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn, Rob Lowe, Charlie Sheen, and Emilio Estevez. The school also counts among its former students actress Tessa Thompson and television host Carson Daly. Santa Monica College has its share of notable attendees, including actor Dustin Hoffman, who later chaired a significant capital campaign for the college. Other distinguished alumni include actors James Dean and Hilary Swank, musician Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. These institutions have played pivotal roles in shaping individuals who have made significant contributions to entertainment and public life.