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A Thanksgiving Getaway in Santa Monica

Trade Holiday Stress for Ocean Views

This year, trade the crowded kitchen and holiday traffic for ocean views. Santa Monica is one of the most relaxing places in Southern California to spend Thanksgiving, with mild weather, walkable beaches, a festive holiday atmosphere and no dishes to wash. At The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach, you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner 18 stories above the Pacific, then spend the long weekend walking by the water, shopping for the holidays and simply slowing down.

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Arrive on Wednesday, stay through Sunday, and the whole holiday becomes a four-night coastal escape, with your fourth night free when you book direct.

Why Spend Thanksgiving in Santa Monica?

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about time together, yet it often turns into a marathon of cooking, cleaning and coordinating. A Santa Monica getaway gives you the holiday without the stress. Someone else handles the turkey, everyone has their own space, and the beach is just two blocks away.

The weather is part of the appeal. Late November days in Santa Monica are typically in the high 60s to low 70s, with cool, crisp evenings. That’s warm enough for a long walk on the sand on Thanksgiving morning and cool enough to enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace.
The holiday season is also just beginning. Montana Avenue’s boutiques dress up for the season, the outdoor ice rink downtown opens, and Black Friday shopping on Montana Avenue and at Brentwood Country Mart is just minutes from your room.

A Thanksgiving Getaway for Every Kind of Traveler

Families

For families, Thanksgiving week is one of the few times everyone is free to travel together. The Huntley makes it easy, with Deluxe and Premier rooms that offer two queen beds, connecting Deluxe rooms available on request, and suites with extra space to spread out. Cribs, Pack ‘n Plays and rollaway beds are available, and babysitting can be arranged, so parents can enjoy a grown-up dinner at The Penthouse.

Kids will love the Santa Monica Pier, with its Pacific Park rides and the Heal the Bay Aquarium, plus wide-open sand for running off holiday energy. And with in-room dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s always an easy option for little ones.

Couples

For couples, Thanksgiving in Santa Monica is a chance to celebrate the holiday on your own terms. Book an ocean-view suite with a soaking tub, toast at sunset at The Penthouse, and spend Friday morning in the Wellness Lounge while everyone else is fighting for parking at the mall.

Holiday Visitors

If you’re visiting Los Angeles for the holiday, Santa Monica is the ideal base. The beach, shopping and dining are all walkable, the Metro E Line connects downtown Santa Monica to Downtown LA, and the hotel’s house car will take you anywhere within three miles.

Travelers Visiting Family in Los Angeles

Coming home to see family? Extend the trip and give yourself a few nights by the ocean. Staying at The Huntley means you’re close to everyone for the big dinner, with your own room, your own schedule and a quiet place to recharge between gatherings. Invite the family to join you for Thanksgiving dinner at The Penthouse, or add a beach weekend before or after the holiday.

Thanksgiving Dinner at The Penthouse

Leave the cooking to us. This Thanksgiving, gather around the table at The Penthouse, our rooftop restaurant and lounge on the 18th floor, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Malibu coastline, and the Los Angeles skyline.

Join us Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 11 AM to 9 PM for a three-course prix fixe celebration. Choose from starters like Cinderella pumpkin soup or seared Maine scallops, then an entrée of herb-roasted turkey, roasted prime rib or maple-roasted ham, served with family-style sides for the table. Finish with pecan pie or a pumpkin Basque cheesecake. The menu is $125 per adult and $45 for children 12 and under, plus tax and gratuity. View the full Thanksgiving menu.

Thanksgiving is one of our busiest days of the year, and we strongly recommend booking early. Reserve your Thanksgiving table at The Penthouse.

A Relaxing Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary in Santa Monica

Wednesday, November 25: Arrive and Exhale

Afternoon: Check in from 3 pm and settle into your room or suite. Open the curtains and take in the ocean, mountain or city views.
Evening: Walk two blocks to Palisades Park for sunset over the bay, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Penthouse or one of the neighborhood restaurants along Wilshire Boulevard.

Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving by the Sea

Morning: Start the holiday with a slow walk on Santa Monica State Beach, or ride one of our beach cruiser bikes along the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail.
Afternoon: Unwind in the Wellness Lounge with its heated saltwater whirlpool and saunas, or relax in your room before dinner.
Evening: Gather for Thanksgiving dinner at The Penthouse as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Friday, November 27: Holiday Shopping on Foot

Morning: Breakfast in your room, then a short walk to Montana Avenue's independent boutiques and cafés, about five minutes away.
Afternoon: Take the hotel's house car to Brentwood Country Mart for Black Friday finds and a late lunch at Farmshop, or drive to Palisades Village. Drop your bags at the hotel and go back out for more.
Evening: Skate under the lights at the seasonal outdoor ice rink downtown, then end the night with a nightcap at The Penthouse.

Saturday, November 28: A Coastal Reset

Morning: Browse the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market, then take a long walk south along the bluffs to the Santa Monica Pier.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on the Pier with the kids, or book an in-room massage and do absolutely nothing.
Evening: Dinner and the Saturday night DJ at The Penthouse.

Sunday, November 29: A Slow Goodbye

Morning: One last walk by the ocean and a leisurely brunch with a view before check-out at noon. Thanks to Fourth Night Free, one of your four nights was on us.

Why Families and Couples Choose The Huntley for Thanksgiving

Hosting the holiday at home means cooking for days, rearranging beds and cleaning up afterward. Staying with relatives means sharing a guest room and someone else’s schedule. A beachfront resort can mean premium holiday rates for every room your family needs. The Huntley offers a better balance: ocean views, a rooftop Thanksgiving dinner in the building, and a quiet residential location two blocks from the beach and a five-minute walk from Montana Avenue.

With 204 rooms and suites, The Huntley is large enough to offer connecting rooms and suites for families, yet small enough to feel personal. Our 24-hour concierge can help with dinner reservations, airport transfers and holiday plans, and our Wellness Lounge is included with your stay. It all adds up to a holiday where everyone gets what they came for.

Elevate Your Thanksgiving Escape

Book directly with The Huntley for packages you won’t find on third-party travel sites, plus I Prefer Hotel Rewards points on every stay.

Exclusive Holiday Packages

Fourth Night Free: Arrive Wednesday, stay through Sunday, and enjoy your fourth night free, plus a $100 dining credit at The Penthouse.
Ultimate Coastal Staycation: Driving in for the holiday? Stay two or more nights and enjoy complimentary valet parking, a $50 daily breakfast credit and a room upgrade when available.
The Suite Escape: Save 25% on our Signature, Malibu and Presidential Suites with a stay of two or more nights, plus a dining credit of up to $250.
Book Ahead & Save: Book at least 14 days in advance and save up to 18%. For a Wednesday, November 25 arrival, book by November 11.

Explore every current package on The Huntley Hotel Special Offers page.

Plan Your Thanksgiving on the Coast

This year, give yourself a Thanksgiving to be thankful for: ocean views from your room, a holiday dinner you didn’t have to cook, and a long weekend of beach walks, sunsets and time together.

Book Directly with The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach or call us at 855-998-5323 to plan your Thanksgiving getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Thanksgiving 2026?

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Many travelers arrive Wednesday, November 25, and stay through Sunday, November 29.

Does The Huntley Hotel serve Thanksgiving dinner?

Yes. The Penthouse, our 18th-floor rooftop restaurant, hosts Thanksgiving dinner with views of the Pacific. Reservations are strongly recommended.

What is the weather like in Santa Monica at Thanksgiving?

Late November is mild in Santa Monica, with days typically in the high 60s to low 70s and cool evenings that call for a light jacket.

Is Santa Monica a good place to spend Thanksgiving with kids?

Yes. The beach, the Santa Monica Pier and its Pacific Park rides are all nearby, and The Huntley offers connecting rooms, cribs, rollaway beds, babysitting and in-room dining.

What is there to do in Santa Monica over Thanksgiving weekend?

Walk the beach and Palisades Park, ride the coastal bike path, shop Black Friday on Montana Avenue and at Brentwood Country Mart, skate at the seasonal ice rink downtown, and watch the sunset from The Penthouse.Walk the beach and Palisades Park, ride the coastal bike path, shop Black Friday on Montana Avenue and at Brentwood Country Mart, skate at the seasonal ice rink downtown, and watch the sunset from The Penthouse.

What is the best Thanksgiving hotel deal in Santa Monica?

Book Fourth Night Free directly with The Huntley: arrive Wednesday, stay through Sunday, get the fourth night free and a $100 dining credit at The Penthouse.

The end of the year is one of the best times to visit Santa Monica. The summer crowds are gone, the weather stays mild, the winter skies are clear, and the beach, restaurants and shops along the coast feel relaxed again. For travelers who want a quieter coastal escape before the new year, November and December offer Santa Monica at its most easygoing.

While much of the country is bracing for winter, Santa Monica settles into its calmest season. Mornings are crisp and bright, afternoons are made for long walks by the water, and evenings end with some of the most beautiful sunsets on the West Coast. Here’s why so many travelers are choosing an end-of-year getaway at The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach.

Planning a getaway this November or December? Book directly with The Huntley for this season’s exclusive packages, including a free fourth night, suite savings, dining credits, and complimentary valet.

View our winter packages →

Why Is the End of the Year a Great Time to Visit Santa Monica?

Summer is Santa Monica’s busiest season. By November, the crowds have thinned, the beaches have room to breathe, and restaurant tables are easier to come by. You get the same coastline, the same ocean views and the same walkable neighborhoods, with far more space to enjoy them.

The weather helps too. November days are typically in the high 60s to low 70s, and December afternoons often reach the mid-60s, with cooler evenings that call for a light jacket. Winter also brings some of the clearest skies of the year, when the Malibu mountains and the full curve of the bay come into sharp focus.

And the sunsets arrive earlier. In December, the sun sets before 5 pm, which means you can watch it over the Pacific and still make an early dinner reservation. Travel + Leisure ranked Santa Monica the No. 2 sunset destination in the world, and late fall and winter are a beautiful time to see why.

Relaxed Beach Walks Without the Summer Crowds

The simplest pleasure of an end-of-year trip is a long walk by the ocean. From The Huntley, Palisades Park and its bluff-top path are just two blocks away, with palm trees overhead and the Pacific stretching out below. Follow the path south toward the Santa Monica Pier, or head down to the sand at Santa Monica State Beach for a slower stroll along the water.

For something more active, borrow one of our beach cruiser bikes, which guests can enjoy for two hours each day, and ride the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail along The Strand. In the cooler months, the path is quieter, the light is softer, and the ride toward Venice feels like you have the coast to yourself.

Coastal Dining, From Morning Coffee to Rooftop Sunsets

Start the day with coffee from Gene’s Café in our lobby or breakfast delivered to your room. Then wander to Montana Avenue, about a five-minute walk away, where neighborhood bakeries and cafés line the street.

For lunch and dinner, the restaurants along Ocean Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard are an easy walk from the hotel. But the most memorable meal of your trip may be right upstairs. The Penthouse, our rooftop restaurant and lounge 18 stories above the coast, serves coastal-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails with panoramic views of the Pacific, the Malibu coastline and the Los Angeles skyline. On Thursday evenings, live jazz sets the mood, and on Saturday nights, a DJ keeps the energy going. We recommend reserving a table at The Penthouse in advance, especially for sunset.

Make dinner part of the plan: book Fourth Night Free and receive a $100 dining credit at The Penthouse, along with your fourth night on us.

Where to Go Holiday Shopping Near Santa Monica

The end of the year is the perfect time to shop the Westside, and some of Los Angeles’ most charming shopping districts are close to The Huntley.

Montana Avenue is the closest, about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Its tree-lined blocks are filled with independent boutiques, jewelers, home stores, bakeries and cafés, making it easy to find gifts you won’t see anywhere else.

Brentwood Country Mart, at 26th Street and San Vicente Boulevard, has been a neighborhood gathering place since 1948. Its fashion boutiques, home and gift shops, bookstore and casual favorites like Farmshop and Caffe Luxxe make for an easy afternoon, and it’s a short ride in the hotel’s house car, which takes guests anywhere within three miles.

Palisades Village, a short drive north in Pacific Palisades, pairs boutique fashion and beauty shops with restaurants and an Erewhon market.

Malibu Country Mart, on Cross Creek Road, is worth the scenic drive up Pacific Coast Highway and fits perfectly into a day along the coast.

Shop for a few hours, drop your bags in your room, and head back out for dinner. There’s no crowded garage and no rush.

Take a Day Trip Up the Coast to Malibu

One of the best things about staying at The Huntley is how easily you can explore Malibu. Head north on Pacific Coast Highway, and the city quickly gives way to beaches, bluffs and mountains. With clear winter skies and the summer crowds gone, the end of the year is one of the most beautiful times to make the drive.

Morning: Start at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, home to the J. Paul Getty Museum’s collection of ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan art, set in a re-created Roman country house overlooking the ocean. Admission is free with a timed-entry reservation, and the Villa is closed on Tuesdays.

Midday: Continue up the coast to Malibu Country Mart for boutique shopping and lunch, then stroll Surfrider Beach beside the Malibu Pier.

Afternoon: Drive on to Point Dume, where a short trail leads to bluff-top views of the coastline. From December, watch for gray whales passing offshore. Or stretch out on the wide sands of Zuma Beach.

Evening: Return to The Huntley in time for sunset at The Penthouse, where the view stretches all the way back up the Malibu coastline you just explored.

Driving up the coast? The Ultimate Coastal Staycation includes complimentary valet parking, a $50 daily breakfast credit and a room upgrade when available, for stays of two or more nights.

The Appeal of a Quieter Coastal Escape

Part of what makes an end-of-year stay so restorative is where you stay. The Huntley sits on a quiet, residential street just north of Wilshire Boulevard, close enough to walk everywhere but removed from the crowds around the Pier. After a day out, you come back to calm.

When the evenings turn cool, settle into the lounge by the fireplace, or unwind in our Wellness Lounge, with its heated saltwater whirlpool, barrel sauna, infrared sauna and cold plunge, all included for guests. In-room massages and facials can also be arranged through the front desk for an additional fee.

Why Travelers Choose The Huntley Over Larger Beachfront Resorts

Santa Monica’s beachfront resorts put you directly on the sand, and their rates reflect it. The large hotels near the Pier put you in the middle of the busiest part of town. The Huntley offers a different kind of beach getaway: two blocks from the ocean, a five-minute walk from Montana Avenue, and on a peaceful residential street where the evenings are quiet.

Where many beachfront hotels are low-rise, The Huntley rises 18 stories. Our Premier rooms on floors 9 through 17 face the Pacific, our Panoramic King rooms take in both the ocean and the mountains, and our suites add soaking tubs and separate living space. Add a rooftop restaurant in the building, a Wellness Lounge included with your stay, and a house car that will drive you anywhere within three miles, and you have the comfort of a resort with the ease of a boutique hotel.

Ready for more space?

With The Suite Escape, save 25% on our Signature, Malibu and Presidential Suites when you stay two or more nights, plus a dining credit of up to $250. The Malibu Suite’s window alcove looks straight up the coastline.

Who Is an End-of-Year Santa Monica Getaway Best For?

Couples looking for a romantic weekend will find ocean-view suites, sunset dinners and quiet evenings by the fire. Friends planning a holiday trip can walk from shopping to dinner to the rooftop without a designated driver. Solo travelers looking to recharge before the new year will appreciate the beach walks, the Wellness Lounge and the slower pace.

Southern California locals can skip the airport entirely and turn a short drive into a full coastal reset. And travelers visiting family in Los Angeles over the holidays can add a few nights by the ocean, close enough to everyone and still their own escape.

Elevate Your End-of-Year Escape

Booking directly with The Huntley is the best way to experience Santa Monica this season. Our exclusive packages, with free nights, dining credits, suite savings and complimentary valet, are available when you book on our website or by phone, not through third-party travel sites. You’ll also earn I Prefer Hotel Rewards points on every stay, and your requests, from room preferences to Penthouse reservations, go straight to our team. Holiday dates fill quickly, so we recommend booking early.

Exclusive Winter Packages

Fourth Night Free: Stay three nights, enjoy the fourth night free, plus a $100 dining credit at The Penthouse.
The Suite Escape: Save 25% on our Signature, Malibu and Presidential Suites with a stay of two or more nights, plus a dining credit of up to $250.
Ultimate Coastal Staycation: Stay two or more nights and enjoy complimentary valet parking, a $50 daily breakfast credit and a room upgrade when available.
Book Ahead & Save: Book at least 14 days in advance and save up to 18% on your stay.

Explore every current package on The Huntley Hotel Special Offers page.

Plan Your End-of-Year Escape on the Coast

The end of the year is when Santa Monica slows down and the coast feels like your own. Spend your days walking by the ocean, shopping for the holidays and lingering over long dinners, then close each evening with a sunset 18 stories above the Pacific.

Book Directly with The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach or call us at 855-998-5323 to plan your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Santa Monica in November and December?

Santa Monica stays mild at the end of the year. November days are typically in the high 60s to low 70s, December afternoons often reach the mid-60s, and evenings are cool enough for a light jacket.

Is Santa Monica crowded at the end of the year?

No. After the summer season, Santa Monica is noticeably quieter, with more room on the beach and easier restaurant reservations. Holiday weekends are busier, so book early for those dates.

What is there to do in Santa Monica in December?

Take long walks along Palisades Park and the beach, ride the coastal bike path, shop Montana Avenue and Brentwood Country Mart, take a day trip up the coast to Malibu, and watch the sunset from The Penthouse.

What is the best hotel in Santa Monica for a quiet beach getaway?

The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach is a top choice for a quieter coastal escape. It sits on a residential street two blocks from the beach, with ocean-view rooms up to 18 stories high, a rooftop restaurant and a Wellness Lounge.

Is The Huntley Hotel within walking distance of the beach and shopping?

Yes. The Huntley is two blocks from Santa Monica State Beach and Palisades Park and about a five-minute walk from Montana Avenue. Brentwood Country Mart is a short ride in the hotel’s house car.

What hotel deals are available in Santa Monica this winter?

When you book directly with The Huntley, you can choose from packages including the Winter Escape, Fourth Night Free, The Suite Escape, the Ultimate Coastal Staycation and Book Ahead & Save.

Where is the best holiday shopping near Santa Monica?

Montana Avenue is a five-minute walk from The Huntley and is lined with independent boutiques. Brentwood Country Mart, Palisades Village and Malibu Country Mart are all a short drive away.

Is Malibu an easy day trip from Santa Monica?

Yes. Malibu is a scenic drive north on Pacific Coast Highway. Stop at the Getty Villa (free with a timed-entry reservation, closed Tuesdays), shop and have lunch at Malibu Country Mart, and catch the view from Point Dume.

Is it better to book a Santa Monica hotel directly or through a travel site?

Booking directly with The Huntley gives you access to exclusive packages, including free nights, dining credits, suite savings and complimentary valet, plus I Prefer Hotel Rewards points and direct communication with our team.

How far in advance should I book an end-of-year stay in Santa Monica?

Holiday weeks fill early, so book as soon as your dates are set. Booking at least 14 days ahead also lets you save up to 18% with Book Ahead & Save.