Film Santa Monica Guide

SANTA MONICA, CA

A PRODUCTION GUIDE

WELCOME

On behalf of Film Santa Monica and in partnership with the City, we are pleased to welcome you to bring your production to our beachside city. The Official 2026 Film Santa Monica Guide is designed to be a valuable resource as you explore Santa Monica’s unique film locations and the full suite of services available through Film Santa Monica.

Santa Monica is a vibrant coastal destination recognized around the world for its sparkling shoreline, diverse neighborhoods, and classic California beach city vibe. Within its 8.3 square miles and eight distinct neighborhoods, crews will find a convenient and highly versatile production setting. This includes highlights ranging from the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade to historic architecture, vibrant suburban enclaves and both private and public, city-owned award-winning parks. In Santa Monica, we can help transport your audience visually. The city is well-connected, located just 15 miles from Los Angeles International Airport and supported by seamless public transportation via the Metro E Line, linking Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles and the broader region, with additional access to the centrally located Santa Monica Airport, a dynamic aviation campus and event venue.

We are more than a permitting office. We are a dedicated resource for filmmakers, providing personalized support throughout the production process, including white glove permit processing support from day one, assistance identifying the ideal location for your shoot, on-the-ground operational support, and more. Santa Monica offers a rare balance of scenic coastal beauty and metropolitan energy, making it an ideal backdrop for a wide variety of productions.

Our film-friendly community has a rich production legacy, with locations that have appeared in silent films as well as today’s biggest blockbusters. We invite you to explore the locations that make Santa Monica so special and experience the services that set Film Santa Monica apart. We look forward to welcoming your production and supporting your vision every step of the way, 7 days a week.

From our crew to yours,

Evan Edwards Chief Operating Officer

Film Santa Monica & Santa Monica Travel & Tourism

WHY FILM SANTA MONICA

Film Santa Monica is uniquely positioned to deliver a seamless permitting and production experience, offering personalized guidance at every step. Our promise is to make it easy to film in a destination rich with versatile and visually compelling locations. Beyond permit processing, Film Santa Monica provides productions with direct access to expert staff support and a comprehensive suite of services, including location sourcing, coordination with city departments, on-theground operational assistance, local vendor connections, and more.

Building upon the foundation of our sister organization, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT), our team leverages deep destination knowledge and strong community relationships to provide productions with tailored insights and invaluable logistical expertise. By localizing production management, Film Santa Monica enhances efficiency while driving meaningful economic impact through responsible filmmaking. Our approach ensures the preservation of community character while positioning Santa Monica as a premier filmfriendly destination.

FILM & TELEVISION PRODUCTION THROUGH THE YEARS

Known as “Hollywood by the Sea,” Santa Monica has long been home to milestone moments in both film and television history. From the earliest days of the entertainment industry, the city has served as a sought-after backdrop, appearing on screen in Tillie’s Punctured Romance (1914) starring Charlie Chaplin, and the silent film Spite Marriage (1929).

Built in 1939, the historic Aero Theatre welcomed audiences during Hollywood’s Golden Age and continues to thrive today as a destination for screenings, panels, and Q&As featuring acclaimed filmmakers and actors. Santa Monica’s Civic Auditorium further cemented the city’s place in entertainment history by hosting the Academy Awards from 1961 to 1967, including the first ceremony to feature a red carpet and the first to be televised.

Santa Monica’s iconic coastline has also played a defining role in television history, most notably

as the backdrop for the globally recognized series Baywatch (1989-2001), helping to shape the image of the California beach lifestyle for audiences around the world. You can see Santa Monica in iconic television series and episodes such as. Curb Your Enthusiasm (12 seasons, 2000–2024), which brought its unmistakable storytelling to life with Santa Monica as its home base.

The city’s cinematic legacy continued with unforgettable moments in films such as The Sting (1974) and Forrest Gump (1995) and remains strong today with major productions including Iron Man (2008) and Barbie (2023). From classic cinema to modern blockbusters and iconic television, Santa Monica continues to be a dynamic and enduring stage for storytelling.

EIGHT NEIGHBORHOODS. ENDLESS

LOOKS.

Santa Monica’s eight distinct neighborhoods each offer their own look, energy, and cinematic appeal, providing productions with an extraordinary range of backdrops within one compact coastal city. From the refined, tree-lined charm of Montana Avenue to the eclectic spirit of Ocean Park Boulevard and the laid-back surf culture of Main Street, each neighborhood feels uniquely its own while reflecting Santa Monica’s unmistakable character.

The colorful, mural-lined stretch of Pico Boulevard complements the creative pulse of Mid-City, where Route 66 history meets contemporary galleries, parks, and cultural venues. Nearby, Sunset Park offers a quieter residential setting, ideal for capturing a more intimate neighborhood feel.

Along Wilshire Boulevard/Ocean Avenue, a cosmopolitan atmosphere emerges with luxury hotels, wellness destinations, and stylish dining, while Downtown Santa Monica serves as the vibrant heart of the city, anchored by the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and sweeping ocean views.

Together, these neighborhoods showcase the many dimensions of Santa Monica offering productions a diverse and dynamic canvas, all within a single, film-friendly destination.

MONTANA AVENUE

UPSCALE SHOPPING/LUXURY RESIDENTIAL STREETS

Just north of Downtown Santa Monica, the Montana Avenue neighborhood offers a refined yet welcoming setting, defined by leafy, treelined streets and an inviting village atmosphere. Often considered Santa Monica’s own interpretation of Rodeo Drive, Montana Avenue delivers an understated sense of luxury that is elevated, walkable, and infused with a relaxed coastal sensibility.

This 10-block stretch is known for its curated mix of upscale boutiques, stylish outdoor cafés, and acclaimed restaurants, creating a polished backdrop that feels both sophisticated and approachable. Anchored by the historic Aero Theatre, a beloved cultural landmark that continues to celebrate classic cinema, Montana Avenue seamlessly blends timeless character with a fresh, contemporary edge. Iconic

destinations like Father’s Office sit alongside modern favorites such as Forma, while local staples like Primo Passo Coffee and Zibby’s Bookshop add an authentic, community-driven charm.

Beyond the retail corridor, the surrounding residential streets offer equally compelling visuals, featuring graceful canopies of Indian Laurel Fig trees and a rich blend of architectural styles, from Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman homes to striking contemporary designs.

With its quiet luxury, cinematic appeal, and distinctly Santa Monica character, Montana Avenue provides productions with a sophisticated neighborhood setting that feels both elevated and effortlessly coastal.

OCEAN PARK BOULEVARD

ECLECTIC BEACH ENERGY

The eclectic Ocean Park neighborhood captures an authentically local vibe, where sunbathers, surfers, and volleyball players enjoy effortless beach access, families gather at Clover Park, and diners explore a diverse mix of upscale, family-friendly, and vegetarian eateries along Ocean Park Boulevard.

Located just south of the Pier, this laid-back district stands out for its colorful bungalows, independent shops, and tree-lined streets that feel both timeless and effortlessly cool. Ocean Park offers a distinct sense of place unpolished in the best way, creative, and deeply rooted in the community.

The last Shotgun house built in the 1890’s showcases the neighborhood’s rich history

and unique architectural character, to its lively collection of cafés, galleries, and locally-owned businesses, Ocean Park provides productions with a wide range of authentic and visually compelling backdrops within a compact area.

Ocean Park Boulevard has also emerged as one of the neighborhood’s most vibrant dining corridors, home to beloved local favorites like Cosetta, the Local Kitchen and Layla Bagels. Together, these locally driven establishments contribute to Ocean Park’s distinctly creative and community-oriented character.

With its relaxed energy, artistic spirit, and unmistakable authenticity, Ocean Park offers a dynamic setting that feels both grounded and distinctly Santa Monica.

MAIN STREET SURF CULTURE BOUTIQUES

The laid-back Main Street neighborhood captures the essence of Santa Monica’s surf and skate cultures, set just steps from the Pacific Ocean and offering an unmistakable scenic backdrop for film productions. This relaxed yet vibrant district is defined by palmlined streets, colorful storefronts, and a steady flow of surfers, skaters, and beachgoers moving seamlessly between the shoreline and the neighborhood’s popular cafés, boutiques, and local institutions like Dogtown Coffee.

From the nearby sand and surf, long synonymous with classic California imagery, to bike-friendly streets and parks that reflect the city’s deep-rooted skateboarding culture, Main Street delivers an authentic and highly recognizable slice of the Santa Monica lifestyle,

highlighting unique cultural landmarks like the California Heritage Museum.

Within a few walkable blocks, productions can capture a wide range of looks, from casual beach moments to elevated dining scenes at acclaimed restaurants like SELINE and Pasjoli as well as Wolfgang Puck’s world-renowned Chinois on Main. The area also offers an artistic backdrop at Apollo Tattoo & Piercing Studio and a vibrant nightlife at the iconic The Victorian.

With its effortless energy, coastal character, and strong cultural identity, Main Street offers productions a dynamic setting that feels both iconic and unmistakably Santa Monica.

PICO BOULEVARD

DIVERSE URBAN CHARACTER

The storied Pico Boulevard begins at Santa Monica’s sparkling coastline, serving as a dynamic corridor that connects the city to Downtown Los Angeles. This vibrant stretch immediately stands out for its collection of bold, colorful murals, transforming the neighborhood into a living canvas that reflects its diversity, creativity, and urban energy.

Pico offers an exceptional range of filming opportunities, from the award-winning Santa Monica College and the iconic McCabe’s Guitar Shop to acclaimed dining destinations like Lunetta, Upper West, Rae’s Diner and the eclectic UnUrban Coffee House. At its western edge, the boulevard meets the ocean alongside

landmark coastal properties such as Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach, providing seamless access to both urban and beachfront settings within a single corridor.

The neighborhood is further enriched by its network of public parks, including Virginia Avenue Park, home to the City of Santa Monica Pico Farmers Market each Saturday. With its artistic identity, cultural depth, and visual variety, Pico Boulevard delivers productions a uniquely versatile backdrop that captures the energy and diversity of Santa Monica.

MID-CITY INDUSTRIAL-MODERN TEXTURES

Bordered by Wilshire and Olympic Boulevards to the north and south, and Lincoln Boulevard and Centinela Avenue to the east and west, Mid-City is a richly layered neighborhood defined by its accessibility, cultural depth, and visual variety. Easily reached by car, Metro light rail, bicycle, or foot and supported by convenient access to electric vehicle charging stations throughout the area, this central hub offers productions a seamless blend of urban, residential, and modern-industrial settings.

Mid-City’s creative energy is anchored by cultural and entertainment destinations such as The Eli and Edythe BroadStage and Bergamot Station Arts Center, home to an expansive collection of galleries and exhibition spaces. The area’s evolving culinary scene is also reflected in neighborhood dining, including Le Great Outdoor, alongside local retailers such as Rip City Skates and Ten Women Gallery, which adds a distinctive local flavor to the district’s creative character. Public parks, including Memorial

Park and Colorado Center Park, provide additional open-air backdrops that enhance the neighborhood’s versatility, while nearby accommodations such as The Ambrose Hotel and Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica support production needs with convenient, designforward lodging options.

Running directly through the heart of Mid-City is one of America’s most iconic roadways: Route 66. This historic corridor stretches along Santa Monica Boulevard before reaching its celebrated terminus near the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard, marked by a series of designated landmarks that honor its legacy, including the classic Americana diner, Mel’s Drive-In.

With its dynamic mix of culture, history, and accessibility, Mid-City offers productions a flexible and visually compelling setting that reflects the creative spirit of Santa Monica.

WILSHIRE BOULEVARD

UPSCALE RETAIL CORRIDORS

Stretching from Santa Monica’s picturesque Ocean Avenue near the iconic Saint Monica statue in Palisades Park to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Wilshire Boulevard unfolds as a true cross section of Southern California culture. In Santa Monica, this storied corridor takes on a distinctly cosmopolitan character, offering productions a polished urban backdrop with effortless coastal access.

Lined with luxury properties such as the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Wilshire Boulevard is complemented by a vibrant culinary scene, including celebrated concepts from the Rustic Canyon Family of restaurants and Chef Josiah Citrin’s Michelin-starred Citrin and Mélisse. These destinations provide an elevated setting ideal for capturing refined dining, hospitality and lifestyle moments on both film and television.

Beyond its upscale energy, the neighborhood also features inviting green spaces like Douglas Park and Reed Park, which is home to the historic Santa Monica Lawn Bowling Club, along with a curated mix of wellness destinations such as Skin by Lovely and high-end consignment boutiques like Great Labels. This balance of sophistication and approachability makes Wilshire Boulevard especially wellsuited for lifestyle-driven productions, offering a seamless blend of luxury, leisure and everyday elegance.

With its dynamic mix of hospitality, dining, wellness, and retail, Wilshire Boulevard delivers a versatile and production-ready environment that feels both elevated and easygoing.

DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA

PEDESTRIAN RETAIL HUB

Downtown Santa Monica is the vibrant heart of this iconic seaside city, offering one of Southern California’s most recognizable and production-ready environments. Anchored by premier shopping, dining and entertainment destinations such as Santa Monica Place and Third Street Promenade, alongside acclaimed restaurants including The Surfing Fox and Élephante, Downtown draws both visitors and locals to its highly walkable urban core.

A diverse collection of hotels, including the striking turquoise Art Deco Georgian Hotel and The Pierside Hotel—home to a

large-scale Shepard Fairey mural—adds distinctive visual character and hospitalitydriven filming opportunities.

As the western terminus of the Metro E Line, Downtown Santa Monica is easily accessible, with a sleek, modern rail station that further enhances its connectivity and production efficiency.

With its iconic landmarks, coastal views, and energetic atmosphere, Downtown Santa Monica delivers a versatile and instantly recognizable backdrop for both film and television.

SUNSET PARK

QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD CHARM

Santa Monica’s Sunset Park is a welcoming residential neighborhood that offers a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere just east of Lincoln Boulevard, centered by Ocean Park Boulevard. The neighborhood provides productions with an authentic setting that feels both approachable and distinctly Santa Monica.

Along Ocean Park Boulevard, a vibrant mix of fitness studios, stylish eateries including Cloverfield and Society Kitchen, specialty boutiques and art galleries creates a lively yet intimate commercial corridor. Community-forward destinations like DOG PPL add additional visual variety within the neighborhood.

A defining feature of the area is the expansive Santa Monica Airport, spanning more than 227 acres and offering unique filming opportunities rarely found in an urban coastal setting. The site includes active runways, the Museum of Flying with its collection of historic World War II-era aircraft, the versatile Barker Hangar event space and the 4-acre Airport Park.

The airport campus also houses the Santa Monica Airport Antique Market twice monthly, adding another layer of character and activity. With its blend of residential charm, creative energy and one-of-a-kind aviation backdrops, Sunset Park offers productions a distinctive and highly flexible filming environment.

PIER/OCEAN AVENUE

SEASIDE CITY ESCAPE

Home to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park—featuring the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel—the Pier and Ocean Avenue district has served as the backdrop for countless films and television productions recognized around the globe.

The neighborhood blends iconic beachfront energy with an elevated coastal atmosphere, defined by celebrated oceanfront dining favorites including The Lobster, Seaside on The Pier and The Albright all contributing to the area’s unmistakably Southern California character. Just steps from the shoreline,

Ocean Avenue is lined with luxury hotels including Shutters on the Beach and Regent Santa Monica Beach all offering scenic overlooks and vibrant pedestrian corridors that create a stunning coastal backdrop.

The district also offers sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles coastline, with scenic locations like the 1.6mile Palisades Park and the sustainably designed Tongva Park providing a diverse range of open-air, visually compelling settings for productions.

PARKS & GREEN SPACES

From golden sands to expansive green lawns, Santa Monica’s lush and lively parks offer productions a diverse range of scenic backdrops across the city. A familiar presence in major film and television productions, the 26-acre Palisades Park stretches along Ocean Avenue above the Pacific Coast Highway, delivering sweeping coastal views and iconic imagery seen in Ocean’s Eleven (2001).

Just steps away, Tongva Park provides a striking urban oasis, with six acres of thoughtfully designed landscapes featuring terraced gardens, rolling hills, sculptural play elements, and dynamic architectural lines that create visually distinctive settings as shown in Barbie (2023).

Santa Monica’s network of parks continues to expand with a variety of unique environments, from the sports fields and open spaces of Clover Park to its iconic beach parks and the tranquil reflecting ponds of Douglas Park. Well-known for being disability-friendly, Santa Monica also prioritizes accessibility throughout its public spaces. Ocean View Park offers playful, design-forward elements like its signature spiral pathways, while Virginia Avenue Park serves as a vibrant community hub, complete with a library and a weekly farmers market.

From palm-lined pathways and panoramic ocean vistas to quiet neighborhood greens and artful public spaces, Santa Monica’s parks provide productions with a wide range of settings ideal for capturing everything from classic California beach scenes to moments of serenity and lively community life.

PRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE

Santa Monica offers a robust and comprehensive production infrastructure, combining versatile built environments, natural locations and essential logistical support to ensure a seamless filming experience. From preproduction through wrap, Film Santa Monica connects productions with trusted local vendors and facilities, supporting every aspect of your project from parking coordination and catering to transportation services, equipment rentals, short-term staffing and a wide range of accommodations for cast and crew including, hotel booking support, wrap parties and press junkets.

Our team works closely with City departments to streamline the permitting process and proactively address all relevant policies and requirements before you arrive on location. With a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach, Film Santa Monica helps productions navigate logistics efficiently, providing support with traffic control, street signage, neighborhood and business notifications, and other operational needs.

With deep local expertise and strong community relationships, Film Santa Monica ensures productions are fully supported with the infrastructure and resources needed to execute successfully in one of Southern California’s most film-friendly destinations.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

The City of Santa Monica and Film Santa Monica remain committed to sustainability, working to reduce environmental impact while preserving the iconic coastal landscapes audiences around the world recognize on screen. Productions have access to a wide range of eco-conscious options, with many of Santa Monica’s most recognizable locations and partners supporting green practices.

A star in its own right, the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is not only a global symbol of Southern California, but also the world’s first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Featured in productions such as Modern Family and Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009), it showcases energy-efficient light displays that create a striking nighttime backdrop.

Sustainable production opportunities extend throughout the city. Capture dynamic movement shots aboard the electric Big Blue Bus—famously seen in Speed (1994)—or stage oceanfront scenes at the LEED Gold-certified Annenberg Community Beach House and the LEED Platinum-certified Santa Monica City Hall, both standout examples of the city’s commitment to sustainable design. Film Santa Monica can also assist in coordinating accommodations at one of the city’s many environmentally conscious hotels, supporting greener operations for cast and crew.

With a strong commitment to responsible filmmaking, Santa Monica offers productions the ability to create visually compelling content while minimizing environmental impact ensuring these iconic locations can be enjoyed for generations to come.

DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US

Don’t just take our word for it; hear from the industry partners and productions who have successfully collaborated with Film Santa Monica.

“Filming on the Santa Monica Pier feels like stepping into a living piece of cinema history. There’s a magic here—the light, the ocean, the texture of the place—that you just can’t replicate anywhere else. It reminds you that Los Angeles isn’t just where movies get made, it’s part of why they work at all.

And standing out there, you feel incredibly grateful to be doing this in a city that’s given so much to storytelling. It makes you hope we keep choosing to film here, to support it, to protect it—because places like this aren’t just backdrops, they’re part of the soul of the story.”

Jake Johnson A-List Actor Star of New Girl on FOX

“When I read a scene in our script for a big sequence at the Santa Monica Pier I was skeptical because I knew that something of this scale simply wasn’t done at the Pier - and certainly not by an indie film. I started talking with the new Film Santa Monica team and realized that they were as invested in bringing this vision to the screen as I was. They were with us every step of the way, removing all the hurdles before us. When the day finally came I simply could not believe what we were doing, and what Film Santa Monica had helped us accomplish. I hope the rest of Southern California can take a page out of their book, because this is the passion we need to bring filming back.”

Darrin Cummings

“Dear KB” - Independent Feature Location Manager

WHITE GLOVE PERMITTING AND SUPPORT

Film Santa Monica is more than a permitting office; we are a dedicated partner throughout both the permitting and production process. Our team provides personalized, hands-on guidance at every stage, offering a centralized permit application with direct access to staff, assistance in identifying and securing ideal filming locations, and on-the-ground support to ensure seamless operations from start to finish.

With strong relationships across City departments, local hotels, businesses, and trusted vendors, Film Santa Monica keeps productions fully informed on all policies and requirements while coordinating key logistical elements within the community.

Our collaborative approach ensures efficiency, clarity, and a streamlined experience at every step.

All productions receive a high level of service, with optional enhanced support available for projects requiring additional resources. From the moment you begin your permit application through final wrap, your dedicated permit coordinator serves as a consistent point of contact—allowing you to stay focused on the creative while we handle the details.

Start your next project in Santa Monica: contact our office at (310) 319-6263 or email info@filmsantamonica.com.