Why Santa Monica Is the Wellness Capital to Visit in 2026

As we welcome 2026, prioritising health and happiness has never felt more important. Wellness culture continues to influence how we travel in 2026, as shown by the latest British Airways’ 2026 Travel Trends report, which shines a light on the cultural shift towards embracing one’s authentic self, with body positivity and self-acceptance when travelling on the rise. 

Enter Santa Monica. Home to the first spin class studio and the birthplace of paddleboarding and modern beach volleyball, the coastal city has long been a hotspot for global wellness trends – from cult-favourite Erewhon smoothies to brands like Goop – the trendsetting beachfront destination, invites travellers to embrace a more mindful way of living.

Energise & Exercise

Mornings in Santa Monica naturally begin outdoors. Travellers can flow through beachside yoga 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, with professional players often spotted training as Los Angeles builds momentum toward the 2028 Olympic Games. For a glimpse into fitness history, the Original Muscle Beach is famously linked to the birth of California’s outdoor workout culture, with Arnold Schwarzenegger among its most famous early devotees.

Santa Monica is also home to a host of celebrity-approved favourites when it comes to studio workouts. Recommended by Goop and sometimes attended by Gwyneth Paltrow herself, The Class offers unique music-driven cardio and strength-based classes in a stunning studio environment. Pvolve, a studio nestled in the Main Street neighbourhood, is 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. 

Relax & Rejuvenate

Wellness in Santa Monica extends well beyond working out, with nearly 30 spas across the destination dedicated to rest and rejuvenation. The stunning new Regent Santa Monica Beach beckons travellers with the tranquil Guerlain Wellness Spa, a 10,000 square feet wellness haven offering bespoke services developed exclusively for the property. 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-favorite Surya Spa on the property. For the ultimate in California coastal wellness, travellers can 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 travellers seeking a more personalised and spiritual approach, Mystic Journey in the Main Street neighbourhood offers an inspiring guided look into metaphysical healing and insights through tarot readings, energy healing and dream interpretation. From guided breathwork to chakra alignment, Calming Spot offers unique classes suited to many different needs. 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 ambiance and healing vibrations.

To learn more about how to start the new year in this beautiful and health-forward beach destination, visit santamonica.com.