West of Los Angeles, Santa Monica presents a rare blend: a city that pulses with the vibrant rhythm of modern life while breathing in harmony with the calming flow of the ocean.

In Santa Monica, there is no need to choose between urban vibrancy and seaside escape. You can experience both simultaneously. It is precisely within this delicate balance, between movement and reflection, ambition and ease, that the city’s enduring charm resides.

A pioneer in sustainability, Santa Monica has seamlessly woven environmental responsibility into daily life, from walkable streets and bike-friendly paths to initiatives that reduce single-use plastics and promote environmentally conscious architecture. Respect for the environment is not a passing trend here; it is second nature. Living along the Pacific coastline naturally instills a deep sense of stewardship.

As the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles draw near, Santa Monica is entering a new chapter. The installation of Club France on the beach already promises iconic moments, blending sporting celebration with the French art de vivre under the Californian sky.

To better understand the ambitions and challenges of this unique destination, Airs de Paris met with Lauren Salisbury, Vice President of Communications at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.

Interview with

Lauren Salisbury

Santa Monica is already a well-known destination. When people hear the name, they immediately think of the ocean and stunning scenery. Why is it still important to attract visitors?

It is true. Whenever Santa Monica is mentioned, people respond, “Oh yes, it’s a beautiful place by the ocean. It’s peaceful, attractive, and vibrant.” We are fortunate to enjoy such strong recognition.

Yet, many travelers have not fully discovered us, or they may not realize all that there is to see and experience here. While the name may be familiar, the complete experience is not always understood.

Many visitors see Santa Monica as just a day trip to the pier, which is undoubtedly iconic. But there is so much more beyond it.

We have eight distinct neighborhoods, over 400 restaurants, outstanding shopping, and a truly unique lifestyle. This is what we want French travelers, and all international visitors, to discover and experience for themselves.

With the Olympic Games coming to the United States, how is Santa Monica preparing for 2028?

Santa Monica is thrilled to play a part in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As the birthplace of modern beach volleyball, our city has a deep-rooted connection to sport and outdoor living.

We are a vibrant beachfront destination, boasting three and a half miles of coastline, scenic bike paths, and close proximity to the mountains. Santa Monica has always been a city of athletes and active lifestyles. Excitement and anticipation are palpable as our community prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.

While we will not host official competitions, Santa Monica is perfectly situated for Olympic visitors. With easy access to metro lines and bus services, guests can reach venues without a car. Our beachfront hotels provide both relaxation and breathtaking ocean views, making Santa Monica the perfect base during the Games.

Club France will be based in Santa Monica. What does that mean for you, and how are you preparing?

It is a true honor for us to host Club France during the 2028 Olympic Games. We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the French delegation and their supporters.

Santa Monica shares many values with France: a strong sense of style, a commitment to cleanliness and safety, and above all, a deep appreciation for gastronomy. Our city is home to the largest organic farmers’ market on the West Coast, where many of our chefs source fresh, seasonal ingredients to create exceptional cuisine.

We are confident that Team France and its supporters will fully embrace the California lifestyle, enjoying world-class dining, dynamic shopping, and an atmosphere that is both vibrant and welcoming.

Is Santa Monica a walkable city, and what makes it so special?

Santa Monica is especially delightful to explore on foot. Getting around is easy, and Los Angeles in general is far more friendly for pedestrians and cyclists than many people imagine, even though Downtown Los Angeles is about 25 kilometers away.

What truly sets Santa Monica apart is its almost magical atmosphere. Being here in California, in such an iconic and globally recognized location, is an unforgettable experience. The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most photographed spots in Los Angeles on Instagram, reflecting the deep affection visitors have for this vibrant city.

Santa Monica seems like an expensive destination. Do you need to be very wealthy to visit?

While prices in the United States are generally high, and Santa Monica is no exception, the city offers 41 hotels to suit a wide range of budgets.

In addition to iconic luxury properties, there are also more affordable, often family-run motels, making Santa Monica accessible to all types of travelers.

Are there more affordable accommodation options, such as Airbnb or budget stays?

Short-term rentals like Airbnb are not very common in Santa Monica. However, several budget-friendly hotels are attractive, clean, and safe. The city also has a youth hostel. Visiting Santa Monica on a moderate budget is entirely possible.

Entry-level hotel rates typically range from $200 to $250 per night, with prices increasing depending on comfort and services.

How important is the European market for Santa Monica?

Europe is a very important market for Santa Monica. We are a deeply international destination. Before the pandemic, 50 to 60 percent of our visitors came from abroad, and Europe was our leading market.

France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are our top three European source markets and play a crucial role in our tourism strategy.

Is sustainability important to Santa Monica?

One of the remarkable aspects of Santa Monica is that sustainability has long been at the core of the city’s vision and policies. For many years, we have implemented ambitious environmental initiatives.

Santa Monica has some of the most progressive sustainability regulations in the United States. We were among the first cities to ban plastic straws and single-use plastics in restaurants, implementing a citywide measure in 2018.

The city is also a pioneer in sustainable infrastructure. Santa Monica City Hall was one of the first public buildings to receive LEED certification, reflecting our commitment to responsible construction and energy efficiency.

Being located directly on the Pacific Ocean makes environmental protection especially meaningful. We witness firsthand the fragility of coastal ecosystems and the importance of preserving them.

For all these reasons, sustainability is not just a policy priority. It is part of Santa Monica’s identity and will remain central to our development in the years to come.

In a world marked by conflict, are the 2028 Olympic Games an opportunity to send a message of peace?

At a time defined by deep global divisions, the 2028 Olympic Games represent a precious opportunity to reaffirm a message of peace, unity, and mutual understanding. This spirit aligns closely with what Santa Monica embodies.

Whenever visitors come to Santa Monica, we hope they experience a genuine sense of calm, openness, and harmony. We are a deeply international community. Walking along the beach or strolling down the Third Street Promenade, you hear languages and accents from across the world and see people from diverse cultures living side by side.

This everyday coexistence reflects the Olympic spirit itself. We hope that during the 2028 Games, visitors will not only attend world-class sporting events but also feel the sense of connection and peace that defines our community.

Interview: Wendy and François

Written by: Hervé

French Version :

https://www.airsdeparis.fr/art-de-vivre/entretien-lauren-salisbury/