Restaurant Rooftop Lounge and Event Space in Santa Monica.
tl;dr
- Space
- A 557 sqm (6,000 sq ft) rooftop restaurant and event floor for rent at 395 Santa Monica Place in Downtown Santa Monica, combining three open-air decks, a terrace and a private dining room with ocean-facing daylight. The layout holds up to 580 guests and is vetted by Fashion Week Venues as a brand activation space that works equally for seated presentations and standing receptions.
- Best For
- Strongest fit is cocktail receptions and launch parties using the bar, kitchen and open-air decks, followed by press days and influencer previews with seated media moments in the private dining room. Also available to hire for fashion showroom and buyer preview weeks with fitting room and stock room in use, rooftop content and ecommerce shoots at golden hour, and corporate offsites or workshops for teams needing indoor and outdoor breakout areas.
- Standout Features
- Three separate open-air deck options plus a terrace allow one rental to run parallel zones for arrival, presentation and press. Other differentiators include a complete commercial kitchen with bar and service counter, a fitting room and stock room already built in for temporary retail, a street-facing window display, installed professional lighting and video equipment, and elevator plus multiple entrances with handicap access and on-site parking for load-in.
- Location
- Downtown Santa Monica E Line rail station is a 2 minute walk (160 m), with 4th and Colorado and Santa Monica Place bus stops both 2 minutes away and Broadway at 3rd Street Promenade 3 minutes. The 90401 postcode sits on a pedestrianised retail run with Hugo Boss, AllSaints, The Kooples and Uniqlo within 100 m, so guests arrive on foot through steady shopper footfall and crews can book vehicle access via the mall service route two blocks from the Pier.
- Availability
- Day rate is on request and pricing is brief-based, shaped by guest count, deck configuration and whether the kitchen and bar are activated. Minimum rental is one day with book by the week terms available, and we advise six to eight weeks lead time in Santa Monica; rooftop spaces at this address typically book out across LA fashion week, awards season in February and the May to September peak.
- How to Book
- Enquire with your dates, guest numbers and activation format and we reply within 24h with confirmed availability and a costed proposal, with no charge until confirmed. Permit paperwork, event staffing, catering coordination and fit-out scheduling are handled by our team on the brand's behalf, so request availability now to hold your window.
about this space
This 557-square-meter commercial space is located at 395 Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, California. The venue is designed for multiple uses, including restaurant services, corporate functions, private events, meetings, and retail showrooms. The property features a versatile layout with three open-air deck options, a terrace, and a private dining room. The interior is equipped with essential amenities such as air conditioning, heating, and wireless internet. Technical features include professional lighting and video equipment. For food and beverage operations, the space provides a complete kitchen, a bar, a counter, and a dedicated bathroom. Accessibility is supported by an elevator, multiple entrances, parking facilities, and handicap-accessible features. The retail and event support infrastructure includes a stock room, fitting room, and a window display. Safety is managed by an integrated security system. The environment benefits from natural daylight and a stunning view, offering a functional living space suitable for galleries, photo shoots, or unique office setups. This comprehensive facility provides 6,000 square feet of usable area for professional engagements and social receptions.
the fwv take
Designed for evening press and influencer receptions, this Santa Monica rooftop is best for brands that thrive in multi-zone activations due to its complete commercial kitchen, bar, and three open-air decks facilitating distinct phases from arrival to afterparty.
What makes this address work for golden-hour events is its west-facing position just two blocks from the Pacific, complemented by decks that deliver consistent sunset views and strong guest retention past comparable street-level venues.
This venue fits established mid-market to premium Californian lifestyle labels—resortwear, elevated denim, or beauty brands with a casual aquatic aesthetic—more so than European maisons seeking a controlled gallery presentation.
Expect to lead-time bookings for May through September and awards season, allowing six to eight weeks for Santa Monica logistics with entry via the mall necessitating special attention to signage and retail staffing; cross-reference this with spaces in New York if comparing coast to coast.
what's included
- daylight
- lighting
- living space
- stunning view
- wc
- elevator
- handicap accessible
- multiple entrances
- parking
- air conditioning
- bar
- bathroom
- complete kitchen
- counter
- furniture
- heating
- video equipment
- wifi
- terrace
- fitting room
- stock room
- window display
- security system
package add-ons
make the space yours.
with our package add-ons you can make your chosen space move-in ready. from furniture and branding, to staffing and marketing — we've got you covered.
how to book this space
- 01
Check the shell and the dates
Review the gallery, 557 sqm floor plan and amenities for Restaurant Rooftop Lounge and Event Space in Santa Monica, then note the window you want in Santa Monica. Fashion week dates book 6–10 weeks out.
- 02
Send the brief
Use the request panel on this page to send your dates, expected footfall and budget. Pricing on this space is quoted on request.
- 03
Get availability and a quote
We confirm availability with the operator and come back within 24 hours with the all-in cost: rent, staffing, permits and fit-out for Santa Monica.
- 04
Lock the contract
Sign the short-term licence, pay the deposit and we register any permit or signage paperwork the address needs.
- 05
Build and open
Fit-out, install and staff the pop-up. Our production team handles delivery, install and the strike at the end of the run in Santa Monica.
activation ideas
Influencer Event
The rooftop lounge with open-air decks and stunning views is well-suited for influencer events. This space accommodates up to 580 guests, allowing brands to host a comprehensive West Coast creator list. Featuring a complete kitchen and bar, brands typically present cocktails at sunset, leveraging the venue's natural ambiance. For additional reach, consider our influencer marketing services.
Product Launch
This venue's three open-air decks provide an exceptional setting for product launches. Brands can structure events with distinct phases from arrival to presentation and a closing reception. The professional lighting and video equipment allow for a seamless event execution, thus eliminating the need for additional gear. Utilize the budget calculator to model costs efficiently.
Press Day / Media Preview
The private dining room coupled with multiple open-air spaces makes this venue fitting for press days or media previews. Brands can conduct intimate showcase sessions alongside larger presentations. The inclusion of a stock room and fitting room supports comprehensive planning for editorial shoots. Since set-up time can influence outcomes, review our activation timeline tool for planning guidance.
Art Exhibition or Gallery Showing
This space is equipped to host an art exhibition or gallery showing, although its inherent hospitality style competes with the art for focus. The terrace and specialized lighting accommodate day and evening viewings. While customizable, brands should expect some level of integration with the lounge aesthetic prevalent in the space.
Brand Activation
An excellent option for a brand activation, the venue's integrated kitchen, deck flexibility, and accessible location support dynamic, experience-focused activations. Brands can engage consumers through tailored zones, driving interaction from entry to involvement. Explore our range of activation services to maximize strategic outcomes.
Content Creation Day
With professional lighting and video equipment already installed, this venue provides a turnkey solution for content creation days. Natural lighting through the day and superior views make it ideal for high-end photo shoots and video production, supporting magazine editorials or brand content without additional environmental manipulation.
use cases
location
what's around
27 stores within 600 m, incl. Hugo Boss, Pandora, Johnny Rockets
brands nearby
- fashion stores
- 20
- jewellery & watches
- 2
- beauty
- 3
- department stores
- 2
- culture
- 1
- hotels
- 4
- cafés
- 5
- restaurants & bars
- 10
- other retail
- 13
- Hugo Boss60 m
- Pandora70 m
- Crepe Maker70 m
- Johnny Rockets80 m
- Briggs and Riley80 m
- Uniqlo80 m
the neighbourhood
The Downtown Santa Monica area is home to a wide array of creative enterprises, with wellness brands, resort and swimwear labels, and direct-to-consumer eyewear and footwear brands regularly navigating its streets. The nearby Santa Monica Place is a central hub where high-end fashion labels like Hugo Boss, AllSaints, The Kooples, and Coach have established flagship locations. This area is not just about visible retail spaces; it thrives with back-end creative operations like production teams, photo shoots, and the tech-centric ecosystem of Silicon Beach. We have consistently found that brands choose this specific locale due to its unparalleled synergy between Santa Monica’s coastal allure and its deeply ingrained creative infrastructure. For those examining possibilities of replicating a bustling New York City presence, the dynamic here provides a comparable platform where logistics are akin to spaces in New York.
Brands are drawn to Santa Monica over bustling districts like Downtown LA, the Arts District, or West Hollywood because it mitigates the travel burden on press and creators who might otherwise trek to less accessible venues. Unlike the industrial charm of DTLA, Santa Monica offers a distinct advantage with its proximity to hotel clusters and ease of transport. While West Hollywood and Melrose provide fashion prestige, they come with inflated prices, parking anxieties, and heavily booked event calendars. Alternatively, Santa Monica balances accessibility and attraction with landmarks such as the Third Street Promenade offering a pedestrian-friendly shopping and cultural atmosphere. This area aligns with brands focused on lifestyle-oriented retail experiences. Teams often evaluate these dynamics using our city compare tool to weigh Santa Monica against various national and international counterparts for an informed decision.
Upon entering 395 Santa Monica Place, visitors experience an open-air mall entry rather than a conventional street-facing ingress, setting an inviting tone. Early mornings maintain a calm pace ideal for buyer appointments, as retailers prepare for the day. With mid-morning, a lively mix of locals and tourists fill the space, establishing a vibrant pulse. Evenings transition the rooftop to a social haven where diners and event guests can soak in the sunset views, leveraging the decks and terraces as key highlights. Brand teams should capitalize on these features, as they are the undeniable attractions of the venue. Feedback consistently reveals that the absence of direct street-level entry limits spontaneous foot traffic, accentuating the need for targeted invitations and strategic traffic management. Brands aiming for high street-visible exposure at this height will benefit from planning guidance and retail staffing to manage guest flow effectively.
getting here & street life
nearest transit
- Downtown Santa Monicarail160 m · 2 min
- 4th & Santa Monica Place (Downtown SM Station)bus147 m · 2 min
- 4th & Colorado (Downtown SM Station)bus154 m · 2 min
- Santa Monica, CA -Santa Monica Pier (SMN)bus154 m · 2 min
- 2nd & Broadwaybus169 m · 2 min
- Broadway & 3rd Street Promenadebus · 534208 m · 3 min
street activity
high footfall.
34 places within 200 m · 40 stores · 15 cafés and restaurants · pedestrianised street
- within 200 m
- 34
- within 400 m
- 60
- within 600 m
- 60
the neighbourhood
Santa Monica Place is an outdoor shopping mall in Santa Monica, California. The mall is located at the south end of Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade shopping district, two blocks from the beach and Santa Monica Pier. The mall originally opened in 1980 as an indoor mall, and underwent a massive, three-year reconstruction process beginning in January 2008 and re-opened as an outdoor shopping mall on August 6, 2010. The mall spans three levels. The mall has two vacant anchor stores, formerly occupied by Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom. The mall's tenant mix is predominantly upscale, featuring E
- Downtown Santa Monica station · 135 m
- Cradle (sculpture) · 194 m
- Santa Monica City Hall · 201 m
- Tongva Park · 209 m
- El Miro Theater · 267 m
frequently asked
Yes, the rooftop lounge at 395 Santa Monica Place is suitable for pop-up shops. With a 557-square-meter area encompassing three open-air decks and a terrace, this venue offers an ideal setting for temporary retail activations and experiential marketing. The location provides a high footfall environment, with proximity to well-known retail brands and a pedestrian-friendly approach. Brands can leverage the on-site complete kitchen, bar, and stock room to enhance their retail experiences further.
who it suits
Brand Scale
This space fits established mid-market to premium brands with a 20 to 150 person team, five or more years of trading, and either a national wholesale account base or a DTC business doing meaningful volume on the West Coast. At 557 sqm across a rooftop lounge, three open-air decks, a terrace and a private dining room, this is not a single-room showroom rental. It is a multi-zone venue with a full commercial kitchen, bar, stock room, fitting room and window display, which means you need a team capable of programming several areas at once and a guest list that can fill a 580 capacity without the room reading empty. Brands at this stage typically find the food and beverage infrastructure is the deciding factor, because it removes the catering build cost that usually eats an activation budget. Where we see mismatches is when a founder-led label with a two or three person team books a venue like this for a quiet collection preview and ends up paying for decks, kitchen and bar capacity they never switch on. Those brands are better served by a compact temporary retail space, and it is worth reviewing smaller footprints before you enquire. Global flagship brands running a full multi-week retail experience may also find the shared mall context limiting versus a standalone street unit.
Aesthetic Fit
The visual identity that works here is Californian premium casual: resort and swimwear, elevated denim, athleisure, surf-adjacent lifestyle, wellness and beauty, eyewear, fragrance and accessible luxury accessories. The daylight, the ocean-facing view, the terrace and the open-air decks give you a warm, sunlit, horizon-led backdrop that photographs consistently through the day, which suits brands whose colour stories lean natural, bleached, sandy or bright. The neighbouring tenant mix of Hugo Boss, AllSaints, The Kooples, Rimowa, Coach and Nike confirms the positioning band the space reads at. What does not work here is severe conceptual minimalism, gothic or avant garde tailoring, or any brand whose identity depends on a blacked-out, controlled, windowless box. The restaurant and lounge fit-out carries its own hospitality character and the daylight cannot be fully suppressed, so a brand needing total lighting control for a dark, theatrical presentation will spend heavily fighting the room. Heritage European luxury houses that require an austere gallery-white envelope will also read against the grain of the setting rather than with it. If the concept needs a hard visual reset, our branded store design team can advise on what is realistically achievable within a hospitality shell.
Best Use Cases
First choice is the influencer and press event with a cocktail reception, because the bar, complete kitchen, terrace and stunning view are already in place and the 580 capacity handles a full West Coast media and creator list in one evening. Second choice is a product launch or brand activation, where three open-air deck options let you sequence arrival, product moment and reception without renting a second venue. Third choice is a press day or wholesale appointment programme, using the private dining room for buyer meetings while the stock room and fitting room support sampling. Fourth is a trunk show or showroom sale, supported by the window display, counter and secure stock room, with point of sale and payments straightforward to layer in for transacting days. Fifth is content creation, photo shoots and ecommerce production, given the daylight, professional lighting and video equipment already installed. Sixth is a pop-up shop or temporary retail run inside Santa Monica Place, where 27 stores within 600 m and a pedestrianised approach deliver genuine walk-in footfall. Seventh is a workshop, masterclass or corporate team offsite, with wifi, air conditioning, elevator access and parking covering the practical requirements. Eighth is an art exhibition or gallery showing, which works but competes with the strong hospitality character of the room.
Budget Signal
Expect upper-mid to premium pricing for Santa Monica, sitting above a bare-shell retail unit on Main Street or Abbot Kinney but below a comparable rooftop with kitchen and bar in Downtown LA or a hotel event floor in Beverly Hills. The value case is infrastructure. A hotel event space of similar capacity will typically bind you to an in-house food and beverage minimum, whereas here the complete kitchen, bar, counter and dedicated bathroom are yours to programme. Against a co-working venue or a shared pop-up format, you gain exclusivity, a security system, multiple entrances, parking and a fitting room and stock room that make retail trading and wholesale appointments genuinely workable rather than improvised. In our experience the profile that gets the most from this space is the brand running three or four formats across a single booking window, because the cost per outcome drops sharply once the same venue delivers a press day, a shoot and a selling event. Model that properly with the budget calculator before you commit, and factor in the two minute walk to Downtown Santa Monica station as a real saving on guest transport and staffing logistics.
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