Hosted by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) at Lowes Hotel in Santa Monica, the American Film Market (AFM) is an annual event attended by sales agents and distributors from around the world. If you’re attending the market, you’ll likely be spending a majority of your time in pre-arranged meetings in either a suite or office in the Loews or any number of other nearby hotels. However, when you’re not busy meeting with potential business partners, you’ll want to decompress with food, drink and local culture. Reservations will fill up quickly, so you want to get started on booking your brunches, dinners, and happy hours now.
Whether you’re in town for the entirety of the market, or just a few days, here are 7 ways to spend your free time at the American Film Market 2022!
Dive bar to the stars, the storied Chez Jay has seen the likes of many of your favorite hollywood celebrities throughout the years. In fact, the bar and restaurant is a registered historic landmark, and is said to be the site where Ben Affleck and Matt Damon met to write Goodwill Hunting. During AFM you’ll find many a seasoned market-goer here, enjoying a cocktail or some of Southern California’s best steak and seafood.
Just a stone’s throw from the Loews Hotel, Chez Jays is in a prime location, near the Santa Monica pier, Tongva park, and the Third Street Promenade. Book a reservation online now - they fill up fast.
Your interaction with the Pacific Ocean shouldn’t be limited to views from the grand windows of the Loews Hotel.
A short walk from Loews, you’ll find the iconic Santa Monica pier. The pier is free to enter, though you’ll need to purchase tickets to go on any rides. Just outside the pier you’ll find free gym equipment on the beach, as well as a bike path which runs a total length of 22 miles and offers a great way to enjoy the coastline.
While the pier and surrounding beach are fun, if you’re looking for cleaner beaches and less tourists, it might be worth renting a bike or a scooter and traveling about 15 minutes south on the bike path. Just south of the Venice Fishing Pier you’ll find a stretch of beach much better suited for a beach day or, if you’re brave enough, a swim.
About halfway between the Santa Monica and Venice Piers you’ll find the Venice Boardwalk, which is home to a number of casual beach-side eateries like the Venice Ale House, Chicago Nick's, or, for something sweet, Schulzies, which serves only bread pudding (and blue bottle coffee!).
Here you’ll also find an abundance of upscale dining options, including a few of our top picks below: The Victorian and the Hotel Erwin.
The Victorian is a beautiful venue with indoor and outdoor seating options, Mediterranean influenced dishes, and a selection of wines and cocktails. This is an excellent option for happy hours, or weekend brunch.
If you’re looking for nightlife, this is also an excellent option, with multiple floors of DJs and dancing on Thursday evenings through the weekend.
Nothing beats a Pacific Ocean sunset, and what better way to enjoy it than over a few drinks and a bite to eat. Head to the Hotel Erwin’s rooftop lounge for slightly upscale American eats, with a selection of appetizers, pizzas, burgers, desserts, and of course, a selection of signature cocktails, beer and wine.
Hotel Erwin is best for weekend brunch or a sunset visit - so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. In November the sun begins to set in Santa Monica around 6pm, so snag a table around 6 or 6:30 for the best views.
Ye Olde King’s Head is a crowd favorite, simply because it’s a lot of fun! Just steps from the third street promenade, you’ll find this quirky British eatery. Expect great food and ambiance, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
We saved the nicest dining option for last. If you’re planning an upscale dinner, the Huntley’s Penthouse might be the perfect venue for you. The penthouse offers stunning panoramic ocean views from the hotel’s 18th floor, an elegant interior, and several seating options to choose between. Sip on signature cocktails while dining on California cuisine in one of Santa Monica’s finest restaurants.
The Huntley screams professionalism and elegance. It also books up fast. If you’re looking to impress your most valuable clients, you may want to book a reservation sooner than later. The hotel also offers a number of meeting and event spaces.
You can’t visit Santa Monica without checking out the lively third street promenade. These three pedestrian-only blocks of downtown Santa Monica make up a premier shopping and dining district. As you stroll the promenade, you’ll find street musicians, numerous bars and restaurants, and a plethora of retailers.
Third Street Promenade is certainly a tourist attraction, which may or may appeal to you depending on your fondness for crowds. If you haven’t been already, it’s worth a nighttime stroll or a quick lunch. If you’re a local, or are hoping for something more serene, head across the street from the southernmost end of the promenade for the beautiful Tongva Park instead.
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