Join the 2026 Most Loved Contest
Getting started is simple. Participate for free, or supercharge your efforts with a Get the Win package!
Free Options:
Promote your business at no cost with these tools:
Print a Flyer – Place it near your checkout to encourage votes.
Request a Vote Window Cling – Fill out the form to get a cling with a QR code for easy voting.
Share on your socials - Customize these templates with your brand and share!
Get the Win Packages:
Take your Most Loved game to the next level with an SMDP Get the Win Promotional Packages:
We do all of the work!
- Includes all the Free Options plus:
- Digital Reach: Large ads in email campaigns, social media, and the SMDP website.
- Print Presence: QR codes and ads in SMDP print editions.
- Massive Exposure: Millions of impressions to readers, email subscribers, website visitors, and print audiences.
- How to Start: click here to learn about how to maximize your chances of winning.
About the Contest
Q&A: Most Loved Santa Monica
What is Most Loved Santa Monica?
Most Loved Santa Monica celebrates the special bond between locals, visitors, and our amazing business community. This fun, free contest is a hit with everyone—residents, tourists, and businesses. It’s brought to you by the Santa Monica Daily Press, in partnership with the City of Santa Monica Economic Development, Buy Local, Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism, Santa Monica Pier, Pico Improvement Organization, Main Street Business Improvement Association, Montana Avenue Merchants Association, and the Santa Monica Chamber.
What are the official contest rules?
You can find the official contest rules here.
Who Can Participate?
Any business with a Santa Monica address and a city business license.
How Does It Work?
- No Favorites: Ballots are blank—no ads, no pre-filled answers.
- Fair and Square: We fix misspellings to make sure every vote counts.
- One Email, One Vote: We keep things honest with strict monitoring.
How Many Categories Are There?
There are 110 categories. Click here to see all of them.
What’s New This Year?
We’ve stepped up our game! After researching dozens of contests across the U.S., we found that one vote per email is the cleanest, fairest way to do this. Plus, we ditched ads around the ballot forms to keep things focused. It’s all about celebrating the best of Santa Monica in the best way possible.
Will There Be a Party?
Oh, yes! We’re throwing an awards bash at Santa Monica Brew Works, and it’s going to be awesome!
- Network with other local business owners.
- Hear all the winners announced at once.
- Snap pics with the Mayor, City Council members, and other local leaders at our step-and-repeat. Grab a selfie when your award comes up!
- Share the moment on social media.
Bonus: We’re teaming up with Santa Monica Brew Works to release a special Most Loved IPA!
What Happens If I Win?
Winning gets you all the bragging rights!
A shoutout in the Most Loved Annual Magazine (distributed in the Santa Monica Daily Press, on smdp.com, and in our newsletter). We’re talking over 700k impressions and shares!
Recognition at the awards party and the next City Council meeting—come take a bow!
An official City of Santa Monica commendation, Winners Plaque, and window cling to show off your victory.
License to use the Most Loved logo in your ads, emails, website—forever.
Optional: Upgrade to a stunning custom plaque to display at your business.
Why Does It Matter?
With over 21,000 businesses in Santa Monica, being one of the 333 winners (just 2%) sets you apart. It’s a badge of honor that builds trust, boosts recognition, and says you’re the best in town.
Where’s the Magazine Distributed?
The Most Loved Annual Magazine is everywhere locals and visitors are!
– In the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition.
– Online at smdp.com and in our email newsletter.
– At hotels, tourist spots, Travel and Tourism offices, and city information centers.
Why is Most Loved a Big Deal?
The Most Loved logo is a trusted guide for locals and visitors. It highlights the best places to eat, shop, and enjoy Santa Monica. Basically it’s a guide for those seeking for the best that our business community has to offer!
It’s your chance to shine—let’s celebrate what makes Santa Monica special!
Most Loved Logos
Only previous winners are allowed to use the “Winner” and “First Place” logos. Logos must remain unaltered.
Thank You to Our Partners!
City of Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica, Main Street Business Improvement Association, Montana Ave Merchants Association, Pico Improvement Organization, Santa Monica Chamber, Santa Monica Travel + Tourism.