Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide
Los Angeles
Visit Downtown Santa Monica
Popular places to visit
Santa Monica Beach
Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts.
Santa Monica Pier
You'll find beachside kitsch, boardwalk ambiance and carnival fun at this sunbaked LA attraction that’s more than a hundred years old.
Third Street Promenade
During your trip to Santa Monica, you can do some window-shopping at Third Street Promenade. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Santa Monica Place
During your trip to Santa Monica, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Santa Monica Place. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Original Muscle Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Original Muscle Beach during your travels in Santa Monica? Wander the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.
Pacific Park
Bring the children to Pacific Park and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Santa Monica. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Things to do
City Sightseeing LA & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - 4 Routes
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
The Pierside Santa Monica
Hotel is old, not clean and uncomfortable
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Hotel Carmel
Excellent staff. Rooms. Amenities. Location. All perfect. Definitely will stay again.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Great location
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Ocean View Hotel
Easy parking, great staff, perfect view!
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Nice staff, perfect location
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Clean, friendly staffs.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Monica
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach.
Venice Canals
Venice Canals might not have many top sights, but Venice Beach and Venice Beach Boardwalk are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
West Los Angeles
Travellers choose West Los Angeles for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Expo/Sepulved Station or Expo/Bundy Station and check out top sights like Laemmle Theatres Royal.
Mar Vista
While visiting Mar Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Lucky Strike Mar Vista and Airport Park.
Brentwood
You'll enjoy the museums and gardens in Brentwood. You might want to make time for a stop at Getty Center or Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame or Westwood Village while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
