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.
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.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Take the children to visit the sea life you'll find at Heal the Bay Aquarium during your trip to Santa Monica.
Tongva Park
Tongva Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Monica, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
Things to do
City Sightseeing Los Angeles & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Los Angeles: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Ticket
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
Courteous staff. Glitchy valet app that kept sending non-stop notifications to my phone. Great breakfast options.
Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Just very simple and the room is fine
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Hotel Burbank
Lindsay (front desk) was amazing!
Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Clean and great staff.
Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
It was clean and staff were nice and the security guards on shift made sure it was safe. Sadly the area did definitely have some weird folk around. I left around 8 am and some woman from across the street was just yelling. But that’s not the hotels fault. The hotel did a great job.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
We called a taxi because we have waited one hour at the airport and didn't have any shuttle.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
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.
West Los Angeles
Travellers choose West Los Angeles for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Expo/SepulvedStation or Expo/Bundy Station and check out top sights like Laemmle Theatres Royal.
Mar Vista
Though Mar Vista may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marina Marketplace and Walk Streets.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame or Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Century City
Shopping, restaurants and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Century City. Make a stop by Westfield Century City or 20th Century Fox Studios while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Westchester
You might enjoy the shopping while in Westchester. Bowlero Los Angeles is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Westchester/Veterans Station or Aviation/Century Station to see more of the city.
