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
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise
City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Hollywood Tour & Celebrity Homes
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Great hotel
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
Fast
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025
Hotel Burbank
The staff at check in was friendly and efficient. The room was clean and comfortable. I even had a great pillow. it was nice and firm which is unusual for most hotels.
Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025
Loews Hollywood Hotel
We had a wonderful 2-day stay at the Loews Hotel. The location is excellent — just steps away from Hollywood Blvd, with a metro station conveniently located within meters of the hotel, making it very easy to get around. Our room had a beautiful view of the iconic Hollywood sign, which was a lovely ...
Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
I have no real complaints. The shuttle to the hotel was prompted and good service. The exterior of the hotel was attractive and presentable. The checking was seamless, and the hotel rep. was pleasant and eager to satisfy me. The lobby and my room were modern, elegant and comfortable. I had a beautiful ...
Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Close to airport, clean and comfortable
Reviewed on 25 Oct 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.
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/SepulvedStation or Expo/Bundy Station and check out top sights like Laemmle Theatres Royal.
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.
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 Westwood Village while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
