Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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
Head to this century-old sun-baked attraction which has plenty of quirky beachside kitsch, a boardwalk ambience and a heady carnival atmosphere.
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.
Activities
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals
Hotel Carmel
The staff were very helpful and professional. Anastasia greeted me upon checking and was so awesome. Thank you for such amazing energy and awesome customer service. I will stay again.
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
The Pierside Santa Monica
We were very happy with our stay at the hotel. The location is outstanding — truly one of its biggest strengths. It is within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier, the beach, restaurants, and shops, which made our trip much more convenient and enjoyable. The staff was extremely attentive, friendly, ...
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Clean room great staff good location
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Great service ! Appropiate for shuttle service
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Everything was excellent i love staying here. Easy in and out and the shuttle service was great.
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Friendly staff! For being in a busy location, the check in/check out was not busy. Rooms were great size, great view of the city. Great quick walk to Hollywood bowl to avoid traffic. Overall, wonderful stay!
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Check Downtown Santa Monica hotel availability
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/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.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by Westwood Village or UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame 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 LAX/Metro Transit Center to see more of the city.
