Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A lifeguard tower on a beach at sunset.
A busy pier with a Ferris wheel, a parking lot full of cars, and a beach in the background.
A busy urban street lined with palm trees and modern buildings, including a hotel and shops.
A pier extending into the ocean at sunset with people walking along it.
A pier with a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster at sunset.

Stay near popular Downtown Santa Monica attractions

A crowded beach with people swimming and sunbathing, a lifeguard tower, and mountains in the background.

Santa Monica Beach

9.0/5 (10,272 reviews)
Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts.
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Activities

Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Experience

Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Experience

NZ$724
per adult
Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Experience
Picture 1 for Activity Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Public Vault Tour

Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Entry & Vault Access

NZ$86
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Entry & Vault Access
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour

Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour

NZ$66
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket

Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket

NZ$31
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim

Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim

NZ$150
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
3 Hour Los Angeles Tour

3 Hour Los Angeles Tour

NZ$85
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
3 Hour Los Angeles Tour
See all activities in Los Angeles

Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals

The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue Santa Monica CA
The price is NZ$634 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$634
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Santa Monica. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,463 reviews)
"No microwave. AC could have been better"

Reviewed on 26 June 2026

The Pierside Santa Monica
Hotel Carmel

Hotel Carmel

3 out of 5
201 Broadway Santa Monica CA
The price is NZ$452 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$452
1 July - 2 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Monica. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,328 reviews)
"The staff was amazing, and the location is perfect right between the third street promenade and pier. We also dig a big bus tour that was a five minute walk. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Hotel Carmel
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$295 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$295
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very good! (5,661 reviews)
"Parking"

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Hotel Burbank

Hotel Burbank

3 out of 5
150 E Angeleno Ave Burbank CA
The price is NZ$335 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$335
17 July - 18 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Burbank. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,966 reviews)
"Staff was great, place was clean from the bar/eating area to the rooms. And they had FIFA on all the TV's !"

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Hotel Burbank
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$383 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$383
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,807 reviews)
"Walking distance to terminal 1"

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX

4 out of 5
5985 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$352 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$352
17 July - 18 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very good! (4,406 reviews)
"Great close location to LAX, rooms spacious and good food options."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
See all 9,703 properties in Downtown Santa Monica
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Santa Monica

Find the best Downtown Santa Monica areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A bustling Las Vegas street with illuminated signs, palm trees, and historic architecture.

Hollywood

Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hollywood Palladium and Sunset Gower & Sunset Bronson Studios.

A city skyline with tall buildings and palm trees.

Downtown Los Angeles

Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Flower District are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the area.

A green sign with 'KOREATOWN' in white letters, a red lantern, and a traditional roof.

Koreatown

Travellers choose Koreatown for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Wilshire - Western Station or Wilshire - Normandie Station and check out top sights like Wiltern Theatre.

A row of tall, ornate street lamps with white globes, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a clear blue sky.

Mid City

While you're in Mid City, take in top sights like Koreatown Plaza and jump on the metro at Wilshire - Vermont Station to see more of the city.

An aerial view of a university campus with historic buildings, green spaces, and a surrounding residential 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.

Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide

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