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.
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?
Activities
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
Hollywood Celebrity & Star Homes: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle
Half Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles from Santa Monica
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
Room was clean. Staff was courteous
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
The front desk staff was pleasant and easy to work with. The room was clean and comfortable with good water pressure and ample sundries. The check out was easy with just a key drop off. And the complimentary shuttle service made it a seamless trip to the airport
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
Hotel Burbank
Staff
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
Good service
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Everything was good
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton LAX - El Segundo
Nice staff and good breakfast. Rooms can be renovated.
Reviewed on 23 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.
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 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.
