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
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour from Santa Monica
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals
The Pierside Santa Monica
Wonderful visit from check in to check out! Clean. Friendly staff. Wonderful items available to use for the beach, pools, rooms. Great food. Smiling faces. Will definitely stay again!!!
Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026
Hotel Carmel
Great location, good staff, nice room with great hot shower. TV is on a dish network and never worked. Men tried fixing it, but seemed hopeless as it was a systemic fault.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Clean spaces.
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026
Ocean View Hotel
Nice hotel across the beach in Santa Monica
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Great place to stay!
Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Would have liked to have an indoor pool also there wasn’t a breakfast buffet station for coffee I ended up going to Starbucks which
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026
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/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 UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame or Westwood Village 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.