Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide
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.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Take the children to visit the sea life you'll find at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium during your trip to Santa Monica.
Ocean Avenue
Enjoy an outing to Ocean Avenue during your stay in Santa Monica. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Things to do
Full-Day Los Angeles Sightseeing Tour from Anaheim
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles
LA: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Adventure
Los Angeles Must-See Tour - Filming Locations, Crime Scenes, Celebrity Homes
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
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Reviewed on 20 May 2024
Check Downtown Santa Monica hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Monica
West Los Angeles
Visitors to West Los Angeles love its ample dining options, and if you want to check out some more things to do around town, jump on the metro at Expo/SepulvedStation.
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 Penmar Golf Course 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.
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. Promenade at Howard Hughes Parkway Center is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Westchester/Veterans Station or Aviation/Century Station to see more of the city.