Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide
Los Angeles
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Los Angeles Airport Same Day Luggage Services 1 Ticket for 2 Bags
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise
Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
The Pierside Santa Monica
By far the best hotel experience I’ve ever had. Stayed here last minute for my birthday & from the moment I called for early check in (345pm) until the moment I checked out… amazing customer service. I believe his name was Ty that checked me in, started off by wishing me a happy birthday and letting ...
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
The room was spotless and the location was perfect.
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd
Clean room, courteous and accommodating staff. Airport shuttle was plus. Great location to SoFi Stadium, and near many other attractions. Will stay again!
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Great location for an early flight. Nice staff, clean room, free shuttle to LAX. Restaurant was okay but dinner service slow (looked like they were understaffed and it was crowded).
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026
Hotel Burbank
My ONLY complaint is, IF you have a car, in their parking garage, and your checking out, TAKE YOUR Room keys with YOU… You Need your room keys, to leave garage! Front desk NEEDS to Advise clients
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Clean, nice staff, shuttle service... Great! Nice place to just get a sandwich at the little deli, price reasonable.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 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.
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/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 Westwood Village while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
