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.
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.
Things to do
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Los Angeles Airport Same Day Luggage Services 1 Ticket for 2 Bags
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour
The Escape Game LA: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in Century City
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
The Pierside Santa Monica
Great hotel with great staff. Friendly and professional
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Yes. Everything was great
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton LAX - El Segundo
Place was nice and clean! The cookie and water was awesome!
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
Clean room
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Biltmore Los Angeles
Beautiful hotel just a little outdated in some aspects. Loved the history of it!
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Hotel Burbank
The room was immaculate and staff helpful and happy. There is no arcade on property as the listing suggests. The outdoor poor area and the back courtyard with coy pond are beautiful. There are cute little places throughout the hotel for photo ops! The bar/cafe has limited menu-card only, they do ...
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
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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 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.
