What to do in Santa Monica, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A busy beachside promenade with palm trees, cyclists, and beachgoers.
A beach with waves, a pier, and a city skyline in the background.
A beachfront building named 'Shutters on the Beach' with a white balcony, American flag, and beach umbrellas.
A snowy beach with a dolphin jumping out of the water.
A beachfront promenade with palm trees and a large hotel building in the background.

Things to do

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

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Universal Studios Hollywood - Universal Express Ticket

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Madame Tussauds Hollywood Plus All New Marvel Universe 4D!

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

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Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Long Beach: Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon

Long Beach: Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon

Rp234.845
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Long Beach: Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

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92% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket
Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tickets with Priority Pass

Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tickets with Priority Pass

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Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

Rp686.470
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90% of travellers recommend
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach
Hollywood & Beverly Hills - Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour

Hollywood & Beverly Hills: Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour

Rp704.607
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Hollywood & Beverly Hills: Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
3 Hour Los Angeles Tour

3 Hour Los Angeles Tour with 3 Stops

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3 Hour Los Angeles Tour with 3 Stops
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What to do in Santa Monica

Stay near popular Santa Monica attractions

A crowded beach with people swimming and sunbathing, a lifeguard tower, and mountains in the background.

Santa Monica Beach

9.0/10 (10,272 reviews)
Santa Monica Beach stretches for 3.5 miles of soft sand along Southern California's iconic coastline. Swim in Pacific waters, play beach volleyball, or stroll to the adjacent pier with its amusement park and aquarium.
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Where to stay in Santa Monica

Find the best Santa Monica areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Monica
Learn more about Santa Monica
A busy pier with a Ferris wheel, a parking lot full of cars, and a beach in the background.

Downtown Santa Monica

While you're in Downtown Santa Monica, take in top sights like Santa Monica Beach and jump on the metro at Downtown Santa Monica Station to see more of the city.

A sunset over a beach with palm trees silhouetted against the sky.
Photo by Caitlyn McCrimmon
Open Photo by Caitlyn McCrimmon

Ocean Park

Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach.

A beach with people walking and playing in the water, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

Wilshire Montana

If you're spending some time in Wilshire Montana, Santa Monica Beach and Third Street Promenade are top sights worth seeing.

A beach at sunset with a pier, a Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster.

Sunset Park

While visiting Sunset Park, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Monica Airport Skydeck and Santa Monica Air Center.

A pier with a Ferris wheel, beach, ocean waves, and buildings in the background.

Pico

While you're in Pico, take in top sights like Santa Monica Place or Third Street Promenade, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 17th Street/SMC Station or 26th Street/Bergamot Station.

Day trip destinations from Santa Monica

A cityscape with palm trees in the foreground and a skyline of tall buildings in the background.

Los Angeles

A beach with palm trees, a pier with sailboats, and a parking lot.

Venice

An aerial view of a beach with people, umbrellas, and waves.

Pacific Palisades

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Monica worth visiting?
Offering a mix of family-friendly attractions and history, there are many things to do in Santa Monica. While you're here, head to Santa Monica Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach are two good places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Santa Monica while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Monica?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Monica is Santa Monica Beach, so make sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Monica?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier with a three-day escape to Santa Monica. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Los Angeles.
Is Santa Monica a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Santa Monica. Several key sights, like Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santa Monica's neighbourhoods, Downtown Santa Monica is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Pico is 2 kilometers away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Monica with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Monica with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Santa Monica for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santa Monica, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Melrose Avenue or Wilshire Boulevard.
Are there free things to do in Santa Monica?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Santa Monica. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Santa Monica Beach is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.