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.
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.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Take the children to visit the sea life you'll find at Heal the Bay Aquarium during your trip to Santa Monica.
Tongva Park
Tongva Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Monica, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
Things to do
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
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
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
The Escape Game LA: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in Century City
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
We had a really friendly and helpful man assist us on day 1. After a long flight from Australia he gave us water and got us into a room as early as he could. Loved the location of the hotel. Short walk to the pier, but the real advantage was the hotel was directly across from the metro train station. ...
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Location great, room spacious, staff helpful
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Hotel Burbank
Very nice, quiet room. I did not like paying for parking. That may sway me to stay else where on my next visit to the Los Angeles area.
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Everything was fine.
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Easy check in
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton LAX - El Segundo
Yes! Spotless Ron and the most gracious and courteous staff I've ever encountered
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Monica
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Santa Monica Beach and Venice 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 Walk Streets and Santa Monica Beach.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame or Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion 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. Bowlero Los Angeles is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Westchester/Veterans Station or Aviation/Century Station to see more of the city.
