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: Petersen Automotive Museum Entry & Vault Access
Los Angeles Airport Same Day Luggage Services 1 Ticket for 2 Bags
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise
Los Angeles Beach Tour of Santa Monica & Venice
Beverly Hills’ Sweet Streets: A Self-Guided Chocolate Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
The Pierside Santa Monica
This was an exceptional experience with a top notch front desk. On top - great location and a very nice view from the higher floor rooms
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Hotel Carmel
The aircon was noisy. There was an unpleasant urine-like smell. You can hear the noise from the streets (we were at the second floor). Building looks old - needs major renovation. Staff was nice and generous with providing bottled water. Great location - near the Santa Monica pier and beach and to ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Thank you!!!
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Great hotel to stay at if flying out of LAX. Great shuttle service to airport.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
We really enjoyed our stay and the service and staff offering were wonderful. From check in and helping us with a dual access room to be near our kids, every question to service staff was answered in a friendly way and nothing was too much trouble. Location great, rooms great, service great, you ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
No complaints :)
Reviewed on 27 Apr 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.
West Los Angeles
Travellers choose West Los Angeles for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Expo/Sepulved Station or Expo/Bundy Station and check out top sights like Laemmle Theatres Royal.
Mar Vista
While visiting Mar Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Lucky Strike Mar Vista and Airport Park.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by Westwood Village or UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame 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 LAX/Metro Transit Center to see more of the city.
