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: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Ticket
Los Angeles Airport Same Day Luggage Services 1 Ticket for 2 Bags
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
Hotel Carmel
"Definitely a great location rooms are small and outdated but overall not bad for a one night stay."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
"We stayed at the Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites for 3 nights, before flying out to Hawaii. From a smooth check in, to being allocated a spacious and comfortable room on the 7th floor. The room was very clean and it had a very comfortable bed. We had breakfast in the hotel. This was very fresh ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
"Clean comfortable quiet room."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
"Goog place"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
"Really enjoyed complimentary breakfast which I was surprised with a Birthday tribute"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
"What can I say?…we will definitely be back! Such a great experience. Everyone was super helpful. Nice bar, Starbucks handy, great breakfast buffet, and a nice little night menu if you choose to stay in. The pool was very enjoyable also. Looking forward to next time."
Reviewed on 13 May 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 Airport Park and Lucky Strike Mar Vista.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion 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.
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.
