City centre Santa Monica pairs the charm of a beachfront area with the excitement of a shopping destination. The famous pier welcomes you with its vintage Ferris wheel and carnival games. Stroll the car-free Third Street Promenade where street performers entertain crowds beneath swaying palm trees. Ocean views dominate this walkable district where Pacific breezes keep things cool year-round. The Metro Expo Line makes getting around easy without a car. Beach volleyball courts and outdoor fitness areas showcase California's active lifestyle just steps from upscale shopping and dining.
Ocean Park offers a perfect blend of beachside charm and artistic flair in Santa Monica. The beautiful boardwalk invites leisurely strolls with stunning Pacific views. Colourful bungalows and apartment buildings give the area an authentic local character. Artists and creatives mingle in the neighborhood's eclectic galleries. Main Street buzzes with independent boutiques and hip cafés just steps from the sand. Travellers can easily explore nearby Venice Beach Boardwalk or relax at Santa Monica Beach. The area balances tourist appeal with a genuine residential atmosphere that feels refreshingly local.
Wilshire Montana offers a peaceful residential retreat in upscale Santa Monica, just a short walk from the beach. Tree-lined streets with Mediterranean Revival homes create a sophisticated atmosphere. Nearby Montana Avenue tempts with boutique shopping and charming cafes. The area provides easy access to Santa Monica Beach and the scenic Palisades Park with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Travellers appreciate the quiet, authentic local experience while staying within walking distance of Third Street Promenade's lively attractions and dining options.
Pico offers an authentic slice of Santa Monica away from the tourist crowds. This diverse area features charming residential streets lined with family-owned shops and genuine Latin American eateries. Three Metro stations connect you to the rest of the city with ease. Travellers seeking local culture will appreciate the neighborhood's vibrant street markets and community spaces. Affordable accommodation make Pico perfect for budget-conscious visitors. Santa Monica Beach and the famous pier are just a short transit ride away.
Sunset Park presents a peaceful escape in Santa Monica where travellers can enjoy panoramic Pacific Ocean views from its clifftop sanctuary. This 1.5-acre green space offers grassy lawns perfect for picnics while watching surfers below. The surrounding residential streets showcase charming Spanish Revival architecture and lush landscaping. The area maintains an authentic local character away from tourist crowds. Museum of Flying provides cultural interest nearby, though you'll need to venture to Santa Monica Pier for dining options. With limited public transit, this car-dependent area offers a genuine slice of upscale Santa Monica living with spectacular sunset views.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Monica
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.
Santa Monica Pier
8.8/10 (17,596 reviews)
The historic Santa Monica Pier marks the western end of Route 66 with its solar-powered Ferris wheel and Pacific Park. Catch street performers at sunset or dine overlooking the ocean for an iconic California experience.
Third Street Promenade
8.8/10 (2,727 reviews)
This pedestrian-only paradise in Santa Monica offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and street performances. Enjoy boutiques and musicians while just steps from the iconic pier and Pacific Ocean.
Santa Monica Place
8.8/10 (1,347 reviews)
This open-air shopping centre blends luxury boutiques with casual retailers just steps from Santa Monica Beach. Explore the rooftop dining deck for exceptional ocean views while enjoying California-inspired cuisine.
Santa Monica College
8.0/10 (604 reviews)
Santa Monica College showcases modern facilities and vibrant campus life in the heart of coastal California. Visitors can enjoy public art exhibitions and performances while exploring this educational cornerstone.
Photo by Paco Garzón
Open Photo by Paco Garzón
Pacific Park
8.6/10 (899 reviews)
Pacific Park's solar-powered Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the Los Angeles coastline from Santa Monica Pier. Stay until sunset to witness the dazzling light show illuminating the Pacific Ocean.
Photo by Daniel Cupil
Open Photo by Daniel Cupil
Original Muscle Beach
8.4/10 (1,027 reviews)
The birthplace of America's fitness boom since the 1930s, this beachside outdoor gym features historic equipment and acrobatic displays. Watch skilled athletes perform while enjoying the scenic Santa Monica backdrop.
Ocean Avenue
9.0/10 (1,994 reviews)
Palm-lined Ocean Avenue offers stunning Pacific views and access to Santa Monica's iconic pier. Stroll through Palisades Park at sunset for breathtaking coastal vistas and alfresco dining options.
"We stayed in the summer during a very hot week and the whole facility did not have AC so it was hotter inside the room than outside. The staff offered to get us box fans which weren’t very helpful. The room was nicely decorated you can tell there have been some updates to improve, but we noticed small mosquitoes throughout the room and that could have possibly been because of the heat. The parking was terrible it’s so small and compact you have to get out of your car if you’re a passenger so...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
How much does a Santa Monica holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Santa Monica break. However, factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will determine how much your holiday to Santa Monica costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Monica?
You can usually find lower prices and greater availability in January, February and November. Check out our cheap Santa Monica holiday packages and you could get some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Santa Monica?
With around 3 days, you'll have plenty of time to visit popular neighbourhoods such as Downtown Santa Monica and Pico during your Santa Monica holiday. Be sure to also add Third Street Promenade and Pacific Park to your sightseeing itinerary. Looking for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Santa Monica on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has all the ingredients you need for a fantastic getaway — family-friendly attractions, history and culture are just the start. Whether you want to check out attractions like Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier, or take the road less traveled, you'll have plenty to explore on your Santa Monica holiday.
How to find the best Santa Monica package deals?
Landing a cheap Santa Monica package deal is a cinch with Expedia. Once you've entered your destination and trip dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, add some filters and see what's available. You can customise your search by "Popular locations," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable Santa Monica package deals. Want a simple trick to get the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Monica holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more cash in your pocket. Bundle your hotel, car rental and flight into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll usually get a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the freedom to create a customised Santa Monica holiday by choosing your favourite airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Monica?
Enjoy incredible bargains by reserving your flights in advance with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your thing, grab one of our last-minute deals for an impromptu Santa Monica break.
How to plan a trip to Santa Monica?
Pick the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all influence your decision on when to go to Santa Monica.
Figure out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to pay for everything from food and transportation to airfares and activities. Your hotel will probably be the largest expense during your trip to Santa Monica.
Determine how many days away: Start by listing all the attractions you'd like to get to in Santa Monica. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, as well as any travel time.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your flights, hotels, car rental and more into a customised Santa Monica holiday package.