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 - Universal Express Ticket

Universal Studios Hollywood Express Tickets

Rp4.982.661
per traveller
90% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood Express Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Rp2.660.991
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Madame Tussauds Hollywood Plus All New Marvel Universe 4D!

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Rp571.309
per traveller
92% of travellers recommend
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Long Beach: Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon

Long Beach: Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon

Rp232.167
per adult
78% 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

Rp321.462
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

Rp531.305
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach
LA Galaxy Football Game at Dignity Health Sports Park

LA Galaxy Football Game at Dignity Health Sports Park

Rp704.585
per adult
LA Galaxy Football Game at Dignity Health Sports Park
Hollywood & Beverly Hills - Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour

Hollywood & Beverly Hills: Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour

Rp696.572
per adult
Hollywood & Beverly Hills: Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets

Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets

Rp20.062
per adult
Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets
See all activities in Santa Monica
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Monica

Tours & day trips

See all 275 activities
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 401 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.774.179 per adult
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!Opens in new tab

History & culture

See all 143 activities
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

9.2 out of 10 with 109 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp322.578 per adult
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry TicketOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 76 activities
30-Minute Luxury Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood in a Ferrari

30-Minute Luxury Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood in a Ferrari

Activity duration is 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 92 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.670.229 per adult*
30-Minute Luxury Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood in a FerrariOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 39 activities
Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese Tea

Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese Tea

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.688.150 per adult
Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese TeaOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 30 activities
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise

City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 84 reviews
Price is Rp1.851.956 per adult
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch CruiseOpens in new tab

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.
See properties

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 Airport Park.

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.