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 Sightseeing LA & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - 4 Routes
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
The Pierside Santa Monica
Clean room, Great staff
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Hotel Carmel
Great location, good staff, nice room with great hot shower. TV is on a dish network and never worked. Men tried fixing it, but seemed hopeless as it was a systemic fault.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Bring some walking shoes
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Ocean View Hotel
The staff was very friendly and helpful. I felt that the property was secure. The rooms were clean - and I really appreciated their ‘green’ program, where you could request that towels / sheets not be changed daily. We didn’t have a car, but there appeared to be a nice parking area. It was close ...
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
The Hilton in Los Angeles were very apathetic towards our stay there! When we checked inn we were told to replayed because they thought that I didn’t payed for one night stay! Because of that we had to wait in the guesthouse area with no apologies at all! I need my refund back asap! Very disappointed ...
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
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.
Venice Canals
Venice Canals might not have many top sights, but Venice Beach and Venice Beach Boardwalk are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
