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.
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.
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.
Things to do
City Sightseeing Los Angeles & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Open-Air Bus Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Dinner Cruise
Los Angeles: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Ticket
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
Hotel Carmel
No frills, but clean and well kept. Bed and pillows are hard, but I read the reviews and brought my own pillows and sleeping meds. Great staff. Expensive parking but it’s nice to know your car is being kept safe. Very well located for walking to restaurants and access to 3rd Street Promenade I’m ...
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
The Pierside Santa Monica
Staff is great. Location is perfect.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Everything was perfect.
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
Staff were incredibly helpful and friendly.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd
Clean
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Room was spotless. Front desk staff were excellent
Reviewed on 6 Feb 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
Though Mar Vista may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marina Marketplace and Walk Streets.
Brentwood
You'll enjoy the museums and gardens in Brentwood. You might want to make time for a stop at Getty Center or Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by Westwood Village or Hammer Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
