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.
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.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Take the children to visit the sea life you'll find at Heal the Bay Aquarium during your trip to Santa Monica.
Tongva Park
Tongva Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Monica, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
Things to do
City Sightseeing Los Angeles & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Pacific Coast Highway App-Based Driving Audio Tour Bundle
Los Angeles: Heal The Bay Aquarium in Santa Monica
Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica Tour from Las Vegas
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025
Freehand Los Angeles
Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025
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/SepulvedStation or Expo/Bundy Station and check out top sights like Laemmle Theatres Royal.
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.
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.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame or Westwood Village while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Westchester
You might enjoy the shopping while in Westchester. Promenade at Howard Hughes Parkway Center is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Westchester/Veterans Station or Aviation/Century Station to see more of the city.