Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the best places in Los Angeles to soak up some rays and enjoy all the fun of the fair at this popular destination.
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?
Activities
City Sightseeing Los Angeles & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Hollywood Celebrity & Star Homes: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle
Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals
The Pierside Santa Monica
Great hotel with great staff. Friendly and professional
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
we received a room upgrade due to a mistake with the first room allocation. this was perfect, a beautiful room with lots of space
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Everything was great they leave out there is only valet parking for 75$
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Motel 6 Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles - LAX
Clean room , very nice staff
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Staff was always attentive and welcoming
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd
Avoid the airport pick up. Long wait times Good breakfast/dinner options.
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
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.
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 UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame or Westwood Village 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.
