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.
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.
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.
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.
Palisades Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Palisades Park, a lovely green space in Santa Monica. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Activities
City Sightseeing LA & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - 4 Routes
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals
Hotel Carmel
"Clean"
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
"Stayed overnight with a great view and fun to watch departing airplanes flying overhead"
Reviewed on 24 June 2026
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
"Great!"
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
"Great property great people great amenities"
Reviewed on 24 June 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
"only did a quick overnight, but it was clean and updated. Super close to the airport with a free shuttle to the airport very convenient."
Reviewed on 24 June 2026
Holiday Inn Los Angeles - LAX Airport by IHG
"Location is great if you are going to or arriving from the LAX airport. There was a shuttle that left from the hotel as well as one at the car rental place. All so easy. Room was very comfortable. We were on the 7th floor which had quite a nice view of the city. I would definitely stay here again. ..."
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
Check Downtown Santa Monica hotel availability
Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Santa Monica
Hollywood
Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hollywood Palladium and Sunset Gower & Sunset Bronson Studios.
Downtown Los Angeles
Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Flower District are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the area.
Koreatown
Travellers choose Koreatown for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Wilshire - Western Station or Wilshire - Normandie Station and check out top sights like Wiltern Theatre.
Mid City
While you're in Mid City, take in top sights like Koreatown Plaza and jump on the metro at Wilshire - Vermont Station to see more of the city.
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.
