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
Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour
Open-Air Bus Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes
Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
Nice room Bed was ok
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Great stay
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Staff was very nice and helpful. Nice location
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
Clean rooms and the beds were very comfortable.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Hotel Burbank
The best
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton LAX - El Segundo
Room clean and quiet
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Monica
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Santa Monica Beach and Venice 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 Walk Streets and Santa Monica Beach.
Westwood
Museums, bars and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Westwood. Make a stop by UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame or Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion 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.
Westchester
You might enjoy the shopping while in Westchester. Bowlero Los Angeles is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Westchester/Veterans Station or Aviation/Century Station to see more of the city.
