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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Half Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Santa Monica
Los Angeles: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Ticket
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Monica Hotel Deals
The Pierside Santa Monica
Had a few hiccups with staff in the restaurant but overall a good stay with a very great location!
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Hotel Carmel
Loved how close to the pier and the promenade it was. Prefect location. Staff was friendly and helpful. Great discounts at restaurants and stores. Great stay price. Will stay again.
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Ocean View Hotel
Location was awesome! Room was great
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
We were staying there for the LA Marathon weekend and had a delightful experience walking to the pier for sunrise, going to URTH Cafe for brunch, renting bikes to go to Venice, and being so close to all the action of Santa Monica!
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
My flight was cancelled and I couldn’t cancel my reservation. Airline fault nothing I had control over.
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
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
While visiting Mar Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Lucky Strike Mar Vista and Airport Park.
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.
