What to do in Santa Monica, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Monica featuring street scenes, a city and general coastal views
Santa Monica featuring general coastal views
Santa Monica
Santa Monica which includes general coastal views and marine life
Santa Monica featuring a city, a playground and modern architecture

Santa Monica Tourist Attractions & Activities

Coming up: Santa Monica! You’re excited to set a course in a different direction. Perpetually prepared for innovative ways to get your kicks and have an enlightening experience, you’re eager to check out new territory like the expert traveller you are. Find and book your activities today, and the only thing left to do is count the days until your trip and get excited, because Expedia Australia can connect you with loads of things to do.

  • The things to do in Santa Monica are not only perfect for you, but they won’t break the bank. We have 228 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$4. Get your favourite adventures on Expedia Australia at a great rate, and you'll still have enough cash for a dream hotel or decadent dinner while you’re visiting.
  • Santa Monica is a favourite among thrill seekers. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next holiday to the areato learn about local history and find the top activities. The top things to do can grab the curiosity of even experienced globetrotters, and it's not hard to see why. Our collection includes a wide variety of historically themed excursions and excitement. From unique ways to explore the best this area has to give like a City, Film Stars' Homes & Beach Tour to Santa Monica's most fun-filled places to spend a fun-filled afternoon like the Hollywood Explorer Pass, there are tons of opportunities at your disposal when you browse the activities list here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the ideal way to organise your holiday. It takes a game plan to make the most of a trip to Santa Monica, particularly when you intend to pack in plenty of food and entertainment. And we know you don't want to hunker down in your hotel room—you're ready to get out and see what life is like for locals. You're excited to sign up for the top activities around, and an exploration of historic city neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Book professionally lead tours on Expedia Australia, and leave your map behind.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Monica

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What to do in Santa Monica


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Monica

Explore areas of Santa Monica

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Downtown Santa Monica

4.5/5(44 area reviews)

While you're in Downtown Santa Monica, take in top sights like Santa Monica Beach and jump on the metro at Downtown Santa Monica Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Santa Monica
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Ocean Park

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach.

Ocean Park
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Pico

While you're in Pico, take in top sights like Santa Monica Place or Third Street Promenade, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 17th Street/SMC Station or 26th Street/Bergamot Station.

Pico
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Sunset Park

4/5(6 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sunset Park and surrounding area, you can visit Bergamot Station Arts Center and Main Street Santa Monica.

Sunset Park
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Mid-City

4/5(2 area reviews)

Even though there aren't top sights in Mid-City, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Santa Monica Beach. Jump on the metro at 17th Street/SMC Station to see more of the city.

Mid-City
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Wilshire Montana

If you're spending some time in Wilshire Montana, Santa Monica Beach and Third Street Promenade are top sights worth seeing.

Wilshire Montana

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Santa Monica

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Monica worth visiting?
Offering a mix of family-friendly attractions and history, there are many things to do in Santa Monica. While you're here, head to Santa Monica Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach are two good places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Santa Monica while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Monica?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Monica is Santa Monica Beach, so make sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Monica?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier with a three-day escape to Santa Monica. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Los Angeles.
Is Santa Monica a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Santa Monica. Several key sights, like Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santa Monica's neighbourhoods, Downtown Santa Monica is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Pico is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Monica with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Monica with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Santa Monica for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santa Monica, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Melrose Avenue or Wilshire Boulevard.
Are there free things to do in Santa Monica?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Santa Monica. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Santa Monica Beach is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.

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