Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide
Los Angeles
Visit Downtown Santa Monica
Popular places to visit
Santa Monica Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Santa Monica Beach, a popular beach in Santa Monica. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.
Santa Monica Pier
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Santa Monica Pier, a favourite shopping spot in Santa Monica. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
Hotel Carmel
The room was perfect. We loved this hotel, friendly, quiet and well located - close to Pier, walking distance to Venise beach
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Ocean View Hotel
The hotel was nice enough. The room was clean and lots of items in case you left things at home. I wasn't happy to see the $300 additional charges to our bill. Aside from the valet, I would assume the other charges would have been included in the hotel rate I paid through Expedia. So, after tallying ...
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Room room was clean. Bed was very comfortable.
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
The bed was so warm and comfortable !
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Great hotel to live in
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Holiday Inn Los Angeles - LAX Airport by IHG
Yes the room was clean and staff were friendly and helpful. It's a great place to stay when flying as it is a service hotel that meets all you needs.
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
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.
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 Westwood Village or UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
