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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
The Pierside Santa Monica
I love how the hotel is super clean, welcoming and very walm.. enjoyed our stay. Although there is absolutely no free parking. Valet only parking is 65 a day and you are kind of left with no option but to pay. It's a rip off. Otherwise it was a great experience overall
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Hotel Carmel
The location is what makes staying here worth it. It’s a bare minimum hotel. A room with two beds and barely any extra room to do anything else. Bringing any type of meal back to the room was tricky figuring out where/how to eat. We basically eat in our beds. Not a terrible experience, but I would ...
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Clean room and facilties, beach access was a few blocks away but easy walk
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Ocean View Hotel
Easy parking, great staff, perfect view!
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Yes best room clean cozy and absolutely beautiful and safe staff was wonderful easy airport shuttle best night sleep for myself and my daughter 😴will use you again and again
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Filthy and was in need of updating/repair many years ago. Smelled like cigarettes and weed. Very unpleasant, but we were too tired to do anything about it. This felt like a cheap hotel, not a Hilton.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
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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.
