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
Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd
Clean
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Everything was perfect.
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Yes
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
The LINE Hotel
Great view. Love the room. Goos ataff. Lounges in bar are a bit too dystopia chic.
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
Great location from the airport, room looks new and clean.
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Motel 6 Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles - LAX
The staff was wondering. The only thing I disagree on is the shuttle back to the airport they charged us $10 a person when they said it was a free shuttle
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
Check Downtown Santa Monica hotel availability
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
Though Mar Vista may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marina Marketplace and Walk Streets.
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.
