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
During your visit to Santa Monica, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Santa Monica Pier. 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.
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.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Take the children to visit the sea life you'll find at Heal the Bay Aquarium during your trip to Santa Monica.
Tongva Park
Tongva Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Monica, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Monica
The Pierside Santa Monica
Great hotel with great staff. Friendly and professional
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
we received a room upgrade due to a mistake with the first room allocation. this was perfect, a beautiful room with lots of space
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton LAX - El Segundo
Clean room , friendly staff , breakfast was ok . Great stay overall. You had me at cookies ! :)
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
Fresh but served on plastic box
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Great staff and very easy to work with. Thanks so much👙
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Clean room, friendly accommodating staff, amenities as expected, good restaurant and bar for ease - perfect stay for what was needed ahead of an early flight
Reviewed on 15 Jan 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.
West Los Angeles
Travellers choose West Los Angeles for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Expo/SepulvedStation 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 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.
