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.
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.
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.
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.
Palisades Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Palisades Park, a lovely green space 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
Hotel Carmel
"Staff was kind and helpful, room was mostly quiet and safe. Parking is valet $40 per day or a next door public garage is $40 max for 24 hours during the week, $44 max on the weekend, was safe for our rental car 2 nights. Front desk provided water, ice, coffee complimentary. Great location, minimal ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
"Most everything was great! The two things that dropped the rating were that 1) the AC was not working and it was HOT in the room. I had to buy fans and checked out early because it was cooler in the hallways and outside than in my room. 2) Ordering room service was a nightmare. "scan the QR code ..."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
"The room was nice but small. The light switch was not clean. I am not sure what was on it. I had to clean it with my personal sanitizer. That experience was sadden me."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
"Resort fees and parking charges were informed by the staff during the checkin."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
"Nice Staff, clean rooms, and very accommodating"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Los Angeles - LAX Airport by IHG
"Location is great if you are going to or arriving from the LAX airport. There was a shuttle that left from the hotel as well as one at the car rental place. All so easy. Room was very comfortable. We were on the 7th floor which had quite a nice view of the city. I would definitely stay here again. ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
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Where to stay in Downtown Santa Monica
Hollywood
Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hollywood Palladium and Sunset Gower & Sunset Bronson Studios.
Downtown Los Angeles
Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Flower District are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the 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.
Koreatown
Travellers choose Koreatown for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Wilshire - Western Station or Wilshire - Normandie Station and check out top sights like Wiltern Theatre.
Mid City
While you're in Mid City, take in top sights like Koreatown Plaza and jump on the metro at Wilshire - Vermont Station to see more of the city.
