Downtown Santa Monica Travel Guide
Los Angeles
Visit Downtown Santa Monica
Popular places to visit
Santa Monica Beach
Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts.
Santa Monica Pier
This sun kissed beachside boardwalk boasts a vibrant carnival atmosphere and a history that dates back over century.
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.
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
"The location of this place was the best part was close to everything and walking distance to good shopping the pier and the beach"
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Los Angeles - LAX Airport by IHG
"Very clean staff could be a little nicer breakfast was suppose to be complimentary but wasn't and they only have a buffet over $25 a day plus gratuity. Parking was expensive was charged $45 a day."
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
"Very nice runway view room. A little disappointed in the restaurants available. Quick shuttle to LAX available. Staff helpful."
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026
The LINE Hotel
"4명 이상은 비추천 딱 2명이 좋다. 화장실 샤워타올 없음 수건은 많더라 ㅎ"
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Loews Hollywood Hotel
"Staff was helpful"
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Freehand Los Angeles
"Very well appointed hotel, beautiful lobby and rooftop bar and pool. Staff is excellent, very helpful. Our room was nice, but the window sills, blinds, and bedside table surfaces were very dusty. Even when they came and made the bed and refreshed towels, they never dusted any surfaces. Weird. Good ..."
Reviewed on 10 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.
