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.
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
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
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
Motel 6 Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles - LAX
Close to airport. However shuttle bus is not available after 10pm. Its a very long walk to taxi rank. Also another $30 bucks. Better off paying slightly more for a hotel that has shuttle bus service. I suggest booking another hotel if arriving at LAX after 10pm. I notice many other hotel shuttle ...
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Great staff and very easy to work with. Thanks so much👙
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd
It was nice and close to the airport
Reviewed on 18 Jan 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.
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.
