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.
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
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Clean room
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
Shuttle was quick and easy. (Make sure you specify Hilton Garden Inn.) Clean room.
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Yes and I did not eat breakfast
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Hotel Burbank
It was an older property. The location was great. The rate was low.
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025
Freehand Los Angeles
Water pressure was AMAZING. However, Wifi was down during my entire stay, which was CRITICAL. I spoke to one of the staffs, and it seemed like frequent occurence. I felt like it should've been addressed beforehand.
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
If you don’t choose to upgrade upon arrival, you’ll be in one of the non-renovated rooms, which weren’t bad by any means, just not aligned with their new aesthetic that you see throughout the lobby/first few floors. Room was fairly kept, but the windows were peeling and our fridge was on the floor ...
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
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/SepulvedStation or Expo/Bundy Station and check out top sights like Laemmle Theatres Royal.
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.
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.
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.
