Why visit Santa Monica Things to do in Santa Monica Where to go in Santa Monica

Best time to go to Santa Monica What to eat in Santa Monica Saving tips for your trip

Top reasons to visit Santa Monica

Beautiful Beaches: Soak up the sun on Santa Monica's stunning beaches and enjoy breathtaking views of Malibu. Perfect for beach lovers!
Vibrant Shopping: Indulge in some retail therapy at Santa Monica's shopping opportunities. Find the perfect souvenir or treat yourself to something special.
Lively Dining: Satisfy every palate with a variety of cafes and restaurants in Santa Monica. From casual bites to fine dining, there's something for everyone.
Thrilling Fun: Get your adrenaline pumping at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Exciting rides and games await thrill-seekers of all ages.
Live Music and Art: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Santa Monica. Discover live music and art throughout the city, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

Top things to see and do in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, California, there's no shortage of things to do and explore. With its close proximity to Los Angeles, Venice Beach, and the Marina Peninsula, visitors have a wide range of activities to choose from. The beautiful beach and stunning sunsets make for a perfect day of relaxation, while the shopping opportunities in Santa Monica offer a chance to indulge in retail therapy. For thrill-seekers, Pacific Park, located on the Santa Monica Pier, offers exciting rides and games. And when it comes to dining, Santa Monica boasts an array of cafes and restaurants to satisfy every palate. Live music and art can be found throughout the city, making Santa Monica a vibrant and lively destination for travelers.

Santa Monica Beach: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Santa Monica Beach. Feel the warm sand between your toes as you watch the mesmerizing sunsets over the sparkling sea. Indulge in delectable dining options and enjoy a romantic stroll along the shore. With an array of shopping opportunities and thrilling sports activities, this beach is perfect for families and surf enthusiasts. Get ready to soak up the stunning coastal scenery and create unforgettable memories.
Santa Monica Pier: Explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a captivating jetty that offers endless entertainment. Experience the coastal charm with the beach and sea at your doorstep, while witnessing breathtaking sunsets. Engage in various sports activities and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many dining options. Interact with friendly people and immerse yourself in the local art scene. Discover unique shopping opportunities and explore fascinating museums. This lively pier promises a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and cultural enrichment for all visitors.
Third Street Promenade: Embark on a memorable journey through the vibrant Third Street Promenade, a bustling tourist precinct. This lively destination offers a mix of outdoor experiences, including running and beach activities. Discover an array of shops, from trendy boutiques to renowned brands. Indulge in delicious dining options and dance to the rhythm of live music performances. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening or a family-friendly outing, this pedestrian-friendly promenade has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere and create unforgettable memories.

Best places to visit in Santa Monica

Santa Monica offers a perfect blend of beachside relaxation, vibrant shopping, and lively dining. Stay in a beach house, soak up the sun on wonderful beaches, and enjoy breathtaking views of Malibu. Experience the modern beach vibes and create unforgettable memories for your family vacation.

Ocean Park: Ocean Park is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. With its beautiful beach and mesmerizing sunsets, it's an ideal spot for a family holiday. You can spend your days lounging by the sea, building sandcastles with the kids, or taking a leisurely bike ride along the coast. The area is also known for its excellent shopping and dining options, where you can indulge in delicious meals and explore unique cafes. For those seeking adventure, Ocean Park is a haven for surfers, offering thrilling waves to ride. Whether you're walking along the shoreline, enjoying the entertainment, or simply soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, Ocean Park is a must-visit destination for families.
Downtown Santa Monica: Downtown Santa Monica is a bustling and lively neighborhood that offers something for everyone in the family. From its vibrant street performers to its vibrant shopping scene, you'll never run out of things to do. Explore the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel at Pacific Park, located on the historic Santa Monica Pier. With its picturesque views of the ocean and the city, it's a must-see attraction. The neighborhood also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, ensuring there's always something exciting happening. Downtown Santa Monica is the perfect place to create family memories that will last a lifetime.
Pico: Pico is a charming neighborhood that offers a unique and authentic experience for families. Known for its diverse community, it's a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and discover hidden gems, from family-owned eateries serving delicious international dishes to local shops showcasing handmade crafts. Pico is also home to beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for picnics and relaxing with the family. Immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere and get to know the locals, who are always welcoming and eager to share their stories. Pico is a neighborhood that truly embodies the spirit of community and is a wonderful destination for a family holiday.

Seasonal travel trends of Santa Monica

The popularity of Santa Monica shows no change throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is between June and August, with a seasonal peak in July. The off-peak tourist season is from October and December, with October typically being the quietest month.

Check out the month-by-month weather chart for Santa Monica to help you plan your next trip. With a monthly average of 75.0 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect the hottest temperatures in August. The coldest month, on average, is December. The most rainfall typically happens in December. Regardless of when you visit Santa Monica, every season has a reason to stay.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness
January	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
April	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
May	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
June	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
August	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
September	74.5°F (23.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
October	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
December	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny

Local eateries in Santa Monica

Indulge in the vibrant food and dining culture of Santa Monica, California, a beachfront city that offers a plethora of eateries. Experience the taste of the sea at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, a highly rated and popular seafood restaurant. For a taste of classic American cuisine, head to The Cheesecake Factory, known for its delectable North American dishes. If you're in the mood for Latin American flavors, visit Red O Restaurants, a highly rated Mexican restaurant that will transport your taste buds to a world of deliciousness. With its Santa Monica house and vintage charm, this neighborhood is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Santa Monica Vacation Packages

Stress less and save cash by letting the specialists at Orbitz combine your hotels and flights. Your dream Santa Monica vacation is ready and waiting! Think of all the money you'll save by bundling your bookings. Choose your preferred airfares, hotels, rental cars and experiences and you can save up to $374! On top of that, you'll be excited to know that you can pick from 500 partner airlines and no less than 500,000 hotels across the globe. There are countless options to suit you and your individual style. All you have to do is lock in your package deal and get set for a spectacular vacation.

Where is Santa Monica?

Wondering where Santa Monica is? It's a neighborhood in the marvelous city of Los Angeles. You'll find it sitting 13 miles west of the downtown area. Los Angeles is home to 3,800,000 residents.

Places to Visit in Santa Monica

If you decide to stay in this neighborhood, you'll be within close reach of a truly iconic site. Santa Monica Pier should be at the very top of your travel plan. Lifelong friendships with like-minded folk and career-focused networks have been consolidated for scores of years at Santa Monica College. Appreciate the continuation of these traditions during pre-booked tours. Need more nearby options? If you're a shopping addict, you'll discover a retail wonderland at Santa Monica Place. Whether it's fashion, general supplies or souvenirs you need, there's a good possibility you'll find it here. But wait, there's more. Browse the calendar at Bergamot Station Arts Center. This venue is known as the home of some excellent art workshops, music shows and other happenings.

Car Rentals in Santa Monica

Wonderful adventures are just around the bend with car rentals in Santa Monica. Ready to discover the region from the comfort and convenience of your own ride? If you plan to start this vacation as soon as the plane hits the tarmac, pick up a car from the Los Angeles International Airport area. U-Save and Hertz are two options close by. Sometimes the best place to rent a vehicle is right in the heart of the city. Enterprise is a convenient outlet situated at 1702 Santa Monica Blvd. If there's nothing that ticks all your boxes there, Budget at 1027 Broadway is worth checking out.

Places to Visit in Santa Monica

Nearest Airports to Santa Monica

Sit back, whip out your travel pillow and scroll through the inflight movies. You'll shortly be hitting the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Sitting 7 miles away, this is Santa Monica's most convenient airport.

Popular Places to Visit Near Santa Monica

Take the opportunity to explore some nearby destinations such as Ocean Park or Main Street Santa Monica. Ocean Park is about 1 mile from Santa Monica, while Main Street Santa Monica is 1 mile away.

No Cancellation Fees

Even the best-laid plans can change quickly, which is one of the reasons we won't charge a fee if you need to cancel or amend your booking.^ However, it might be prudent to see if your chosen hotel and airline will do the same.

Top Santa Monica vacation package deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

5.0-star property

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

North of Wilshire

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)

Feb 6 - Feb 9

3 night stay

Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Spirit Airlines • Coach

Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW)

Frontier Airlines • Coach

Save 100% on your flight

per person

found 1 day ago

Love this hotel and the staff!

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2024

4.0-star property

Palihouse Santa Monica

North of Wilshire

9/10 Wonderful! (613 reviews)

Jan 31 - Feb 4

4 night stay

Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Frontier Airlines • Non-stop • Coach

Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD)

Spirit Airlines • Non-stop • Coach

Save 100% on your flight

per person

found 12 hours ago

property has old charm but for the prices the rooms were outdated. Mattress was old and very uncomfortable therefore we shortened our stay. The wallpaper was dirty and dusty, causing a musty smell

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2023

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Saving tips for your trip

When planning your trip to Santa Monica, consider visiting during the less popular season of October-December to save money. Bundle your flights, hotel, and car bookings together to take advantage of discounted prices. While in Santa Monica, you can enjoy inexpensive local affinities such as walking along the beach, exploring the art scene, and catching live music performances. These activities allow you to experience the beauty and culture of Santa Monica without breaking the bank.