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Get InspiredNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaSanta Monica

Santa Monica

California, United States
City·Lively, Coastal, Vibrant
Santa Monica
Photo by Tina Webb from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by F. W. from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by Maria Urena from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by Ammar Gosilah from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by American “Doll” Girl from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by Tina Webb from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by F. W. from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by Maria Urena from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by Ammar Gosilah from Google Places
Santa Monica
Photo by American “Doll” Girl from Google Places

Santa Monica, located along California's South Coast, is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and bustling entertainment scene. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1875, the city has developed into a popular resort town. Visitors can enjoy the iconic Santa Monica Pier, explore diverse dining and shopping options, and experience a rich cultural scene. The city also hosts headquarters for major companies, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. Whether you're a beach lover or an entertainment seeker, Santa Monica offers something for everyone.

Santa Monica, located along California's South Coast, is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and bustling entertainment scene. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1875, the city has developed into a popular resort town. Visitors can enjoy the iconic Santa Monica Pier, explore diverse dining and shopping options, and experience a rich cultural scene. The city also hosts headquarters for major companies, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. Whether you're a beach lover or an entertainment seeker, Santa Monica offers something for everyone.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Stunning beaches along the Pacific Ocean.

  • Iconic Santa Monica Pier with amusement park.

  • Diverse dining and shopping options.

  • Rich cultural and entertainment scene.

  • Proximity to Los Angeles attractions.

Before you go: Santa Monica essentials

  • Close access to Los Angeles attractions.

  • Beautiful beaches and coastal views.

  • Diverse cultural and entertainment options.

Getting Around

Santa Monica is pedestrian-friendly, but also offers convenient public transportation options including buses and the Metro Expo Line.

Local Cuisine

Explore the diverse dining scene, from beachfront seafood restaurants to trendy cafes.

Best For

Beach lovers and entertainment seekers.

Currency

USD $

Average Cost

$150-$250 p/day

Languages Spoken

English, Spanish

Beach Access

Visit the Santa Monica State Beach for a classic Southern California beach experience.

Shopping

Don't miss the Third Street Promenade for a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Occasion Tags

Tourists, Beach Vacation, Cultural Exploration, Family, Business

Best time to visit Santa Monica

April-JuneSeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists, ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.

Best Season

Summer

Summer is lively but crowded, perfect for enjoying the beach and outdoor festivals.

Best Season

Fall

Fall brings pleasant weather and fewer crowds, great for exploring the city.

Winter

Winters are mild, making it a good time to visit indoor attractions and enjoy off-peak travel.

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Location

Santa Monica, California, United States

Where to stay in Santa Monica

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Shutters on the Beach

4.5(2,5 K)
Santa Monica, California
Cozy, Luxurious
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Channel Road Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

4.8(183)
Santa Monica, California
Cozy, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Pierside Santa Monica

4.2(420)
Santa Monica, California
Laid Back, Beachside, Relaxing
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica

4.1(1,9 K)
Santa Monica, California
Modern, Laid Back, Airy
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Ocean View Hotel

4.1(956)
Santa Monica, California
Cozy, Straightforward, Beachside
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica

4.0(1,2 K)
Santa Monica, California
Casual, Comfortable, Convenient
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach

4.5(2,1 K)
Santa Monica, California
Sophisticated, Upscale, Ocean View
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Shore Hotel

4.3(1,8 K)
Santa Monica, California
Modern, Relaxed, Beachside

Food & drink in Santa Monica

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Bodega Wine Bar

4.5(780)
Santa Monica, California
Laid Back and Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

FIG RESTAURANT

4.4(572)
Santa Monica, California
Vibrant, Hotel Chic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Tar & Roses

4.7(1,1 K)
Santa Monica, California
Moodily Lit, Buzzy, Vibrant
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Orto Santa Monica

4.5(439)
Santa Monica, California
Classic, Elegant, Refined
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Élephante

4.3(3 K)
Santa Monica, California
Chic, Breezy, Sophisticated
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

MUSE Santa Monica

4.8(103)
Santa Monica, California
Sophisticated, Upscale, Romantic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Meat On Ocean

4.4(2,6 K)
Santa Monica, California
Upscale, Ocean View, Carnivore Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Fia Restaurant

4.4(616)
Santa Monica, California
Stylish, Relaxed, Inviting

Things to do in Santa Monica

LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Beach Tour with Hotel Pickup
From $95

LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Beach Tour with Hotel Pickup

4.7(129)
Duration: 7h 30min
Los Angeles
Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica
From $59

Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica

4.9(293)
Duration: 3h 30min
Santa Monica
Best of LA: Hollywood, Griffith, Santa Monica, Venice, and Rodeo
From $98

Best of LA: Hollywood, Griffith, Santa Monica, Venice, and Rodeo

4.8(816)
Duration: 7h
Anaheim & Buena Park
Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica
From $69

Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

5.0(334)
Duration: 5h 30min
Santa Monica
2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica
From $69

2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

5.0(4)
Duration: 2h
Santa Monica
City Cruises Los Angeles Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey
From $101

City Cruises Los Angeles Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey

4.7(117)
Duration: 2h
Santa Monica
Luxury Shared E-Boat Cruise with Wine, Charcuterie & Sea Lions Spotting
From $119

Luxury Shared E-Boat Cruise with Wine, Charcuterie & Sea Lions Spotting

4.7(53)
Duration: 2h
Santa Monica
Discover California Donut Culture: Santa Monica’s Sweetest Tour
From $70

Discover California Donut Culture: Santa Monica’s Sweetest Tour

5.0(110)
Duration: 2h
Los Angeles
Explore on Viator

Attractions in Santa Monica

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Santa Monica Pier

4.6(130,1 K)
Santa Monica, California
Lively, Iconic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Santa Monica Beach

4.6(1,9 K)
Santa Monica, California
Lively, Scenic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Heal the Bay Aquarium

4.3(566)
Santa Monica, California
Educational, Interactive
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Santa Monica Pier Arch

4.7(327)
Santa Monica, California
Iconic, Vibrant, Tourist Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

4.6(14,8 K)
Santa Monica, California
Lively, Fun, Family Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica

4.6(1,8 K)
Santa Monica, California
Vibrant, Energetic, Iconic
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Place
Place
Place
Place

Museum of Illusions

4.9(359)
Santa Monica, California
Engaging, Interactive, Family Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Santa Monica Beach

4.6(337)
Santa Monica, California
Lively, Scenic, Tourist Friendly

Natural & historic sites near Santa Monica

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Place
Place
Place
Place

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

4.7(7,2 K)
Calabasas, California
National Park · Natural, Serene