Offering a quintessential Southern California escape, Santa Monica attracts travelers seeking an elevated yet approachable blend of coastal beauty, urban sophistication and laid-back luxury. Just 8 non-freeway miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this vibrant city offers an unparalleled experience along California's iconic coastline. With over 280 days of sunshine and a city footprint of a walkable 8.3 square miles, Santa Monica is the perfect overnight base for exploring Greater Los Angeles. From Michelin-recognized dining and transformative wellness experiences to designer shopping, boutique hotels and a thriving arts scene, Santa Monica invites visitors to indulge in the very best of the SoCal lifestyle. Consider visiting one of our 55 museums and art galleries or get moving at Pickle Pop or Holey Moley Mini Golf.
Conveniently located near major attractions like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood and SoFi Stadium, Santa Monica offers access to the best of the region. Base your stay beachside.
Get inspired by Santa Monica’s Planning Toolkit and explore more below.
Discover what Santa Monica has to offer:
Arts & Culture
Explore one of the hubs for arts & culture in Greater Los Angeles, offering a vibrant scene with 170+ street murals and notable galleries at Bergamot Station and 18th Street Arts Center—the largest artist residency in Southern California. Meanwhile, the abundance of performing arts venues, rotating cultural and historical exhibits and unending opportunities for hands-on creativity in studios let visitors get in touch with their inner artist.
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Culinary
Savor Santa Monica's vibrant dining scene, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, outdoor dining, and unique culinary experiences like cooking schools and celebrity chef encounters. Fresh ingredients from award-winning farmers markets—including the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market, one of L.A.’s longest-running and largest collections of certified organic farmers—paired with inclusive menus and a sun-soaked setting ensure a dining experience to delight every palate.
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Family-Friendly
Explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its first-ever solar-powered Ferris wheel and historic Pacific Park offering 20 attractions and games. Learn about marine life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium or discover the first-of-its-kind Cayton Children's Museum. Santa Monica offers a variety of fun activities for kids of all ages
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Luxury
Book one of Santa Monica’s luxury accommodations and let concierge-curated experiences elevate your stay. From Instagram-worthy picnics to private wine and art tours and exclusive luxury shopping, every moment is designed for ultimate relaxation and indulgence.
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Outdoor/Things To Do
Explore Santa Monica's iconic outdoor activities, from rollerblading the legendary Marvin Braude Trail—the longest coastal bike path in the U.S.—to visiting one of our many public parks. With more than 280 days of sunshine you are bound to soak up some rays.
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Retail
Experience unparalleled shopping at Santa Monica Place and the iconic Third Street Promenade, plus charming boutiques on Montana Avenue and trendy thrift stores on Main Street. Offering everything from sustainable goods, sporting gear, local ingredients, and the latest styles, there’s something for every budget and vibe.
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Wellness
Recharge your mind and body in Santa Monica, home to stunning outdoor spaces where wellness comes naturally with scenic exercise classes, indulgent spa treatments, cutting-edge therapies, invigorating outdoor workouts, and a vibrant food scene offering fresh, healthy options to fuel your soul.
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Sustainability
As the first city to achieve Platinum-level LEED for Cities certification, Santa Monica offers a vibrant, eco-friendly destination with walkable 8.3 square miles, 120 miles of protected bike lanes, access to zero-emissions transit like the Big Blue Bus and Metro, eco-conscious hotels and ongoing opportunities for sustainable engagement such as monthly beach cleanups.
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Route 66
Start planning a visit to Santa Monica for the 2026 Route 66 Centennial Celebration, where you can experience the iconic "End of the Trail" sign on the Santa Monica Pier and receive a certificate of completion year-round at any of the city’s three Visitor Information Centers.
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Check Out Our Featured Hotels in Las Vegas Below!
Both comfortable and luxurious, the acclaimed Santa Monica Beach hotel recalls the quintessential cottages of Cape Cod, with shuttered doors opening onto breezy balconies, a sun-drenched pool deck replete with chaise lounges, and just steps from the beach.
Ideally located within walking distance to the beach, guests can enjoy exclusive access to the Westside's only rooftop pool deck, embrace wellness at Surya Spa with its Eastern-inspired treatments, and boutique shopping, health-conscious cafes, the renowned farmers market, and exquisite dining just steps away.
Surrounded by vibrant city and ocean vistas, Huntley Santa Monica Beach hotel is an icon. With a calm residential vibe, this luxury hotel in Santa Monica sits by the beach and blends breezy Southern California surroundings with modern decor and playful style.
Discover coastal California's charm at Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica, a boutique hotel near the Santa Monica Beach and downtown restaurants on Pico Boulevard. Relax in 315 chic rooms with ocean or mountain views, unwind by the heated saltwater pool or savor California-inspired cuisine.
For over twenty years, this beach-side hideaway has been a home-away-from-home, embodying the relaxed attitude of coastal living. The hotel features an intimate collection of guestrooms and suites, Sugar Palm's coastal fare and inspired cocktails, poolside cabanas, and the sound of waves crashing in the distance.
The five-acre urban resort perches on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, steps from Santa Monica State Beach. Varied accommodations include ocean-view rooms and charming bungalows. A seasonal beach club, an Exhale Spa and an acclaimed sushi spot are just some of the reasons it's one of the best hotels in Santa Monica.
