Top reasons to visit Santa Monica
- Stunning Beaches: Santa Monica boasts beautiful beaches with soft sand and inviting waters, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
- Vibrant Santa Monica Pier: The iconic pier offers thrilling rides, games, and entertainment, making it a fun destination for families.
- Diverse Shopping: Explore lively shopping areas featuring unique boutiques, trendy shops, and delightful eateries.
- Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy various outdoor activities, including biking along the scenic coastline and strolling through urban parks.
- Charming Accommodation: A wide range of family-friendly and pet-friendly hotels ensures a delightful stay for all visitors.
Find great hotels near Santa Monica
Santa Monica offers a diverse selection of accommodation options, from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels, catering to both business and leisure travellers. With a focus on family-friendly experiences and pet-friendly amenities, you'll find the perfect base for your Californian getaway. Whether you prefer an oceanfront hotel or a centrally located retreat, Santa Monica's hotels promise a delightful stay, complemented by excellent reviews and services tailored to your needs.
- Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel: This 4-star hotel is situated a mere 12.9km from Santa Monica, offering a refined experience for families and business travellers alike. The Sheraton Gateway boasts a range of amenities tailored for younger guests, including complimentary cribs and breakfast options at a nominal fee. Set in a vibrant shopping district, the hotel combines convenience with comfort, featuring spacious rooms and modern facilities. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, making it an ideal base for both leisure and work-related trips.
- Hilton Los Angeles Airport: Also located 12.9km from Santa Monica, this 4-star establishment is well-suited for families and pet owners, providing a friendly environment for both. The Hilton features child-friendly amenities, including window guards and first aid kits, alongside a pet-friendly policy that welcomes dogs and cats. With its convenient location near the airport, the hotel also offers a variety of dining options and business facilities. Many visitors highlight the comfortable accommodations and the overall flexibility that caters to diverse travel needs.
- Motel 6 Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles - LAX: For those seeking a budget-friendly option, this Motel offers an economical stay just 14.5km from Santa Monica. Known for its pet-friendly policies, the motel accommodates dogs and cats, making it a practical choice for animal lovers. While it provides basic amenities, the emphasis is on affordability without sacrificing comfort. Guests appreciate the straightforward accommodation and its accessibility to both the airport and local attractions, making it a sensible option for travellers on a budget.
Where to stay in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, California, offers a delightful getaway for families and couples alike, blending outdoor adventures with vibrant entertainment. This stylish coastal city is perfectly located for exploring nearby attractions, ensuring a memorable weekend retreat. Visitors will be welcomed by friendly locals and can enjoy a romantic atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a luxurious escape or a family-friendly adventure. Experience the best of California's charm in Santa Monica and its surrounding regions.
- Los Angeles: As a sprawling metropolis, Los Angeles is the heart of Southern California, with Santa Monica nestled within its vibrant embrace. This city offers a diverse travel experience, attracting families and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in the excitement of arena shows, explore renowned film studios, and visit iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. With a steady influx of tourists year-round, the peak seasons in July to August and October guarantee a lively atmosphere, ensuring there’s always something happening in the City of Angels.
- Venice: Just 4.8km from Santa Monica, Venice is a lively beach city famed for its unique bohemian spirit. This destination is perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures and beach relaxation. The bustling boardwalk is lined with quirky shops, street performers, and vibrant eateries, providing a delightful shopping experience. With its picturesque beach and scenic canals, Venice offers a laid-back atmosphere where visitors can soak up the sun, enjoy beach activities, or simply stroll along the water. The peak visitor months of April and June to July make for an exciting time to discover this charming locale.
- Marina del Rey: Located a mere 6.4km from Santa Monica, Marina del Rey stands out with its stunning marina and waterfront attractions. This city is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities including boating, fishing, and beach outings. Visitors can explore the vibrant shopping areas and enjoy educational experiences at the nearby attractions. The beautiful beaches and family-friendly environment make it a sought-after destination, especially during peak seasons in April and June to July. Marina del Rey promises a delightful and relaxing getaway just a stone's throw from Santa Monica.
Things to do near Santa Monica
Shopping
In Santa Monica, visit the Third Street Promenade, a vibrant pedestrian shopping area with an array of shops, restaurants, and street performances. If you're up for a drive, explore Westfield Century City, located about 19.3km away, featuring a mix of high-end retailers and dining options.
Recreation
Experience tranquillity at the Shore Hotel’s wellness centre, featuring yoga classes and spa treatments with ocean views. For outdoor activities, the Santa Monica Beach offers sunbathing and beach volleyball, while the nearby Santa Monica Mountains provide scenic hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of the Porsche Experience Center, located 27.4km from Santa Monica. Here, you can immerse yourself in motor racing, relishing the adrenaline rush as you navigate the track in high-performance vehicles amidst a vibrant, adventurous atmosphere.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Bungalow, a stylish bar with a relaxed atmosphere and patio seating. For dancing, visit the Misfit Restaurant + Bar, known for its lively vibe and inventive cocktails. Don't miss the Sunset Park for a scenic view of the ocean at night.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica
Santa Monica provides numerous ways for tourists to save money while enjoying their visit. You can access popular attractions such as Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier for free. The cheapest months to visit are from November to January, with Mondays being the most economical days to stay. For transport, consider walking, biking, or using public buses. To find the best hotel deals, utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and combine bookings for flights and activities to secure additional savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Monica are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Monica is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Monica is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Santa Monica hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Santa Monica
Santa Monica is an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor entertainment and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Santa Monica Beach, explore the lively Santa Monica Pier, and stroll through urban parks and vibrant streets. This charming coastal city offers a delightful blend of attractions that cater to all ages and interests, making it a perfect spot for a memorable holiday.
- Santa Monica Pier: Experience the lively atmosphere at Santa Monica Pier, where friendly vibes abound. This iconic jetty offers stunning ocean views, amusement rides, and a vibrant boardwalk, perfect for leisurely strolls and capturing memorable photographs.
- Santa Monica Beach: Relax at Santa Monica Beach, an expansive stretch of golden sand that invites sunbathing and beach games. The inviting beach vibes make it an ideal spot for enjoying the Californian sun and taking a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.
- Rodeo Drive: Just 9.7km away, Rodeo Drive is a renowned shopping destination, famous for its chic boutiques and luxury brands. The city vibes here offer an upscale experience, perfect for window shopping or indulging in high-end fashion.
Best time to go to Santa Monica
The best time to visit Santa Monica is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Monica
Flying into Santa Monica is convenient, with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located 11.3km away. Nearby hotel options include the luxurious FairmONT Miramar Hotel, 12.9km from LAX, and The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, only 6.4km away. Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA) is 69.2km from Santa Monica, with excellent accommodation such as The Resort at Pelican Hill, 9.7km from SNA. For those considering Ontario International Airport (ONT), situated 83.7km away, options include the DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport, just 1.6km from the airport. Each hotel offers accessible transportation services to their respective airports, ensuring a smooth travel experience.