Things to do in Santa Monica

Activities, attractions and tours

A busy beachside promenade with palm trees, cyclists, and beachgoers.
A beach with waves, a pier, and a city skyline in the background.
A beachfront building named 'Shutters on the Beach' with a white balcony, American flag, and beach umbrellas.
A snowy beach with a dolphin jumping out of the water.
A beachfront promenade with palm trees and a large hotel building in the background.

Things to do

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

€89
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood - Universal Express Ticket

Universal Studios Hollywood Express Tickets

€196
per traveller
92% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood Express Tickets
Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Open Air Van Tour

Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Open Air Van Tour

€16
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Open Air Van Tour
Warner Bros. Studio & Celebrity Homes Tour Package

Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Celebrity Homes Tour Package

€92
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Celebrity Homes Tour Package
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

€34
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

€16
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket
Madame Tussauds Hollywood Plus All New Marvel Universe 4D!

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

€26
per traveller
92% of travellers recommend
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
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Most popular experiences in Santa Monica

Tours & day trips

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Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 417 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €88 per adult
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History & culture

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Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

9.2 out of 10 with 109 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €16 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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30-Minute Luxury Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood in a Ferrari

30-Minute Luxury Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood in a Ferrari

Activity duration is 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 93 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €133 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Los Angeles Luxury Boat Cruise Wine, Charcuterie Sealions

Los Angeles Luxury Boat Cruise Wine, Charcuterie Sealions

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €97 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Los Angeles: Sunset Sailing

Los Angeles: Sunset Sailing

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €134 per adult
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What to do in Santa Monica

Stay near popular Santa Monica attractions

A large Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a kite in the sky at a theme park.

Santa Monica Beach

9.0/10 (10,272 reviews)
Santa Monica Beach stretches for 3.5 miles of soft sand along Southern California's iconic coastline. Swim in Pacific waters, play beach volleyball, or stroll to the adjacent pier with its amusement park and aquarium.
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Where to stay in Santa Monica

Find the best Santa Monica areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Monica
Learn more about Santa Monica
A busy pier with a Ferris wheel, a parking lot full of cars, and a beach in the background.

Downtown Santa Monica

While you're in Downtown Santa Monica, take in top sights like Santa Monica Beach and jump on the metro at Downtown Santa Monica Station to see more of the city.

A beach with waves at sunset.
Photo by Melinda Herndon
Open Photo by Melinda Herndon

Ocean Park

Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach.

A nighttime amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and a large circular ride.

Wilshire Montana

If you're spending some time in Wilshire Montana, Santa Monica Beach and Third Street Promenade are top sights worth seeing.

A pier with a Ferris wheel, beach, ocean waves, and buildings in the background.

Pico

While you're in Pico, take in top sights like Santa Monica Place or Third Street Promenade, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 17th Street/SMC Station or 26th Street/Bergamot Station.

A beach at sunset with a pier, a Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster.

Sunset Park

While visiting Sunset Park, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Monica Air Center and Museum of Flying.

A cityscape with palm trees in the foreground and a skyline of tall buildings in the background.

Los Angeles

A beach with palm trees, a pier with sailboats, and a parking lot.

Venice

A beach at sunset with a pier and amusement park in the background.

Pacific Palisades

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Monica worth visiting?
Offering a mix of family-friendly attractions and history, there are many things to do in Santa Monica. While you're here, head to Santa Monica Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach are two good places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Santa Monica while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Monica?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Monica is Santa Monica Beach, so make sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Monica?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier with a three-day escape to Santa Monica. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Los Angeles.
Is Santa Monica a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Santa Monica. Several key sights, like Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santa Monica's neighbourhoods, Downtown Santa Monica is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Pico is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Monica with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Monica with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Santa Monica for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santa Monica, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Melrose Avenue or Wilshire Boulevard.
Are there free things to do in Santa Monica?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Santa Monica. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Santa Monica Beach is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.

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