Things to do in Santa Monica

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Monica showing street scenes, a city and general coastal views
Santa Monica showing street scenes, a city and general coastal views
Santa Monica showing general coastal views
Santa Monica
Santa Monica featuring general coastal views and marine life
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What to do in Santa Monica

Popular places to visit

Universal Studios which includes rides, signage and a fountain

Universal Studios Hollywood

4.5/5(110 reviews)

Go behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s oldest studios and give yourself a starring role in the action adventure of a lifetime!

Universal Studios Hollywood
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Six Flags Magic Mountain

4/5(12 reviews)

Enjoy the excitement at Six Flags Magic Mountain and find out why this is a popular theme park in Stevenson Ranch. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Staples Center which includes shopping, signage and a statue or sculpture

Crypto.com Arena

4.5/5(25 reviews)

This multipurpose sports arena has hosted some of the world’s biggest musical acts and is home to two National Basketball Association teams.

Crypto.com Arena
JANUARY 2024, LOS ANGELES, CA. - aerial view of LA Skyline & Convention Center at dusk showing intersection of Harbor Freeway 110 and Interstate Highway 10 with traffic

Los Angeles Convention Center

4/5(13 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Los Angeles Convention Center, a top convention centre in Los Angeles. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and great live music in this vibrant area.

Los Angeles Convention Center
Panoramic early morning view of a serene university campus, blending historic brick buildings with modern high-rises, surrounded by lush greenery and distant ocean vistas.

University of Southern California

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe with a visit to University of Southern California, a top university in Los Angeles. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

University of Southern California
Entering Los Angeles terminal Island via cruise ship, USA.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Long Beach with a trip to Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Experience the acclaimed art galleries or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Santa Monica Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach

Santa Monica Beach

4.5/5(94 reviews)

Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts.

Santa Monica Beach
LosAngeles_DodgerStadium_501586_4

Dodger Stadium

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Catch an event at Dodger Stadium during your trip to Los Angeles. Experience the entertainment choices and great live music in this vibrant area.

Dodger Stadium
Venice Beach showing a city and picnicking as well as a large group of people

Venice Beach

4/5(149 reviews)

Tacky and wacky by turns, this sun-drenched strip of sand is a favourite playground for city-weary Angelenos.

Venice Beach
Los Angeles which includes a sunset, a city and landscape views

Los Angeles

Venice Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town

Venice

HG77MM Pacific Palisades ocean view community in Los Angeles California.

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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