Visitors really like Santa Monica, especially its beaches, art, and restaurants. Collect beach glass at top spots like Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. While you're here, make time to enjoy other sights such as Santa Monica Pier.
Apartments in Santa Monica
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Top neighborhoods in Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica delivers oceanfront thrills with its famous pier, vintage Ferris wheel, and miles of sun-soaked beach. The car-free Third Street Promenade buzzes with street performers, outdoor dining, and shops where you can browse for hours. Ocean Avenue offers stunning Pacific views while Santa Monica Place mall houses upscale shopping just blocks from the sand. Find everything from casual taco stands to elegant oceanfront restaurants serving fresh California cuisine. Hotels range from luxury beachfront properties to boutique accommodations, with most within walking distance of major attractions. The Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station connects you easily to greater Los Angeles without needing a car.
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Ocean Park
Popular with sunbathers, surfers, and volleyball players, Ocean Park beach offers a beachside path for joggers and bikers, while parks provide playgrounds and picnicking areas. Main Street hosts a weekly farmer's market and features boutiques and restaurants.
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Wilshire Montana
Wilshire Montana offers the perfect blend of upscale Santa Monica living with easy beach access. Tree-lined streets lead you past Mediterranean-style homes to nearby Santa Monica Beach and Palisades Park with stunning ocean views. Montana Avenue's boutique shopping corridor sits just steps away, while the Third Street Promenade offers more vibrant entertainment options. Dining focuses on California cuisine in neighborhood cafes and bistros with health-conscious options. Accommodations lean toward luxury vacation rentals with premium amenities. Getting around is a breeze with excellent walkability, frequent bus service, and bike-friendly streets throughout this peaceful residential haven.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park offers a peaceful escape from Santa Monica's busier tourist spots. This quiet neighborhood centers around a gorgeous 1.5-acre clifftop park with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. Watch surfers ride waves below, spread out a picnic on grassy lawns, or simply soak in those legendary California sunsets that give the area its name. Getting around requires a car or rideshare since public transit is limited in this upscale residential area. While you won't find shops or restaurants within the neighborhood, Santa Monica's popular dining and entertainment districts are just a short drive away. Accommodations lean toward charming vacation rentals and boutique bed-and-breakfasts with ocean views.
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Pico
Pico neighborhood serves up a slice of authentic Santa Monica life away from the tourist crowds. Stroll along the lively Pico Boulevard for family-run taquerias and colorful street art. The nearby Bergamot Station Arts Center showcases local talent, while Santa Monica Place and Third Street Promenade offer retail therapy just a short ride away. Getting around couldn't be easier with three Metro stations connecting you to beaches and downtown. Budget travelers will love the affordable eats and lodging options. The strong Latino influence adds cultural richness to this residential area where you'll experience the real Santa Monica.
Top landmarks in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Beach
9.0/10 (10,272 reviews)
When you can't wait to soak up some sun, head to Santa Monica Beach— one of the most popular seaside spots located 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from central Santa Monica. If you want to continue walking by the waves, head to Original Muscle Beach located nearby.
Santa Monica Pier
8.8/10 (17,596 reviews)
If you want to give your credit card some exercise, head out to Santa Monica Pier, a popular place for shoppers in Downtown Santa Monica. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is artsy and has lots of nice beaches. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. Splash some more cash at Santa Monica Place, Third Street Promenade, and Main Street Santa Monica.
Third Street Promenade
8.8/10 (2,727 reviews)
If you want to give your credit card some exercise, head out to Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. Splash some more cash at Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Place, and Montana Avenue.
Santa Monica Place
8.8/10 (1,347 reviews)
If you want to give your credit card some exercise, head out to Santa Monica Place in Downtown Santa Monica. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is full of friendly people and has lots of nice beaches. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. Splash some more cash at Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and Main Street Santa Monica.
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Pacific Park
8.6/10 (899 reviews)
If thrills are what you're after, head to Pacific Park, located 0.5 mi (0.9 km) from central Santa Monica. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is full of friendly people and has lots of nice beaches. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you have fun at Pacific Park, you'll love Heal the Bay Aquarium, just a short walk away.
Santa Monica College
8.0/10 (604 reviews)
If you'd like to get a taste of Santa Monica student life, check out Santa Monica College in Sunset Park. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is artsy and has lots of nice beaches.
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Palisades Park
If you like quiet time surrounded by flowers and greenery, hang out at Palisades Park in Downtown Santa Monica. Why not take a stroll along the beaches and watch the sunset while you're here? Want to stretch your legs some more? Head to Palisades Recreation Center and Rustic Canyon Park, both nearby.
Ocean Avenue
9.0/10 (1,994 reviews)
Downtown Santa Monica is home to Ocean Avenue, so why not stop by during your stay in Santa Monica. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is artsy and has lots of nice beaches. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you have fun at Ocean Avenue, you'll love Heal the Bay Aquarium, just a short walk away.
Learn more about Santa Monica
Beyond the iconic pier where a Ferris wheel spins above the Pacific, Santa Monica offers a perfect blend of beach culture and urban sophistication. Catch street performers along the Third Street Promenade before renting bikes for the oceanfront path to Venice Beach. The original Muscle Beach attracts fitness enthusiasts flexing in the California sun. Pacific Park delivers old-school amusement rides with unbeatable ocean views. After sunset, Ocean Avenue restaurants fill with diners savoring seafood with a side of people-watching. Palisades Park provides a peaceful clifftop escape where palm trees frame postcard-worthy coastal panoramas. For a cultural fix, the Annenberg Community Beach House combines history with public access to what was once a millionaire's playground.
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