Things to do in Santa Monica

Top Things to Do in Santa Monica

Things to Do in Santa Monica


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Monica.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Santa Monica

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Other Top Attractions around Santa Monica

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • MarchWeekender
    Portsmouth, UK21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Santa Monica Pier has mixed reviews but it is what it is - we visited from the UK in February 2024 and it was a must being in California. It will remind many brits of the south-east piers such as that at Brighton, Southsea or Paignton . Its an eclectic mix of old fashioned fair ground attractions arcades , with fairground rides and food vendors! the ice cream and funnel cakes are epic!! the views from the pier are great , especially at sunset - we went on a cloudy ish evening but it was still stunning. After dark the rides and fire light are and there are a mix of street performers and buskers and sea fishing at the end of the pier. The fact it is the end of Route 66 is also a bonus. It is fair to say there are a few unsavoury people about, but you get that in most places. as long as you don't flash the cash and stick to the main areas where others are you should not have any issues. The biggest thing we saw was a drunk man shouting at people and then nearly getting mowed down on ocean drive. This however did nit take away from our experience which will be an evening remembered and cherished for a long time to come.
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Doi D
    Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went there in May 2022. the weather was so cool, got a full-day Hollywood trip with Viator. it was a very nice trip, I would recommend this,
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Doug P
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a “must-do” experience when visiting SoCal! Where else can you ride for miles and miles next to beautiful sandy beaches and the ocean without having to worry about car traffic? The piers at various beaches along the way were perfect stopping points, and Hermosa Beach had great restaurants and shops towards the end of the path to check out. When you get to the southern end at Torrance Beach, challenge yourself by riding up the steep ramp to a parking lot that provides a spectacular view of the coastline you just rode along . Five stars!
    Written 30 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AMohsen
    Port Said, Egypt500 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most popular and vibrant beaches in Los Angeles are Santa Monica and Venice beaches, so they must be on the list. The sea water quality and color are not that impressive, but the beach is quite joyful and picturesque. The popular Baywatch towers are there. Many people are having fun there by either sport, swimming, picnic, walks, and others.
    Written 17 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AMohsen
    Port Said, Egypt500 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It should be on the list to hang out there and go for shopping, eating, and getting the general sense of the city there, so it is the main place for such activities. It is very close to the beach and it is parallel to the shore.
    Written 11 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AMohsen
    Port Said, Egypt500 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It must be on the list as the most vibrant and joyful street in Santa Monica. Summer is amazing there and it was the best weather ever in Los Angeles. The beach, the restaurants, the pictures, and the vibes are exquisite.
    Written 12 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bluegrassmom3
    Owensboro, KY458 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent an enjoyable morning here and had fresh pastries, coffee and orange juice. We were traveling but if I lived here this would be a weekly stop!
    Written 1 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sunshine5060
    New Zealand56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely stroll interesting shops. Easy walk from the Proper Hotel. Good selection of cafes and restaurants and boutique shops.
    Written 24 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
    Los Angeles, CA8,310 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Having grown up in the area, I was familiar with the history of this stretch of beach. As a youngster, I spent many a summer day near the original Marion Davies beach house, which later became the Sand and Sea Club.

    I'd just finished reading a novelization of Marion Davies' life, so decided to visit on a Sunday. The guest house is once again open and free tours are given from Friday through Monday by knowledgeable docents.

    The storied guest house has been beautifully and carefully restored. If you love antique tile bathrooms, you're in for a treat. We visited both floors, and heard about the life and times of those who had stayed there.
    After the tour, there's an opportunity to view a film about the life of Miss Davies, which is quite interesting.

    The complex includes gardens, an art gallery, a splash pad for all, community space, and activities for a fee, including a beautiful outdoor pool that dates back to the original complex. The beachfront cafe is open again, too. Best of all, entry to the park is free. And the Pacific Ocean is literally across the way. A nice day out for tourists or locals.
    Written 30 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kev
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walked along the bike trail as many others enjoyed the sun and sounds of the day. Most were being responsible with masks so that made it a bit more comforting.
    Written 19 May 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • warrenbruin
    Tehachapi, CA117 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If I was really into it I probably would be more enthusiastic, but a 50 second coaster ride and a Ferris wheel ride for $12 each was a hundred bucks for ten minutes (25 if you count waiting in line. The arcade games and carnival games were all good looking; even the kid rides looked popular. They did run out of churros which bummed me out.
    Written 29 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • StevenBerlin
    Chino Hills, CA31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We love coming to this mall. It's right at the end of the 3rd Street Promenade mall and very open and airy. They have a lot of shops, stores, and eateries including True Foods and The Curious Palate.

    It's not a huge mall but it is fairly new and quite charming. They have some high end stores like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany's, and also a large selection of your typical mall shops.

    The nice thing about coming here is that you are close to the Santa Monica Pier as well so you can check that out as well while you are here. Overall a very nice mall, however they do need some work on the food court. Most of the places inside are out of business.
    Written 15 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Monica




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