Things to do in Santa Monica

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Santa Monica featuring a city, general coastal views and street scenes
Santa Monica showing general coastal views
Santa Monica
Santa Monica showing general coastal views and marine life
Santa Monica featuring modern architecture, a city and a playground
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Most popular activities 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 361 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ￥15,258 and current price is ￥7,629 per adult
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥13,717 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese Tea

Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese Tea

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥23,118 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise

City Cruises Marina del Rey: Premier Bottomless Champagne Brunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 82 reviews
Price is ￥20,328 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥10,634 per adult
Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice BeachOpens in new tab

What to do in Santa Monica

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Monica

Universal Studios which includes rides, signage and a fountain

Universal Studios Hollywood

4.5/5(3,924 reviews)

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience!

Universal Studios Hollywood
Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium

4.5/5(966 reviews)

Catch an event at Dodger Stadium during your trip to Los Angeles. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Dodger Stadium
Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(1,079 reviews)

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

Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Staples Center which includes shopping, signage and a statue or sculpture

Crypto.com Arena

4.5/5(1,867 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
I found Boba Fett

Los Angeles Convention Center

4.5/5(1,413 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at Los Angeles Convention Center, a top convention center in Los Angeles. Experience the great live music and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Los Angeles Convention Center
Quite a nice dome here, although the centerpiece prohibits a true Pantheon effect.

University of Southern California

4/5(1,576 reviews)

Walk around the campus of University of Southern California, a top college in Los Angeles. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

University of Southern California
Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain

4.5/5(631 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day at Six Flags Magic Mountain and see why people love this theme park in Stevenson Ranch. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Santa Monica Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach

Santa Monica Beach

4.5/5(3,352 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
Venice Beach which includes picnicing and a city as well as a large group of people

Venice Beach

4/5(3,598 reviews)

Bronze your body and rub shoulders with body builders and wacky performers at Los Angeles’ quirky urban shoreline, a colorful escape from the city.

Venice Beach

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santa Monica

Downtown Santa Monica which includes general coastal views and a sunset

Downtown Santa Monica

4.5/5(431 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Santa Monica
#sunset #outdoors

Ocean Park

4.5/5(219 area reviews)

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.

Ocean Park
Another great night

Pico

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending time in Pico, check out sights like Santa Monica Place or Third Street Promenade and hop on the metro to see more the city at 17th Street/SMC Station or 26th Street/Bergamot Station.

Pico
Another great night

Mid-City

4/5(178 area reviews)

Even though there aren't top sights in Mid-City, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Santa Monica Beach. Jump on the metro at 17th Street/SMC Station to see more of the city.

Mid-City
Default Image

Sunset Park

4/5(129 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Sunset Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bergamot Station Arts Center and Main Street Santa Monica.

Sunset Park
Cool spot for great coffee and pastries, near the beach.

Wilshire Montana

While visiting Wilshire Montana, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Monica Beach and Third Street Promenade.

Wilshire Montana

Popular day trips from Santa Monica

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

Los Angeles

Venice Beach showing a beach, a coastal town and sailing

Venice

Pacific Palisades

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Downtown Santa Monica is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Pico is 2 kilometers away from the center 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 neighborhoods, 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.