Santa Monica
Ocean air, a wide beach and a downtown you can cross on foot.
Santa Monica is the most liveable base for a tourist: a beach, a pier, a walkable shopping and restaurant core, and a light rail line into the rest of the city. It suits families, couples and anyone who wants the ocean at the end of a day of sightseeing. It is at the far west edge, so Hollywood and Downtown are a 40–60 minute ride, and hotel prices reflect the location. The beach is beautiful but the water is cold.
What works
- Walkable centre and a real beach
- Seasonal Expo light rail to Downtown
- Calmer evenings than Hollywood
What doesn’t
- Far from Hollywood and Downtown
- Expensive hotels and parking
- Cold ocean and cloudy mornings
One local move
Park once and walk, or take the E Line rather than driving between neighbourhoods. Swim or surf in the morning before the wind picks up, and eat away from the pier for better value.
Getting around
The Metro E Line reaches Downtown, and buses run east along Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard. Local buses and a car handle the rest; parking near the beach fills early on weekends.
Safety
Generally safe, with theft from parked cars and bicycles the main issues. The pier and Third Street Promenade are busy but well lit; avoid leaving valuables in the car after a beach day.
4 picks in Santa Monica
One strong pick per tier. All prices are sample ranges, not live quotes.
Shutters on the Beach
A beachfront hotel with an old-fashioned, comfortable feel and direct sand access; expensive, but the location is the point.
Wyndham Santa Monica at the Pier
A practical hotel a short walk from the pier and the promenade; simple rooms and one of the better-value locations on the west side.
HI Santa Monica Hostel
A large, well-run hostel a few blocks from the beach; dorms and private rooms, clean and surprisingly quiet.
The Georgian
A restored Art Deco hotel on Ocean Avenue with pastel interiors and a strong sense of history; romantic and full of character.
Nightly ranges are sample estimates in USD for a standard double room. They move with season, events and how early you book.
Eat & drink nearby
Bay Cities Italian Deli
Deli
A famous Italian deli for The Godmother sandwich; order at the counter, take a number and eat outside.
Cassia
Southeast Asian
A lively restaurant blending Southeast Asian flavours; good for a special dinner and best booked ahead.
Sidecar Doughnuts
Doughnuts
Fresh doughnuts made in small batches; a good morning stop before the beach or a drive up the coast.