Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA - Santa Monica Attractions
Things to Do in Santa Monica
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35 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Santa Monica
Bodies of Water • Beaches
Santa Monica
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Santa Monica
Visitor Centers • Art Galleries
Santa Monica
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Santa Monica
Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
Architectural Buildings
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Showing results 1-30 of 35
What travelers are saying
- Grover RPensacola, FL18,123 contributionsOn my last trip to LA, we did not get to the beach or at least Santa Monica as we were in Long Beach. The beaches you really think about when you think Los Angeles are the beaches along Santa Monica Bay, so the trip I made the effort to visit Santa Monica and see the beach. While as a Gulf Coast guy, I prefer a white sand beach, this was a great beach. The background of mountains here on the coast is simply something we don't have. I am very glad we made the great beaches around LA for this visit.Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- reeceybChichester, UK1,655 contributionsCame here to see the pier and the ocean and the goings on we ended up having a fun time in the arcade playing games and messing aroundWritten April 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AMohsenPort Said, Egypt520 contributionsThe 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 February 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AMohsenPort Said, Egypt520 contributionsIt 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 February 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AMohsenPort Said, Egypt520 contributionsIt 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 February 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- bluegrassmom3Owensboro, KY458 contributionsWe 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 May 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sunshine5060New Zealand56 contributionsLovely stroll interesting shops. Easy walk from the Proper Hotel. Good selection of cafes and restaurants and boutique shops.Written April 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻Los Angeles, CA8,316 contributionsHaving 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 August 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kev8 contributionsWalked 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 May 19, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- warrenbruinTehachapi, CA117 contributionsIf 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 April 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StevenBerlinChino Hills, CA35 contributionsWe 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 August 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AMohsenPort Said, Egypt520 contributionsIt is a picturesque shoreline park on Ocean Avenue that can be quickly navigated in the same vicinity of Santa Monica Pier.Written February 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mauratravels1111San Clemente, CA49 contributionsterrific location and peaceful place to relax and get a great book or dvd and enjoy a walk to the beach with your new found literary treasuresWritten August 6, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CKJakesLos Angeles, CA24 contributionsA small museum with a great permanent collection on display. Welcoming lobby adds to the sort of hidden gem quality of the place. Well worth the visit.Written February 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL18,123 contributionsI will say it is fun to find signs in the places you visit and take pictures with them. They generally feature some view while at the same time telling everyone where you are. In Santa Monica it is the sign above the famous pier. We visited the pier and got our picture with the sign. This is a fun stop and one of the things you have to see in LA.Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.