Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA - Santa Monica Attractions
Things to Do in Santa Monica
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Monica.
Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$99
Historical Toursfrom$85per adult$80- fromper adult$84
Adventure Toursfromper group (up to 6)$400
E-Bike Toursfromper adult$89
Movie Toursfrom$85per adult$76- fromper adult$99
Movie Toursfromper adult$25- fromper group (up to 15)$8
Helicopter Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$395
State Parks
Large, scenic beach with an amusement pier and beachfront boardwalk, featuring volleyball courts and play areas. Provides picturesque sunsets and shallow waters for beach activities.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Other Top Attractions around Santa Monica
*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 travelers are saying
- 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.
- 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.
- Doug P2 contributionsThis 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 December 30, 2023This 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Monica
- The top attractions to visit in Santa Monica are:
- Santa Monica State Beach
- 26-Mile Bike Path
- Third Street Promenade
- Santa Monica Pier
- Santa Monica Bay
- The best outdoor activities in Santa Monica according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Santa Monica on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Santa Monica according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles
- Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica
- The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More
- Small-Group Hollywood, LA Beaches & Filming Location Tour from Anaheim
- The most popular things to do in Santa Monica with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in Santa Monica on Tripadvisor
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.