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Santa Monica

· Santa Monica, CA

Why you should go…

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is a nonprofit corporation under contract to the City of Santa Monica that promotes the city as a leisure, conference, and business destination. It operates four visitor center locations and publishes an annual Santa Monica Visitor Guide and Map covering lodging, dining, arts, culture, and beach activities.

  • #beach
  • #shopping
  • #free
  • #views

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Santa Monica, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Santa Monica Pier

    Free

    A classic wooden pier with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, arcade, and the official end of Route 66.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Aqua Surf School

    $50+

    Surf lessons, camps, and board rentals for all skill levels on Santa Monica Beach.

    1.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Quirky Fun

    Venice Beach Boardwalk

    Free

    A freewheeling beachfront strip of muscle-beach bodybuilders, street artists, and skate parks.

    2.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    TCL Chinese Theatre

    Free

    The pagoda-style 1927 movie palace famous for the handprints and footprints in its forecourt.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Hollywood Sign

    Free

    The nine white letters in the Hollywood Hills are the most recognized symbol of the movie industry.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Los Angeles

    Free

    Official Los Angeles tourism site with trip planning, neighborhood guides and a visitor perk pass.

    15 mi awayMore like this