Santa Monica Shines, California, USA

A Unique Experience

Santa Monica is the perfect place for a reset. Whether your getaway is an afternoon on the beach or a weeklong stay, this is a place that will make you feel right at home. Our hotels, local businesses and community are ready to welcome you with new cleaning policies, a commitment to safety and social distancing measures to help you #TravelResponsibly and make sure your stay will be all about good, clean fun. So come for our sun-drenched beach, renowned dining and easygoing approach to life. Dream with the waves and rise with the sun in Santa Monica.

Must Do Attractions

Wondering where to find things to do in Santa Monica? Santa Monica is the perfect beach town with a plethora of attractions. Even more so than adjacent Malibu or Venice Beach, Santa Monica manages the ideal balance of seaside charm and coastal sophistication. This makes it an entirely attractive travel destination. At just 8.3 square miles, you’ll find Santa Monica to be very walkable with a laid-back warmth to it.

The city offers a variety of attractions, so you'll never be left to wonder what to do in Santa Monica. Your itinerary can be as complex or as simple as you wish—fill your days with museum-hopping and world-class shopping, or relax on the beach and watch the world go by. Here are some of the top Santa Monica attractions and activities.

Pacific Park

Located on the pier, the Pacific Park amusement park features a five-story West Coaster roller coaster, the nine-story Pacific Plunge tower ride, the only over-water miniature golf course, and the nine-story Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel – the only over-water Ferris wheel in California, and the first solar-powered wheel in the world. More than 6 million visitors a year stop at this iconic Santa Monica attraction and popular photo spot.

The long, wide expanse of Santa Monica Beach is distinguished from other Southern California shorelines by the sheer extent of activities one can enjoy. Both sand and ocean are clean and beautiful, making for some grade-A beachcombing, swimming, and surfing. But that’s not all. Bike down The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, with the wind at your back and the crash of the waves in your ears, indulge in some seaside chess, try your hand at a game of beach volleyball, or stop to enjoy the outdoor activities offered at the Annenberg Community Beach House. After a day out, stick around for the finest Santa Monica attraction of all—a fiery beachside sunset.