Hotels in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California, is a sun-soaked gem on the Southern California coast, where vibrant beach culture meets laid-back luxury. Famous for its iconic pier, complete with a classic amusement park and stunning ocean views, this coastal city offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Stroll along the picturesque beachfront, savor fresh seafood at seaside eateries, or explore the bustling Third Street Promenade for shopping and entertainment. With its proximity to Los Angeles and the glamour of Beverly Hills, Santa Monica is an idyllic destination for beach lovers, foodies, and anyone seeking a quintessential SoCal experience. For the best hotel rates in Santa Monica, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Santa Monica

Some of the best places to stay in Santa Monica are Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and Westchester. Santa Monica is a vibrant beach city known for its stunning coastline and lively atmosphere. Nearby, Downtown Los Angeles offers cultural attractions, while Hollywood is famous for its entertainment legacy. Westchester provides a quieter, residential feel. Hotel accommodations range from chic oceanfront options to boutique stays, ensuring travelers find the perfect fit. For first-time visitors, Hollywood is ideal, offering iconic sights and easy access to other attractions. Enjoy your stay in this diverse region! These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Santa Monica:

1. Downtown Los AngelesOpens in a new window: This bustling area is a hub for family-friendly entertainment, sports, and business. You'll find attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and the Crypto.com Arena, making it an exciting choice for visitors. Among the top hotels, Conrad Los AngelesOpens in a new window offers a luxurious stay with family-friendly amenities and pet policies. For a blend of business and leisure, Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los AngelesOpens in a new window features ample business facilities and children’s amenities. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, The Ritz-Carlton, Los AngelesOpens in a new window presents a boutique experience with unique decor and spa services.
2. HollywoodOpens in a new window: Known for its iconic attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard, this vibrant area is perfect for families and culture seekers alike. Loews Hollywood HotelOpens in a new window is a well-located 4-star hotel catering to business and family needs, complete with a children’s play area. Another option, The Godfrey Hotel HollywoodOpens in a new window, is pet-friendly and situated in the city center, making it a convenient choice for travelers. For a historic experience, consider The Hollywood RooseveltOpens in a new window, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere and business amenities.
3. WestchesterOpens in a new window: This area boasts proximity to family attractions such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the scenic Venice Beach. Terranea ResortOpens in a new window is a luxurious 5-star resort with direct beach access and adventure activities, ideal for thrill-seekers. For more beach-themed adventures, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del ReyOpens in a new window also features direct beach access along with various business amenities. Lastly, Hotel June West L.A., a Member of Design HotelsOpens in a new window offers a 4-star experience with a focus on adventure sports and business facilities, making it a solid choice for both leisure and work.

Three days in Santa Monica is ideal for soaking up the sun on stunning beaches, enjoying picturesque sunsets, and exploring vibrant parks. Travelers can indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and sports, while the bustling atmosphere offers plenty of shopping and art experiences along the scenic coastline. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Santa Monica:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at the lively Venice Beach, where you can soak up the sun, watch street performers, and explore unique shops. From there, take a short stroll to the Venice Fishing Pier, perfect for a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean and a chance to watch local anglers at work. As the day winds down, relax at Marina Beach, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the water, providing a picturesque end to your day.
• Day 2: Kick off with a visit to the iconic Rodeo Drive, known for its luxury boutiques and designer stores. After shopping, make your way to Spadena House, famously dubbed the Pink Fairy Tale House, an Instagram-worthy spot that showcases whimsical architecture. Conclude your day with a drive along Wilshire Boulevard, taking in the sights of this bustling thoroughfare, rich with culture and history.
• Day 3: Start at the vibrant Hollywood Boulevard, where you can explore shops, restaurants, and the famous TCL Chinese Theatre. Next, stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, capturing the essence of California’s beach culture with its eclectic atmosphere. Wrap up your day by visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can spot your favorite stars’ names embedded in the sidewalk, creating a fun and memorable experience.

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly months to visit Santa Monica are January, November, and December, when hotel prices are significantly lower. If you're traveling internationally, it's advisable to book your flight at least two months in advance to secure more affordable rates. For a great value for money, plan to stay for at least 2-3 days to fully experience the main attractions, such as the beautiful beach and the scenic ocean views. This way, you can enjoy all that Santa Monica has to offer without breaking the bank.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: For travelers looking to snag a last-minute getaway to Santa Monica, exploring options on Hotels.com can be quite rewarding. To view potential deals, head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where you could find competitive room rates and reservation costs as your travel date approaches. To enhance your chances of catching special offers, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you're more likely to stay informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute promotions, helping you save on your stay.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates may help you save on hotel expenses in Santa Monica.
4. Consider your location: Staying close to the city center and local attractions in Santa Monica is usually more expensive. However, if you opt for accommodations a bit farther away, you can take advantage of transportation options like biking, walking, buses, or driving to explore the area while potentially saving on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Santa Monica and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

What to eat in Santa Monica

Here are some famous dishes in Santa Monica, California, United States of America:

• Fish Tacos: A must-try in Santa Monica, these delicious tacos typically feature fresh, grilled fish topped with vibrant cabbage slaw and zesty salsa. Often served in soft corn tortillas, they embody California’s coastal flavors and are perfect for a quick, casual meal while soaking in the beach atmosphere. Local spots frequently add unique twists with seasonal ingredients or house-made sauces, making each bite a delightful surprise.
• Burgers: Santa Monica is home to some of the best gourmet burgers, where chefs creatively craft patties from locally sourced ingredients. Many places offer customizable options, allowing you to personalize your burger with various toppings, sauces, and buns. Enjoying a juicy burger at an outdoor patio lets you embrace the laid-back California vibe, making it a quintessential part of the Santa Monica dining experience.

Best time to go to Santa Monica

Santa Monica experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 56.5°F (13.6°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 75.0°F (23.9°C). December tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Santa Monica are April, June, and July, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is sunny, accompanied by dry rainfall. In contrast, October to December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by dry to light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.