The classic California coast — Santa Monica's pier, wide beach and shopping, next to bohemian, quirky Venice with its boardwalk, canals and Muscle Beach. Breezy, walkable and full of holiday buzz, right on the sand; the base for travellers who want beach life, sunsets over the Pacific, cycling the coast and a relaxed vibe, accepting a longer haul to Hollywood and downtown. The most enjoyable, laid-back place to stay.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
$450–800
typical per night in United States
You pay for the postcode
One of the pricier addresses in Los Angeles.
Where it sits
The circle is Santa Monica & Venice and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- The Getty Center20 min taxi6.7 km
- LACMA & the Academy Museum39 min taxi13.1 km
- Hollywood & the Walk of Fame50 min taxi16.5 km
- Griffith Observatory62 min taxi20.7 km
- The Broad & Disney Hall68 min taxi22.5 km
- Grand Central Market68 min taxi22.6 km
- LA tacos & Mexican food69 min taxi23.1 km
- The Arts District72 min taxi23.8 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 2.Santa Monica Pier & beach — The quintessential California beach scene — Santa Monica's famous pier with its Ferris wheel and funfair, marking the end of Route 66, backed by a wide golden beach and the buzzing Third Street Promenade. Ride the wheel, stroll the pier at sunset, rent a bike along the coastal path, or just soak up the sun and surf. Fun, breezy and iconic, it's the classic LA seaside day and a joy for all ages. The perfect place to feel the California dream. A must.
- 6.Venice Beach & the canals — LA at its quirkiest — the Venice Boardwalk, a carnival of street performers, artists, skaters, Muscle Beach body-builders and bohemian stalls, plus the surprising, tranquil Venice Canals lined with pretty homes just behind. Wander the boardwalk for the people-watching, browse hip Abbot Kinney Boulevard's boutiques and eateries, then escape to the peaceful canals. Colourful, offbeat and unmistakably LA; a fun, free half-day of the city's creative, eccentric spirit. A local favourite.
- 11.Malibu & the coast — Beyond Santa Monica stretches the golden Pacific coast — the Pacific Coast Highway winding north past the surf beaches, coves and celebrity homes of Malibu, and south to Manhattan and Hermosa. Drive the PCH for one of California's great coastal roads, surf or swim at a string of beaches, and watch the sunset over the ocean. A gorgeous, quintessentially Californian escape from the city bustle; rent a car and cruise the coast. A must for beach and road-trip lovers. Idyllic.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Santa Monica & Venice; flights via Google Flights.