One of California’s most famous coastal cities, picture-perfect Santa Monica is nestled just a few minutes’ drive west of Los Angeles. Popular with a mix of Hollywood celebrities, surfers, hippies and the super-rich, this is a fascinating destination for a stylish beach break. Accommodation options range from charming B&Bs to swish seaside hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Most of the best places to stay in Santa Monica boast spectacular Pacific Ocean views — and some are set right on the sand.

Some of our Santa Monica Collections:

• Santa Monica Hotels with a Pool
• Best Family Hotels in Santa Monica
• Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Santa Monica
• Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Monica
• Best Luxury Hotels in Santa Monica
• Best Value Hotels in Santa Monica
• Best Santa Monica Beach Hotels
• Best Hotels near Santa Monica Pier

A huge golden stretch, Santa Monica Beach has long been the community’s main attraction. Spend your days strolling along the sand, honing your surf skills, swimming or sampling an array of water sports. Much of the action is centred around the Santa Monica Pier. Built in 1908 and marking the end of Rotue 66, the pier is home to a fun fair, arcades, bars and restaurants aplenty. Cruise along on skates, pick a perch to people watch, or visit the aquarium, the outdoor cinema and the original ‘Muscle Beach’. Active visitors can also explore Tongva Park — good for families — or Palisades Park, which offers impressive views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Venture beyond the city for horse riding, mountain biking and hiking galore.

For great shopping, head to Third Street Promenade or the excellent farmers’ market (Wednesdays & Saturdays). Come evening, feast at a chic eatery, catch a show at the Aero Theatre or dance to live music at McCabe’s — there’s always a party in Santa Monica! Some of the best places to stay in Santa Monica even have buzzing venues of their own.

The Best Places to Stay in Santa Monica

For a Cosy B&B

• Channel Road Inn is a shingle-clad Colonial Revival home offering 15 inviting guestrooms just a couple of minutes' walk from Santa Monica Beach. Pick this place for the intimate feel, proximity to the beach and the afternoon wine and snacks. A charming B&B for couples or families.

For Families or Groups

• Palihouse Santa Monica promises spacious rooms and suites, some of which come with kitchens and sitting rooms. Great for families or groups, this pretty hotel is housed in a Mediterranean-inspired edifice, dating back to 1929. The residential Santa Monica location is very relaxed, yet the beach remains within walking distance. A lovely boutique bolthole.
• The Kinney is a hip party pad in trendy Venice Beach. Brilliant for a young, sociable crowd, the hotel has bright contemporary bedrooms with space for multiple guests, a swimming pool, ping pong table and terrace with a convivial firepit set up. A very cool group holiday choice.
• Oceana Beach Club Hotel is a lively hotel with wonderful Pacific Ocean views. Just moments from the beach, the hotel has a heated swimming pool, buzzing bar, restaurant and gym. Great for friends or families, with a laidback feel and quaint, classic beach club interiors.
• Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows has been a Santa Monica landmark since 1921, with rooms, suites and bungalows scattered across five acres of palm-filled gardens. Five star luxury, with lots of activities for kids — including an outdoor cinema, buckets and spades at the hotel's private beach club (very nearby!), and watersports galore.

For City Chic

• The Georgian boasts an enviable Ocean Avenue location, just a stroll from Santa Monica Pier. One of Santa Monica's most iconic hotels, this 1933 gem has a sophisticated restaurant, indulgent rooms and pet-friendly policies. For couples, friends or families.
• Santa Monica Proper is a chic hotel with a focus on natural materials, created by interior designer Kelly Wearstler. The hotel offers excellent eateries, a 3,000 square foot Ayurvedic spa, a rooftop swimming pool and an expansive business centre. Electric bikes are ideal for exploring. Elegant and unpretentious.
• The Huntley offers 204 guest rooms and 16 suites in a sleek high-rise overlooking Santa Monica Beach. With large event and meeting spaces and swish rooftop dining, this is an excellent choice for well-heeled travellers looking to make the most of the city. The beach is two blocks away and Third Street Promenade is even closer. Luxurious and brilliantly located.
• The Ambrose Hotel has a glamorous feel, with Art Deco-inspired touches and minimalist, monochromatic rooms. With a swish fitness centre, beach cruiser bikes, daily tastings of local brews and wines and an exceptional meeting centre, this is a great pick for business travellers, active couples or independent explorers. Chic and convivial.

For Beachfront Luxury

• Shutters on the Beach is a celebrity favourite, known for its discreet service and fantastic attention to detail. A beautiful beachfront hotel with three restaurants, an award-winning spa and refreshing swimming pool, this is a very special place. Interiors feature classic California style, with a soothing palette of whites and blues. Exquisite.
• Viceroy Santa Monica promises a glossy beachside experience, with white furniture and classic design creating a colonial feel. Marble bathrooms and beds topped with crisp linens are ideal for indulgent couples' escapes, and the best suites have ocean views. The Cameo Bar is one of Santa Monica's hottest spots, and there are two terrific restaurants. Poolside play stations are a fun touch. For couples or families.
• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel offers a superb holiday base for families as well as couples. A luxury spot with a big central pool, games, bicycles and direct access to the beach. Both restaurants boast striking views of the iconic pier.
• Casa del Mar is a stylish oceanfront hotel with an opulent Mediterranean feel. Think dark wood furniture, blue and white details and eclectic art pieces. Perfect for romantic getaways, with spa baths in each rooms and superb ocean views. There's live music at La Terrazza Lounge each evening. Absolute bliss.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR Beach House

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Santa Monica?

• Fly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), just 20 minutes' drive away by car or bus.
• California is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel between June and September for the warmest weather, with temperatures peaking at around 28°C. Skip the crowds and travel in the spring (April - May) for cooler weather and great hotel rates.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Los Angeles.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Santa Monica