Santa Monica California Tripadvisor (2024)

FAQs

Is Santa Monica good for tourists? ›

Santa Monica has everything going for it; it's surely LA's most walkable district, it has good shopping, it's right on the beach and it's just a 30 minute cab ride from LAX. If you're choosing where to stay on a visit to LA, look no further!

Although Santa Monica was eclipsed as a port by San Pedro, the city prospered as a residential and vacation centre; it is particularly noted for its pier (1909), which includes restaurants, shops, an aquarium, and a classic carousel. Also popular are the city's fine beaches, art galleries, and theatres.

Paul Getty Villa, while Santa Monica is a bit more relaxed, a welcoming, home-y neighbourhood, albeit Hollywood style, meaning there are great farmers' markets, child-friendly cafes, family-owned restaurants and bars, and great parks, but they come with Hollywood price tags.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Santa Monica is between September and November.

Venice Beach vs Santa Monica Beach—Both Are Winners

The touristy areas of these cities offer different things. Venice Beach is a vibrant beach locale that's perfect during the day, whereas the larger Santa Monica provides a wider range of things to do and a much more happening nightlife.

They're both safe. However, Santa Monica is its own city and has a constant police presence at the Promenade and The Pier. Venice is part of Los Angeles and so the budget is spread thin. Also, The Venice Boardwalk is empty and dark at night so doesn't feel safe like bustling and bright Santa Monica.

Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. Actress Leslie Mann and her husband Judd Apatow opted to purchase a Santa Monica penthouse rather than the traditional hilltop mansion. This celebrity penthouse is perched on top of an iconic 1960s classic Santa Monica high-rise designed by the legendary A. Quincy Jones.

According to the cost of living calculator, Santa Monica cost 44.1% higher than the National Average in 2023. (1) Cost of living data shows Santa Monica is one of the most expensive cities in the US as compared to its nearby cities.

Walk Santa Monica

Just 8.3 square miles, many of Santa Monica's attractions, retail and dining spots can be easily reached by a short walk. Walking the streets that feature large, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks is a great way to experience the local neighborhoods.

– With its blend of California chic and laid-back vibes, Santa Monica has long been a favored hotspot, getaway and hideaway for celebrities, scenesters and dealmakers.

What is special about Santa Monica? ›

Santa Monica is a popular resort town, owing to its climate, beaches, and hospitality industry.

So, whether you're seeking a relaxed or a more fast-paced lifestyle, the choice between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Both cities possess their unique charm and qualities that make them among the top choices to live in California - you can't go wrong with either one!

It definitely is more expensive than living in South Central LA. It is a beach community and housing is in high demand. I did a quick google search, and found that renting or buying a home in Santa Monica costs about twice as much as in Los Angeles or Long Beach.

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas. The abundance of shops in Santa Barbara make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination.

The areas to be most cautious around are the very crowded tourist spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. These are busy with wall to wall tourists and can be a magnet for petty theft, pickpockets, and that sort of thing. So, remember to be a smart tourist.

Just 8.3 square miles, many of Santa Monica's attractions, retail and dining spots can be easily reached by a short walk. Walking the streets that feature large, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks is a great way to experience the local neighborhoods.

Soak up local history and stroll the zany boardwalk to Venice Beach. Bordered by Venice to the south and Malibu to the north, Santa Monica's claim to fame is its historic pier, built in 1909. The pier, which also marks the finish line for Route 66, is the most practical place to begin a walking tour of Santa Monica.

One big plus about staying in SM is you'll have a parking space at the hotel vs having to fight others for them. In terms of safety, LA is having its issues with that. Don't wear watches, expensive jewelry out and don't flash cash. That said, the tourist areas of both SM and WEHO are generally safe.