Santa Monica

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Getty Center
No. 6 of Night Attractions in California

Getty Center

7.5
4.7/5
544 reviews

Getty Center is perched on the hills of Brentwood and was funded by the estate of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The complex was designed by architect Richard Meier and features large areas of white travertine as its facade material. Visitors must take a cable car from the parking lot at the foot of the hill to the hilltop campus, where they can overlook the Los Angeles cityscape along the way. The museum's collection focuses on European art from before the 20th century, covering various categories such as paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts, while also possessing a photography collection that spans from the 1830s to the present. The museum also houses a large number of illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, as well as authentic works by European masters from the 14th to the 19th centuries, covering important art movements such as the Italian Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and French Neoclassicism. The decorative arts gallery displays furniture, tapestries, and glassware from different periods in Europe. Central Garden is another major highlight of Getty Center. The garden organizes space from an artist's perspective, with a stream cascading from a height, passing through the shade of London plane trees, and flowing into a sunken plaza. In the center of the plaza is an azalea maze, surrounded by large plant sculptures with steel frames adorned with bougainvillea. The garden is planted with hundreds of species of plants, among which one can also see the bird of paradise, the official flower of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles · 6.6km from Santa Monica
CA-1
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7
4.8/5
499 reviews

CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.

Monterey County · 61.3km from downtown
Exposition Park
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in California

Exposition Park

7.9
4.7/5
9 reviews

Exposition Park is an urban cultural park covering approx. 160 acres. The park brings together several important cultural institutions, among which the California Science Center is one of the core venues, housing the retired space shuttle Endeavour. The science center also features ecological exhibition halls themed around different ecological zones such as kelp forests, deserts, and tropical rainforests, showcasing the Earth's diverse ecological environments. Adjacent to the science center is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, which has a rich collection of paleontological and mineral specimens, including the Gem and Mineral Hall, which displays a large number of precious mineral crystals and raw gemstones. The 7-acreRose Gardenis located next to the museum and is planted with over 10,000 roses; the fountain in the center of the garden and the loggias on both sides form a symmetrical, classical garden landscape. The LA Memorial Coliseum is another iconic building in the park, having hosted the Summer Olympics opening ceremony twice. The peristyle at the east end of the stadium features a classical architectural style, and the Court of Honor is located between the columns, with bronze plaques recording distinguished figures and historical events related to the stadium. The park also houses cultural venues such as the California African American Museum.

Los Angeles · 18.8km from Santa Monica
Griffith Observatory
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Griffith Observatory

8.3
4.7/5
571 reviews

Griffith Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. This white-domed building, completed in 1935, is a classic spot in Los Angeles for watching sunsets and night views. The observation deck offers an expansive view, overlooking the Los Angeles Basin, the downtown skyline in the distance, and the Pacific coastline, while facing the nearby "Hollywood" sign. At dusk, the sun sinks toward the coastline, and as night falls, the city lights gradually fill the entire basin, creating a particularly magnificent scene. Films such as "Transformers" and "La La Land" have been shot here. The museum is packed with highlights: the Foucault pendulum hanging in the central hall swings continuously, periodically knocking down wooden pegs on its surrounding rail, visually demonstrating Earth's rotation. The dome is encircled by astronomical-themed murals painted by artist Hugo Ballin. The lower exhibition hall features a model of the solar system's planets suspended from the ceiling, while a massive photo wall spanning tens of meters displays millions of galaxies, accompanied by a statue of Einstein pointing toward it. In the central dome theater, visitors can recline in their seats and follow the live guide to explore the stars and the cosmos. During daytime visits, travelers can observe real-time solar images through the solar telescope in the exhibition hall. On clear nights, the rooftop Zeiss refracting telescope is open to the public for stargazing, and millions of travelers have gazed at the stars through it since its construction. To catch both sunset and night views in one trip, it's recommended to head up the mountain early, allowing ample time for exhibitions and waiting for nightfall. Weekends and holidays draw large crowds, often causing traffic congestion on the mountain road.

Los Angeles · 20.7km from Santa Monica

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Experiences you can't miss in Santa Monica

Featured Day tours in Santa Monica

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Los Angeles In-Depth Day Tour | Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica & Griffith Observatory
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3.9/5
· 7 reviews· 33 booked
Duration: 5.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
79 travellers saved
FromDKK 753.09
Full-Day City Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Beaches
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4.8/5
· 652 reviews
Duration: 7.5–9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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31 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 616.75
Full-day luxury bus tour in Los Angeles (join-in tour)
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Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromDKK 780.98
Los Angeles urban tour | Hollywood-Beverly Hills-Santa Monica 1-day tour
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FromDKK 979.02

Featured Water activities in Santa Monica

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Los Angeles: Group Surf Lesson with All Gear included
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4.8/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 503.13
Venice Beach: 2h Group Surf Lesson
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 442.73
Marina Del Rey: Kayak and Paddleboard Tour with Sea Lions
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Duration: 2 hrs
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FromDKK 529.96

Featured Outdoor & sports in Santa Monica

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1-day tour to the villa museum, Santa Monica State Beach and The Getty (self-booking)
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FromDKK 1,004.12
1-day private chartered tour to The Getty, Santa Monica State Beach and Battleship IOWA Museum
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FromDKK 1,004.12
Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour
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4.8/5
· 422 reviews· 28 booked
Duration: 9–10 hrs
Free cancellation
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94.5% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 657.09
Los Angeles: LA Grand Tour by Open-Air Bus
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4.5/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 509.86
Santa Monica: Malibu Celebrity Homes & Beaches Tour
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4.6/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 259.83
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
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4.8/5
· 2k reviews
Duration: 450 mins
Free cancellation
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96.8% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 663.8

Featured City sightseeing in Santa Monica

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Los Angeles and Hollywood City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour in the United States
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FromDKK 311.62
Los Angeles Hollywood route sightseeing bus tour
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Duration: 7 hrs
English
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FromDKK 806.31
Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach
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5.0/5
· 18 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 804.6

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Free things to do in Santa Monica

What travellers say about Santa Monica

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学校🏫5 June 2025
5.0
Getty Center: The art temple on the top of a hill in Los Angeles is definitely worth a special visit! Even if you are only slightly interested in art, the Getty Center is still a place that will make your trip worthwhile. It is far more than a museum, but more like a mountaintop cultural paradise that combines architectural wonders, top art collections and beautiful scenery. Core highlights not to be missed 1. The building itself is a masterpiece of art: the pure white building complex designed by the master architect Richard Meier has simple and smooth lines and a modern feel. Take the iconic cable train slowly up the mountain, full of ritual, and the city scenery of Los Angeles gradually unfolds in front of you, and you are already intoxicated before entering the museum. 2. Hall-level art collection: *The core attraction! From the manuscripts of Renaissance masters, the shocking large paintings of Rubens in the Baroque period, to Van Gogh's vibrant "Irises" (the brushstrokes are breathtaking when seen up close), Monet's charming impressionist landscapes, Cezanne's solid still lifes... The key chapters of Western art history are vividly presented here, with extremely high quality and free to visit (only parking fees are charged). 3. The tranquil and elegant Central Garden: The Central Garden designed by Robert Irving is an oasis in the hustle and bustle. The winding paths, carefully matched plants, gurgling streams and unique water platform maze are full of natural interest and design ingenuity. It is a great place to stroll, relax and relax. 4. The unparalleled viewing platform: Located on the top of Santa Monica Mountain, the view is extremely wide. Standing on the terrace, you can see the city skyline of Los Angeles, the rolling mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean. When the weather is fine, the bustling city and the magnificent nature blend at this moment, especially at sunset, the scenery is particularly shocking. Is it worth going? Without a doubt, it is highly recommended! Art lovers must pilgrimage: the quality and breadth of the collection are enough to make people linger. Architecture and landscape control will fall in love: the perfect dialogue between modern architecture and nature and urban landscape. Visitors who seek unique experiences: the top of the mountain location, the small train, free high-quality art, the beautiful garden and the view, the combination experience is unique. Practical tips: Parking is expensive (about $20, $15 after 3pm), so it is recommended to book a parking space on the official website in advance. Reserve at least 3-4 hours to enjoy the experience. Bring a camera, the sunset view is not to be missed! Summary: The Getty Center combines top art, outstanding architecture, exquisite gardening and magnificent landscapes, providing a high-quality cultural experience full of aesthetic enjoyment and spiritual relaxation that far exceeds ordinary museums. It is not only a cultural landmark in Los Angeles, but also a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles.

Getty Center

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Marchi0075 November 2026
5.0
Universal Studios Hollywood has the new fast and furious ride that is the signature of the theme park. I rode the ride once and i remember it forever. The fast and furious roller coaster is very thrilling and exciting and make me feel very thrilled. I love it so much and I recommend everyone to come visit here

Universal Studios Hollywood

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 January 2026
5.0
Santa Monica Beach always has a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. The Ferris wheel on the pier glows warmly at dusk, its silhouette against the pinkish-purple sky. On the beach, you'll often see people walking their dogs, families playing frisbee, and the air is filled with the mingled aromas of sea salt and fried food from roadside stalls. The waves are gentle, perfect for beginners to try their hand at surfing. The old-fashioned amusement park at the end of the pier is always bustling, with the clatter of basketball machines and pinball machines. Here, it's easy to lose track of time—look at the sea, feel the breeze, and life seems to slow down to the rhythm of the Pacific Ocean.

Santa Monica State Beach

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系统错误提示16 May 2021
5.0
On the way from Phoenix to Page, we passed through three areas with completely different geological features and vegetation. When we first left Phoenix, we saw columnar cacti on both sides of the road. As the altitude increased, the cacti and other low shrubs disappeared, replaced by tall pine forests, and finally the barren plateau with Danxia landform characteristics. It was amazing!

U.S. Route 66

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生长在海边的果果29 May 2025
5.0
精华路段是旧金山到洛杉矶的这段,并且一定要从旧金山往洛杉矶开,因为右侧道路临海,这个方向开视线好,景色美不胜收。真的是最美公路。我们开了3天,第一天旧金山到蒙特雷,第二天到皮斯莫海滩,第三天到洛杉矶,一路走走停停,边走边玩,海景无敌,好多国内没见过的花花,真美。途经主要景点有半月湾,鸽点灯塔,蒙特雷小镇,卡梅尔小镇,17英里海湾,大苏尔麦克维瀑布,比克斯比河大桥,象海豹滩,皮斯莫海滩,索尔万丹麦小镇,圣芭芭拉,圣莫妮卡海滩等

CA-1

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Lavender and Sun17 September 2022
5.0
Beverly Hills is a world-famous dreamland in the minds of the world's wealthy. As the most famous city within a city in Los Angeles, it has the world's most upscale commercial streets and many mansions of Hollywood movie stars. It is also a holy place for the world's film industry. Every year, Beverly Hills attracts countless tourists from all over the world who curiously explore the streets and alleys. It gathers the world's top fashion brands. Each store is magnificent, with finely carved marble and brass doors, and arched fountains that make this street look even more imposing. Now it is the world's most expensive shopping mall.

Beverly Hills

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M45***292 February 2026
5.0
The dinosaur and mammal exhibits were truly impressive. Although it's a county-level museum, it was built in the 1920s and has a rich history. It allowed us to learn about nature and also to see how Americans treated nature at that time.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

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notmaxp1 September 2026
5.0
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend: petersen the British museum

Petersen Automotive Museum

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多多6 February 2021
4.0
We took our kids there, 3 and 5. Went to the science museum, natural history museum, butterfly exhibit, and then let the kids play in the shade of the rose garden. They were only interested in the shuttle itself for about two minutes, but there were other things to see. They loved the dinosaurs and butterflies. They were entertained for over three hours, which was good. Need to buy tickets in advance. Many things have separate admission fees. I only noticed that parking was $12. Excellent museum, but in the transportation center of the city, so adjust your schedule accordingly.

Exposition Park

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Bobo06924 December 2023
5.0
There are so many hiking trails with great views of city. It’s an awesome place to spend 1 to 2 hours walking around and be mesmerised by the parabolic views of Los Angeles from the terrace.

Griffith Observatory

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Santa Monica?

Don't miss these attractions in Santa Monica: Getty Center, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Santa Monica State Beach. If you like Day tours, try Los Angeles In-Depth Day Tour | Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica & Griffith Observatory. If you enjoy Water activities, try Los Angeles: Group Surf Lesson with All Gear included.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Los Angeles In-Depth Day Tour | Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica & Griffith Observatory, Full-Day City Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Beaches, and Full-day luxury bus tour in Los Angeles (join-in tour). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 7 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Santa Monica is around DKK 616.75 – DKK 1,002.11. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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