Santa Monica

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Top 10 attractions in Santa Monica

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The Getty
No. 5 of Night Attractions in California

The Getty

7.5
4.7/5
550 reviews
The Getty 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 The Getty. 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
Universal Studios Hollywood
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Universal Studios Hollywood

10
4.8/5
8.2k reviews
Explore iconic movie scenes, join immersive photo activities, enjoy upgraded tours, and indulge in themed food and collectibles. Explore Hollywood's grand movie street scenes and discover behind-the-scenes insights into film production. Explore the magical world of Harry Potter and discover the mysterious Hogwarts Castle Step into the Super Mario™ world on Super Nintendo and get ready for Mario Kart™. Experience thrilling roller coasters and realistic movie scenesLos Angeles · 18.2km from Santa Monica
Santa Monica State Beach
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Santa Monica State Beach

7
4.6/5
589 reviews
Santa Monica State Beachis located on the western coast of Los Angeles, United States, and is a classic seaside vacation attraction that combines natural scenery, a relaxing atmosphere, and historical and cultural features. Stepping onto this coast, the first things that catch your eye are the stretches of golden sand, the wide and gentle coastline, and the endless Pacific Ocean. With waves gently lapping the shore and the sea breeze blowing, visitors can stroll or relax on the soft sand, soaking up the unique sunshine and laid-back vibe of Southern California. Strolling along the wooden pier, you can feel a strong sense of retro seaside charm. You can often encounter live performances by street artists on the pier, where music, laughter, and the sound of waves intertwine, adding a lively and free artistic atmosphere to the pier. Whether you are strolling on the beach, cycling along the ocean, or soaking up the lively atmosphere on the pier, you can experience typical California coastal culture.Santa Monica · 1.2km from downtown
U.S. Route 66
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Missouri

U.S. Route 66

7
4.8/5
90 reviews
U.S. Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway or Main Street of America, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System, established in 1926. The highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica State Beach in Los Angeles, crossing eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, covering a total length of approximately 2,400 miles. With the development of the Interstate Highway System, the road was officially decommissioned in 1985, and some sections have since been designated as National Scenic Byways. The scenery along the route is a defining feature of this highway. From the farmlands of Illinois to the hills of Missouri, from the plains of Oklahoma to the red deserts of Arizona, and finally to the Pacific coast of California, the road connects a multitude of small towns, motels, neon signs, and roadside diners that retain their mid-20th-century appearance. Many sections still feature original gas stations and unique shops. U.S. Route 66 has had a profound influence on American pop culture. John Steinbeck used the road as the backdrop for the westward migration in The Grapes of Wrath, earning it the nickname "The Mother Road." The Pixar animated film Cars also uses this highway as its setting.Custer County · 27.4km from downtown
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
Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills

6.5
4.5/5
550 reviews
Beverly Hills is located on the west side of Los Angeles, United States, and has become one of the most representative areas of Los Angeles thanks to its elegant neighborhood environment, exquisite urban landscape, and rich historical and cultural heritage. Upon entering the area, you are immediately greeted by a quiet and refined atmosphere. The streets here are clean and wide, lined with tall palm trees and various greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees onto the roads, creating a typical laid-back Southern California vibe. Strolling through the streets, you can see beautifully designed residences, well-manicured gardens, and artistic architectural details, all reflecting a high-quality lifestyle. The huge white letters and the neatly arranged palm trees in the background complement each other, making it a popular backdrop for many tourists to take photos. Stroll along the park paths to enjoy the floral landscapes and feel the tranquil atmosphere of an urban oasis.Beverly Hills · 10.2km 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
Hollywood Walk of Fame
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Hollywood Walk of Fame

7.4
4.6/5
1.3k reviews
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic sidewalk view in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, stretching over ten blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and extending three more blocks along Vine Street, with the main section alone spanning approx. two km. Since the first stars were embedded in the pavement in 1960, over 2,800 pink five-pointed badges have been laid, each with brass borders and engraved copper lettering for names—from actors, directors, and singers to hosts, and even fictional characters like Mickey Mouse and Godzilla, all finding their own star here. Below each star is a brass emblem denoting its category: a movie camera for film, a TV for television, a record for music, a microphone for radio, comedy and tragedy masks for theater and live performances, and recently, a trophy for sports and entertainment. The distribution of stars is deliberate, with the most popular ones clustered near the TCL Chinese Theatre, while Oscar winners' stars gather around the Dolby Theatre. The Chinese Theatre's forecourt also features handprints and footprints of numerous celebrities, worth a visit. The entire Walk has only one exception: boxing legend Muhammad Ali's star is not on the ground but mounted on the wall of the Dolby Theatre, as he didn't want anyone stepping on his name. At the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, four round Apollo moon landing commemorative plaques are embedded, often overlooked as hidden gems. To find your favorite star among nearly 3,000—whether it's Michael Jackson or Marilyn Monroe—it's best to check the exact location beforehand. Street performers dressed as superheroes or cartoon characters often greet travelers for photos, usually asking for gratuities afterward, so consider this before posing. Also, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Star ceremonies are held irregularly throughout the year, and if you happen to catch a new honoree's unveiling, you might witness a lively event.Los Angeles · 17.5km from Santa Monica
Hollywood
No. 8 of Night Attractions in California

Hollywood

7.2
4.8/5
658 reviews
Hollywood is world-famous for its thriving film and entertainment industry. In the early 20th century, the abundant sunshine and dry, arid climate of Southern California were extremely favorable for filmmaking, leading many film production companies to relocate to the area; Paramount Pictures still maintains its headquarters here today. The "HOLLYWOOD" sign, spelled out in 9 huge white letters on the mountain, is an iconic visual symbol of the entire area. This sign was initially a promotional billboard for the real estate project "Hollywoodland," but the "land" at the end was later removed, becoming the version familiar to people today. Hollywood Boulevard is the heart of the district. The Hollywood Walk of Fame extends along the boulevard and Vine Street, with over 2,500 five-pointed stars embedded in the sidewalk, each inscribed with the name of an entertainment industry figure, ranging from classic movie stars to contemporary musicians. The concrete forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre preserves the handprints and footprints of numerous stars, which is a distinct commemorative system from the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Dolby Theatre, adjacent to theTCL Chinese Theatre, is the long-time home of the Academy Awards ceremony. Sunset Blvd runs through the area, lined with tall, straight rows of palm trees, a quintessential classic street scene.Los Angeles · 17.1km from Santa Monica
Warner Bros. Studios Tour Hollywood
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in West Coast of the United States

Warner Bros. Studios Tour Hollywood

7.9
4.4/5
129 reviews
Warner Bros. Studios Tour Hollywood is a dream come true for movie and TV enthusiasts. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes secrets of filmmaking and experience it firsthand.HollywoodThe magic of Warner Bros. Studio has brought over 100 years of entertainment to the world, and with our Studio Tour, you'll get closer than ever to these amazing activities. During the Warner Bros. Studios Tour Hollywood, you can visit filming locations of classic American TV shows and movies, observe soundstages and sets up close, and experience the charm of movie locations. You'll have the opportunity to watch Foley artists create sound effects for films, learn about set construction processes, and uncover the mysteries of filmmaking. Our expert guide will accompany you, taking you behind the scenes to discover every detail of movie production. Whether you're a movie enthusiast or a curious visitor, the Warner Bros. Studios Tour Hollywood offers a unique perspective, giving you an in-depth look at how the entertainment industry operates. This attraction is not just a destination, but a bridge connecting you to the world of film and television. Get ready to begin yourHollywoodEmbark on an adventure and experience the magic of movies!Burbank · 20.5km from Santa Monica

Experiences you can't miss in Santa Monica

Featured Cultural experiences in Santa Monica

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Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour
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4.8/5
· 420 reviews· 25 booked
Duration: 9–10 hrs
Free cancellation
94.8% of travelers recommend
FromS$ 125.45
LA: Hop-on Hop-off Tour plus TMZ Hollywood Celebrity Tour
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FromS$ 126.73
Los Angeles Hollywood route sightseeing bus tour
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Duration: 7 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromS$ 153.64
1-day tour to the villa museum, Santa Monica State Beach and The Getty (self-booking)
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FromS$ 172.20
1-day private chartered tour to The Getty, Santa Monica State Beach and Battleship IOWA Museum
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FromS$ 172.20
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
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4.4/5
· 113 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromS$ 121.61
Santa Monica: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour
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4.7/5
· 138 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
93.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromS$ 62.88S$ 66.19

Featured Food & drink in Santa Monica

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Private E-Boat Cruise: Wine, Charcuterie and Sea Lion Spotting
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Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromS$ 704.01
Los Angeles #1: Luxury Boat Cruise-Wine, Cheese & Sea Lions
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1–1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromS$ 181.05S$ 190.58
Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 35+ Attractions
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromS$ 114.26S$ 120.28
Santa Monica: Delicious Donut & Sweet Treats Walking Tour
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Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromS$ 85.06S$ 89.54

Featured Day tours in Santa Monica

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The Getty + Hollywood Walk of Fame + Beverly Hills + Old Town Shared Transfer Day Tour
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3.9/5
· 7 reviews· 30 booked
Duration: 5.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
78 travellers saved
FromS$ 212.38
Full-day luxury bus tour in Los Angeles (join-in tour)
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Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromS$ 148.81
Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour
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Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromS$ 91.73
Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach
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5.0/5
· 18 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
FromS$ 198.41
Los Angeles urban tour | Hollywood-Beverly Hills-Santa Monica 1-day tour
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FromS$ 186.55

Free things to do in Santa Monica

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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.

The Getty

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205***5216 October 2026
5.0
Actually, the queue wasn't too long, but the speed pass saved a lot of time. It was easy to buy and the entry was smooth. The most fun ride was Mario. The roller coaster looked a bit scary, and although I was tempted, it wasn't suitable for older people, so I skipped it. Los Angeles is too sunny, so be sure to take precautions against the sun.

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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notmaxp29 August 2026
5.0
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend: Griffith observatory please

Griffith Observatory

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Yeasky 1518 January 2025
4.0
[Price/performance] is not an absolute advantage. [Fun] is definitely OK. There are no good attractions around. [Scenery] is also the usual American scenery, with blue sky and white clouds.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

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JojoinSG28 August 2023
5.0
Hollywood is a sight to see in the day. Lots of souvenir shops and photo moments but according to my friend it is not a place to be in the night. I am glad I got to see it.

Hollywood

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Scott_L3 October 2026
5.0
The place is really worth visiting so much nostalgia comes flooding back. There is a great bus tour of the outside where you see all of the sets that they use and which shows they are filming using them. There is a Jurassic park tunnel which is quite thrilling when you go through it and also the friends and big bangs sets which you can take pictures. Just one thing for the solo travelers, I needed a friend as they helped me take a picture by blasting the light in my face to take the picture with my phone , it didn't come out good. I needed the side angle which the professional uses but unfortunately I was traveling solo. It was a great experience and I loved it!

Warner Bros. Studios Tour Hollywood

Popular cities near Santa Monica

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Santa Monica?

Don't miss these attractions in Santa Monica: The Getty, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Santa Monica State Beach. If you like Cultural experiences, try Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Private E-Boat Cruise: Wine, Charcuterie and Sea Lion Spotting.

You can give Private E-Boat Cruise: Wine, Charcuterie and Sea Lion Spotting and Los Angeles #1: Luxury Boat Cruise-Wine, Cheese & Sea Lions a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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 The Getty + Hollywood Walk of Fame + Beverly Hills + Old Town Shared Transfer Day Tour, Full-day luxury bus tour in Los Angeles (join-in tour), and Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 18 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Santa Monica is around SGD 91.73 – SGD 212.38. 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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