Sun, sand, and celebrities in Downtown Santa Monica
Just steps from the pier, Downtown Santa Monica is the beating heart of the iconic beachside neighborhood. Whether you want to give your credit card a workout in Santa Monica Place, rub shoulders with celebrities on Third Street Promenade or embark on an urban farming walking tour, Downtown Santa Monica vacation rentals unlock a local experience in LA's quirkiest neighborhood. Foodies will be in their element, with everything from organic salads to artisan gelato on offer. Wash it all down at a trendy bar where you can sip your way through Napa Valley favorites.
Hit up LA's best street scene in Downtown Santa Monica
Attracting veterans like Judd Apatow, Chris Tucker, and Howie Mandel, the M.i. Westside Comedy Theater is a favorite with locals. If you want to escape the Californian sunshine why not spend a few hours at the Santa Monica History Museum? The Santa Monica Conservancy is another cultural highlight, immersing visitors in more than a century of SoCal history. If you're in search of free entertainment nothing beats the scene down on Third Street Promenade. From sun up to sun down, the strip is a mecca for street performers.
Stroll Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade
Stretching for 3 blocks, Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade is the heart and soul of the downtown core. The pedestrianized strip is lined with a fantastic selection of restaurants serving up locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails. Anchoring the southern end of the promenade is open-air Santa Monica Place, home to almost 100 retailers. There's even a concierge service which means you can shop until you drop, then have your bags delivered straight to your Downtown Santa Monica vacation rental. If you prefer specialty boutiques over big-name brands venture down the streets that branch off the main promenade.
An oasis of green space near Downtown Santa Monica
Backing onto the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica is one of the world's most recognizable urban beaches. If you don't want sand in your toes, palm-lined Palisades Park is a great place for a sunset stroll. Or, why not grab takeout and enjoy an impromptu picnic on the grassy lawns that overlook Ocean Avenue? The multimillion dollar Tongva Park is another urban oasis, covering a lush 6-acre footprint.