Santa Monica, CA vacation rentals: Houses & more

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Destination guide

Experience Santa Monica from vacation home rentals

Attracting everyone from surf dudes and superstars, to dreamers and drifters, Santa Monica is one of California's most popular beach districts. Get your L.A. getaway off to a great start by booking a Santa Monica vacation rental right on the beach. Promising endless miles of blonde sandy beaches, whether you want to ride the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier, learn to surf, or just hang out with the artists at the Bergamot Station Arts Center, there's something here for everyone.

Things to do

Places to visit near Santa Monica vacation homes

Santa Monica Pier is one of L.A's most iconic landmarks. Built in 1908, it extends out a quarter of a mile into the Pacific Ocean. As well as home to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, it boast classic fairground rides and buzzy arcades. In the summer, free music concerts draws the crowds from dawn 'til dusk. If you prefer a little culture, then don't miss a visit to the Bergamot Station Arts Center. Housed in an edgy former trolley station, it has dozens of cool art galleries, plus a rolling calendar of temporary exhibitions.

Activities

Activities near Santa Monica vacation homes

Santa Monica is all about sun, sea, and sandy beaches. At its heart is Santa Monica Beach, a wide swathe of buttery sands popular with locals and visitors alike. Book a surf lesson from one of the many surf schools, play beach volleyball, or take a sunrise yoga class right on the sands. After a busy day of relaxing, kick back on the deck of your Santa Monica vacation rental and watch the sun set with a cold brew. After dark, why not venture down to Main Street for some great Mexican food.

Weather

Local weather for your stay in Santa Monica vacation homes

Santa Monica benefits from a mild, temperate climate all year round and promises plenty of sunshine and blue skies. In the summer, the coast is generally around 10 degrees cooler than inland, but temperatures still reach a balmy 70-80 degrees. It's the peak time for visitors, and Santa Monica vacation rentals often get snapped up in advance. Winter is the wettest season, although it still brings plenty of sunshine. While temperatures rarely fall below 50 degrees, pack a light jacket and an umbrella just to be on the safe side.

Natural features

Where there's a Will, there's a hiking way

Located 15 miles west of Downtown L.A., Santa Monica is a buzzy beach suburb overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While there are plenty of jogging and rollerblading routes in Santa Monica, for hardier hikes, you'll need to venture a 15-minute drive north to Will Rogers State Historic Park. Perched on the western tip of the Santa Monica Mountains, it has a number of popular public trails running through the 186-acre ranch. For the best views of Santa Monica and the ocean, try Inspiration Point trail, a 2-mile dirt path to a well-known lookout.

How to get there

Traveling to and around Santa Monica

Fly into Santa Monica, CA (SMO-Santa Monica Municipal), the closest airport, located 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.), which is 7.1 mi (11.5 km) away.

Family friendly

Family fun near Santa Monica vacation homes

If you're traveling with family, you'll find an array of kid-friendly attractions for fun and excitement. Vacation rentals are available near places like Pacific Park, a seaside amusement park with roller coasters, eateries, and arcades, and Heal the Bay Aquarium, a marine center with local species, hands-on exhibits, and touch tanks. Kids will also like the Museum of Flying, a museum with aircraft and aviation artifacts on display.

Good for couples

Romantic vacation rentals in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has an abundance of romantic locations to explore on a couple’s retreat. Vacation homes can be found near places like Downtown Santa Monica, a posh retail, dining, and entertainment area on a stylish promenade, and Palisades Park, a parkland with palm trees, walking trails, and expansive ocean views. You could also visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a busy promenade with shops and street performers.

Can I find a vacation rental around Santa Monica?

Yes, our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 2,014 vacation rentals near Santa Monica. From 948 Houses to 613 Condos/Apartments, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Santa Monica for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What is the best area to stay when traveling to Santa Monica?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Santa Monica:

Ocean Park: 385 vacation rentals
Sunset Park: 111 vacation rentals
Downtown: 62 vacation rentals
Wilshire Montana: 90 vacation rentals
North of Montana: 82 vacation rentals

For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

What are the popular points of interest near where I can stay when traveling to Santa Monica?

HomeAway offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Santa Monica. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Santa Monica Pier: 747 vacation rentals
Original Muscle Beach: 3,089 vacation rentals
Santa Monica Place: 3,108 vacation rentals
Santa Monica College: 3,091 vacation rentals
Bergamot Station Arts Center: 3,152 vacation rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Santa Monica listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Houses in Santa Monica?

Yes, of course. HomeAway has 948 Houses in Santa Monica. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Santa Monica include:

Condos/Apartments: 613 rentals available
Villas: 55 rentals available
Cottages: 75 rentals available

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Bungalows and more.

Can I find a vacation rental with pool in Santa Monica?

Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 549 vacation rentals with pool available in Santa Monica. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.