A practical day trip: Santa Monica beach and pier from downtown
Start downtown at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites and plan about a 15–20 minute drive to Santa Monica Pier in light traffic, or take public transit (Metro E Line plus a connecting bus) in under an hour. Leave midmorning to avoid peak freeway traffic and bring a light jacket for ocean breezes and possible morning marine layer.
In this guide
Why Santa Monica is a good day trip from downtown
Santa Monica Pier is Los Angeles’ closest major beach destination to Downtown and offers a compact mix of sand, seaside attractions, and restaurants that fits into a single afternoon or full day. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites is in the Financial District, so travel time can be short by car when traffic is light.
If you want to avoid long transfers, driving is usually the fastest option; public transit is available and typically takes under an hour using the Metro E Line plus a bus connection. Plan around LA traffic patterns (midday and evenings can be busier).
- Quick drive time in light traffic: about 15–20 minutes to Santa Monica Pier (dossier references).
- Transit option: Metro E Line to a westside connection plus local bus — total trip often under an hour (dossier references).
- Bring a jacket for daytime ocean breeze and morning marine layer.
| Good for | Why |
|---|---|
| A single-afternoon outing | Short travel time from downtown |
| Photography or sunset | Pier and coastline views |
| Casual dining and walking | Restaurants and boardwalk atmosphere |
Getting there — drive, rideshare, or transit
By car or rideshare you’ll usually take one of the freeways that connect downtown to the west side; travel time varies widely with traffic, but in light conditions the hotel is roughly a 15–20 minute drive to Santa Monica Pier. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites is one block from the Harbor Freeway, which is one common route west.
If you prefer public transit, walk to 7th Street/Metro Center (about a 6–10 minute walk from the hotel) and take the Metro E Line and a connecting westbound bus; combined this option is typically under an hour. Check current Metro schedules and bus connections before you go as times and routes change.
- Drive or rideshare: usually fastest off-peak — allow extra time during rush hours.
- Transit: walk to 7th Street/Metro Center, take Metro E Line then transfer to a westbound bus — under an hour journey typical.
- Plan: check live traffic and Metro updates (schedules vary by time and day).
| Option | Pros | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drive / Rideshare | Fastest in light traffic | Travel time varies with rush-hour congestion |
| Public transit | Predictable schedule off-peak | Typical door-to-pier under an hour with one transfer |
Suggested timing and what to pack
Leave the hotel midmorning for a stress-free day or later in the afternoon to catch sunset at the pier; both options work depending on whether you want beach time or a sunset view. Weekends and summer afternoons are busier at the pier and along the boardwalk.
Packing is simple: comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket, water, and a portable charger. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear and a towel; the hotel has a heated outdoor pool on the Plaza Pool Deck if you want to swim before you leave or after you return.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Light jacket for ocean breeze and morning marine layer
- Comfortable shoes for walking the pier and nearby Third Street Promenade
- Portable charger and water bottle
| If you want to… | Bring |
|---|---|
| Watch sunset | Jacket and camera |
| Walk the boardwalk | Comfortable shoes |
| Swim at the beach | Swimwear and towel |
Where to eat and drink near the pier
Santa Monica has a wide range of casual restaurants and snack stands on the pier and nearby streets; if you prefer dinner back downtown, LA Prime and BonaVista Lounge at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites provide steakhouse dining and a revolving cocktail lounge with panoramic city views.
LA Prime is the hotel’s steakhouse on the 35th floor and is open most evenings (closed Monday–Tuesday); BonaVista Lounge is the revolving 34th-floor lounge that opens evenings (closed Monday–Tuesday). For quick coffee or grab-and-go during your outing, the hotel’s CafeNOW is open early and late and could be a spot to pick up a beverage before you depart.
- At the hotel: LA Prime (35th floor) — fine-dining steakhouse; BonaVista Lounge (34th floor) — revolving cocktail lounge.
- CafeNOW at the hotel: grab-and-go coffee and snacks, open early to late.
- On the pier: a variety of casual and seasonal options — check local listings on the day of travel.
| Hotel dining | Notes |
|---|---|
| LA Prime | Steakhouse on 35th floor; closed Monday–Tuesday; reservations via OpenTable recommended |
| BonaVista Lounge | Revolving lounge on 34th floor; evening hours vary |
A short walking plan at Santa Monica Pier
Start at the end of the pier to take in ocean views and the pier’s amusement area, then walk the length of the pier and return to explore the nearby beachfront. If you like shopping or a pedestrianized street, the Third Street Promenade is a few blocks inland and offers shops and restaurants within a quick walk from the pier.
Pacing: a relaxed stroll and a casual meal or snack can fit comfortably into a 3–4 hour outing; add more time if you plan to visit multiple attractions or the beach itself.
- Walk to the pier’s end for unobstructed ocean views
- Return and explore the boardwalk vendors and beachfront path
- Optionally head inland to Third Street Promenade for shopping and cafés
| Activity | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Pier walk and photos | 30–60 minutes |
| Boardwalk and snacks | 30–60 minutes |
| Third Street Promenade visit | 45–90 minutes |
Back at the hotel — recovery and options after the day trip
After a day at the coast, the hotel offers on-site options to unwind: the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio is complimentary if you want an active cooldown, and the on-site DE SUAR Spa operates daily for scheduled treatments (reservations recommended). The Plaza Pool Deck is a heated outdoor pool on the fourth floor with an accessible entrance if you prefer a quieter swim with city views.
For evening dining or drinks, LA Prime and BonaVista Lounge are available on select nights; check each venue’s hours as they vary and some are closed early in the week. If you need help arranging transport back from the beach, the hotel concierge can advise on current options.
- WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio — complimentary for guests.
- DE SUAR Spa — operates daily 10 AM–7 PM; reservations recommended and it is independently operated.
- Plaza Pool Deck — heated outdoor pool on fourth floor, accessible entrance.
| Hotel amenity | Best for |
|---|---|
| Plaza Pool Deck | A relaxed swim with city views after a beach day |
| DE SUAR Spa | Scheduled massages, facials (reservations recommended) |
| BonaVista Lounge / LA Prime | Evening drinks or dinner (check hours) |
