Santa Monica is an excitingly glamorous city filled with limitless possibilities. Located just a quick 15 minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport, Ocean View Hotel is situated on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Our coveted location distinguishes us from the other hotels in downtown Santa Monica by having our guests staying within walking distance of the city's most desirable attractions.
Venturing out from Ocean View Hotel will take you into the heart of the beach community. Overlooking the bay, downtown Santa Monica is composed of 30 city blocks of exclusive retail stores, casual and fine dining restaurants, and exciting entertainment venues.
A Southern California landmark since 1909, the historic and world-famous Santa Monica Pier is open year-round (with no admission charge). Featuring a Ferris wheel, roller-coaster, arcade, aquarium, fishing areas, five restaurants, various food vendors and a fully restored vintage carousel, the pier is an ideal place to spend a relaxing day or an exciting evening. Ocean View Hotel is located only two blocks away from this popular attraction, making us the most convenient of all the hotels near Santa Monica Pier.
Over the years this aesthetically rich site has also been the setting for countless film and television projects. With its boardwalk and wide sandy beach lined by the picturesque cliffs that border Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica Pier is as strikingly beautiful as it is entertaining. The pier's landmark entrance is the west coast spot where Tom Hanks ran to in Forest Gump, and its carousel was the site where Paul Newman and Robert Redford put the finishing touches on their con in The Sting.
In addition to its main attractions, Santa Monica Pier hosts a wide variety of special events throughout the year. From outdoor movie screenings and children's concerts to wine tastings and cooking demonstrations, the pier provides a unique combination of entertainment and culture.
Featuring over 200 of the area's finest shops, restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, theaters and art galleries, Third Street Promenade is a shopper's paradise. This chic shopping and entertainment district is only two short blocks to the north, making Ocean View Hotel the most convenient of all the hotels near 3rd Street Promenade.
From the latest in high-fashion to virtually anything you can imagine, Third Street Promenade features it all. Whether it's Zara, Bebe, Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters or the Rip Curl Pro Store, shopping on the promenade is a whirlwind of sophisticated style.
Entertainment at the promenade is as varied as it is cultivated. Catch the latest in acclaimed independent Hollywood films at the Santa Monica Laemmle or see your favorite author promoting their latest work at Barnes & Noble. If you're in the mood for a live theatre performance the Promenade Playhouse puts on various shows throughout the year, or you can simply watch a sidewalk show featuring some of the most interesting street performers in the world.
For those seeking more of a down to earth outing, Farmers' Market brings a wide selection of fresh California-grown organic produce to the city's streets. Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday morning you can pick up your favorite familiar and exotic fruits and vegetables while enjoying the warm sunshine and cool ocean breezes.
With Santa Monica Mall, the golden beach and various parks all within walking distance, Santa Monica is a dreamlike coastal town you may find yourself never wanting to leave. For the most affordable Santa Monica, CA, hotel, Ocean View Hotel has you staying right in the heart of all this excitingly glamorous city has to offer
Our fine city and the Greater Los Angeles area feature a wide array of entertaining and cultural events throughout the year. Search through our events blog for interesting things to do while vacationing in Santa Monica, California.
Date posted: 06/10/2013
Tags: show; musical; opera; theatre; disney; santa monica; dancing; staying in Santa Monica; creating arts company; singing; peter pan; sleeping beauty; winnie the pooh;
The Creating Arts Company has recreated three of the most popular Disney productions in history including Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty and Winnie the Pooh. Each show brings a unique twist to the fairytale classics and each one invites different age groups to attend.
Date posted: 05/22/2013
Tags: art; santa monica pier; santa monica; bubbles; staying in Santa Monica; bubble show; louis pearl; third street promenade; bubbleology; bubble science; tricks;
If you want to discover Santa Monica further, then make sure to attend the most entertaining Bubble Show in the world, known as the Amazing Bubble Man. This one-of-a-kind show is performed by the talented Louis Pearl who has learned the skill of ‘bubbling’ over 30 years.
Date posted: 05/03/2013
Tags: wine; culinary; los angeles; food festivals; food fests; Santa Monitca; staying in Santa Monica; food trucks; cuisines; venice beach;
Mingle with locals and tourists while sampling delicious food from neighboring restaurants and bakeries in Santa Monica. Food festivals are the perfect events to spend some quality time with family and friends.
Date posted: 04/09/2013
Tags: santa monica; Wine Tasting; fundraiser; cancer; stop cancer; hotel in santa monica; cancer research;
The STOP CANCER research organization has hosted many fundraising events with the goal of bringing communities together to bring awareness, hope, and support for effective cancer prevention and treatment. The upcoming wine tasting event provides seed funding.
Date posted: 04/05/2013
Tags: culture; theatre; dance; los angeles events; art museum;
From March 18 to April 26, more than 40 of Los Angeles’ leading museums and performance groups will participate in Discover the Arts: History, Culture, Science and More. You can save up to 50% on admission during and take advantage of special offers to enjoy your favorite museums or discover new...
Date posted: 03/06/2013
Tags: st patricks day; drinks; alcohol; santa monica events; bar crawl;
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Santa Monica this month with a bar crawl! Those staying in hotels around Santa Monica can take advantage of two days of bar crawls. Drink specials will be available at Barney’s Beanery both days for a great way to celebrate the spirit of the Irish!
Date posted: 03/04/2013
Tags: beach; bollywood; santa monica events; holi; indian events;
Are you looking for a fun way to spend a day at the beach? Those staying in hotels near Will Rogers State Beach can enjoy the spirit of Holi at Holi on the Beach 2013 on March 2013. You can support the cause of India’s development AID-Los Angeles/Orange County at the 6th celebration with over 1000..
Date posted: 02/27/2013
Tags: theatre; drama; santa monica events; musicals; plays;
March is a great time to check out a new show in Santa Monica! This month, from the company that brought 8 sold out months of “Sideways The Play” comes the never before staged musical comedy extravaganza “Paradise – A Divine Bluegrass Musical,” “LA Café Plays,” and “Library Girl.”
Date posted: 02/08/2013
Tags: astronomy; space; shows; planetarium; sky; night;
Those staying in hotels near Santa Monica College have the opportunity to witness the wonders of the sky this spring and summer. Santa Monica College’s planetarium presents “The Night Sky Show” on select Fridays March-August. It’s a great show to take the kids to see to learn about astronomy!
Date posted: 01/18/2013
Tags: theatre; los angeles; santa monica events; musicals; plays; perfomances;
Although the weather is often sunny in Los Angeles, winter is a great time to see a show while you are staying in the area. If you are staying in Santa Monica, you can see lots of unique shows and musicals, such as “Theatre in the Dark” and “Cinderella: The Musical.” Read about these plays below!
Date posted: 01/09/2013
Tags: music; theatre; dance; arts; poetry; santa monica events;
Winter is a great time to stay in and experience the arts. If you’re staying in hotels by Santa Monica beach this month, you can catch the 4th season of the Fireside Series at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Reed Park. There are still six events happening this month. The events feature...
Date posted: 12/05/2012
Tags: shopping; santa monica; Attractions; dining; los angeles events; walking tours;
For those staying in cheap Santa Monica hotels this year, booking a Santa Monica Walking Tour is a great way to discover hidden gems of this city by the beach. With a tour guide, you’ll experience the city in a fun and informative way. Tours will cover many local hot spots and attractions such...
Date posted: 12/04/2012
Tags: christmas; theatre; new years; live music; los angeles events; holidays; performances;
Are you staying in boutique hotels in Santa Monica for the holidays? If so, you can celebrate the season at the Santa Monica Playhouse. “Abuelita’s Christmas Carol” is a nostalgic and heartwarming holiday tale and you can bring in the New Year at “The Annual All-New One-Time Only New Year’s Eve...
Date posted: 11/13/2012
Tags: events; race; venice; los angeles; family friendly; 5K; 10K;
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays in Los Angeles! If you’re staying in Santa Monica boutique hotels after Thanksgiving, be sure to sign up for the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run! One of Los Angeles’ most popular running events, the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has a 5K and a...
Date posted: 11/05/2012
Tags: events; christmas; santa monica; holidays; ice skating; rink;
It may not be snowing in Los Angeles, but if you’re staying in affordable hotels in Santa Monica, you can still get a taste of winter with Ice at Santa Monica! Every holiday season since 2006, Downtown Santa Monica builds an outdoor ice skating rink to the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue to
Date posted: 10/16/2012
Tags: theatre; santa monica; los angeles events; performances; plays; chekhov; twilight zone;
Fall is a great time to experience the city of Los Angeles. If you are staying in beach hotels in Los Angeles before Thanksgiving, you can make your trip memorable by attending one of the two plays at the Odyssey Theatre on South Sepulveda Boulevard. All performances are completely different as...
Date posted: 10/01/2012
Tags: santa monica; los angeles events; halloween events; scary; los Angeles hotels by the beac;
If you’re staying in Los Angeles hotels by the beach this Halloween, you can experience the all new “Paranoia” at Santa Monica Place. Santa Monica will host its very own Halloween haunted attraction for the very first time from September 28 to October 31.
Date posted: 09/10/2012
Tags: art; beer; festivals; live music; santa monica; food trucks; los angeles events;
October is a great time to visit Santa Monica, and not just for Halloween! If you’re staying in Santa Monica beach hotels, consider attending Santa Monica’s answer to Oktoberfest, the Beer Art and Music Festival! The BAM Fest brings locally produced art and music to the heart of Santa Monica with...
Date posted: 09/06/2012
Tags: art; santa monica; los angeles events; independent; alternative;
Los Angeles is home to a vibrant art community that supported by art walks in major areas every month. One such event, Art Platform – Los Angeles, brings modern and contemporary art to the Santa Monica Airport. The festival is moving to Barker Hangar this year, just minutes from the beach, Santa...
Date posted: 08/29/2012
Tags: jazz; festival; beer; dance; los angeles; live music; oktoberfest; santa monica events;
If you are staying in Santa Monica hotels by the beach this September, there are plenty of festivals going on in the area! Enjoy the sunshine by the beach and listen to the tunes below!
Date posted: 08/01/2012
Tags: festival; arts; los angeles; live music; workshops; santa monica events; lessons; mobile;
iPhoneArt.com and the Santa Monica Art Studios bring the LA Mobile Arts Festival to Santa Monica. Arists of iPhoneography and underground mobile arts will be featured in nine days of interactive digital art—imagery, sound , video, sculpture and performance art at the Santa Monica airplane hangar...
Date posted: 07/24/2012
Tags: jazz; events; park; los angeles; live music; santa monica; Outdoor Event;
Santa Monica has no shortage of outdoor music events, with the Santa Monica Twilight Concert series on Thursdays. Starting in August, Santa Monica Cultural Affairs will bring Jazz on the Lawn to a new location at Stewart Street Park. Bring a picnic, blanket or chair and relax to some great tunes Sun
Date posted: 07/11/2012
Tags: art; culture; events; venice; los angeles; santa monica; community;
Los Angeles is a great place to discover up and coming artists through “art walks.” Art walks are free open galleries people can view while exploring an area. If you’re staying in cheap hotels in Santa Monica, venture off to Venice to look at some of the galleries at Venice Art Crawl. One of the...
Date posted: 06/20/2012
Tags: los angeles; live music; santa monica; Outdoor Events; food trucks; outdoor movies screenings;
Summer is officially here, and for a city close to Tinseltown, that means it’s the season of outdoor movies. With beautiful coastal weather, Santa Monica is the ideal place to unwind to a good flick underneath the stars. If you’re staying in a Santa Monica beach hotel, this is a perfect way to...
Date posted: 06/12/2012
Tags: beach; live music; Outdoor Event; los angeles events; santa monica events;
If you’re staying in hotels in Santa Monica CA this summer, you’ll have to check out the KCRW Twilight Concert Series on the Santa Monica Pier! It’s a summer tradition for the city now in its 28th year. Genres of music range from show tunes to street music, and musicians will travel from Mali...
Date posted: 05/15/2012
Tags: cycling; charity; ride; santa monica; bikes; fundraiser; spinning;
Do you love to spin? If you’re staying in hotels near Santa Monica beach you should sign up for Santa Monica’s Pedal on the Pier. The Harold Robinson Foundation will host an annual bike ride at the Santa Monica Pier. All proceeds will go towards a camp experience for underprivileged children...
Date posted: 05/01/2012
Tags: movies; los angeles; live music; santa monica; food trucks; screenings; bands;
Los Angeles isn’t the entertainment capital of the world for nothing! This summer, LA’s premier outdoor movie food truck and live music event series Eat|See|Hear returns for 17 straight weeks! The season kicks off Memorial Day Weekend on May 26th with “Anchorman” at the Memorial Greek Amphitheater
Date posted: 04/26/2012
Tags: festival; events; los angeles; live music; santa monica; earth; sustainable;
If you’re staying in a Santa Monica beach hotel in May be sure to check out the Santa Monica Festival! It’s a unique event that highlights the city’s communities, businesses, arts and the environment. The festival’s goal is to offer solutions for a greener, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Date posted: 04/09/2012
Tags: beach; santa monica; earth day; aquarium; los angeles events; conservation; cleanup;
Earth Day is April 21, and if you’re staying at hotels in Santa Monica, there’s a great way to celebrate and give back to the Earth. You can participate in the Nothing but Sand beach cleanup from 10am to 12pm on April 21 and receive FREE admission to the Santa Monica Aquarium!
Date posted: 03/26/2012
Tags: events; los angeles; santa monica; challenge; riddles; puzzles; physical;
Looking for a way to test your limits? If you’re staying in a hotel near Santa Monica pier, you can sign up to participate in the Santa Santa Monica Urban RaceMonica Great Urban Race on March 31. The Urban Race is an urban adventure involving 12 clues so that you can discover the city in mentally an
Date posted: 03/05/2012
Tags: charity; los angeles; celebrity; santa monica events; food & drink; high-profile;
If you love to eat and drink, here’s a great way to enjoy delicious cuisine and support a great cause at the same time. The Planned Parenthood Los Angeles Food Fare will be held Thursday, March 8 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. It’s a great opportunity to support Planned Parenthood after...
Date posted: 02/03/2012
Tags: fashion; los angeles; gem faire; jewelry; santa monica events;
Gem lovers, rejoice! The Gem Faire is coming to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on February 10-12. The Gem Faire is a community event open to the public with over 70 exhibitors. The full dealer list will be available on February 9th here. Guests also have a chance to win hourly door prizes...
Date posted: 01/09/2012
Tags: photography; vintage; santa monica events; arts events los angeles; los angeles arts month;
Are you a fan of photography? Come to the 21st photo l.a. exhibit in the historic Santa Monica Civic Auditorium for galleries, video and multimedia presentations. Photo l.a. is a convention that continues the discourse on photography in fine arts through vintage and contemporary displays...
Date posted: 12/12/2011
Tags: Pub Crawl; los angeles holiday events; santa monica events; food drives;
The holidays are a great time to get into the spirit of giving. If you’re staying in Santa Monica this December, there’s a great opportunity to enjoy local bars and donate food to the Westside Food Bank. Come out to the 3rd Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl on December 17 with some cash and get ready...
Date posted: 11/03/2011
Tags: christmas; live music; Outdoor Event; chartiy; beverly hills events; los angeles holiday events; horse and carriage; donations holiday shopping;
When you found out you’d be in Los Angeles this December, you were probably thinking that the weather would be nice. If you’ll be in Beverly Hills in December, however, the forecast is 100 percent chance of snow all along Rodeo Drive! It’s called Sparkle 90210; a night like no other in Los...
Date posted: 10/27/2011
Tags: los angeles events; green events; sustainability; santa monica farmers market; healthy living;
The Santa Monica Farmers Market is one of the largest farmer’s markets in all of Southern California. With four different locations in Santa Monica open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and other days seasonally, a wide array of produce and live entertainment is available to residents and...
Date posted: 09/16/2011
Tags: tour; hollywood; Halloween haunt; scavenger hunt; los angeles events;
Halloween is a great time to be in Los Angeles! Did you know that Los Angeles is the 5th most haunted city in the United States? Many souls with unresolved grudges still haunt the streets of this vast city. Halloween is a great time to see a new side of Los Angeles through the 5th Annual Haunted...
Date posted: 08/10/2011
Tags: fashion; shopping; los angeles; santa monica place; sales; Fashion's Night Out;
Fashion’s Night Out is back for its second year in the greater Los Angeles area and will once again showcase the diverse and artistic talent of LA’s fashion industry. While spread out over many fashion-related venues and stores, there will be a fun hub at Santa Monica Place where attendees can...
Date posted: 07/18/2011
Tags: music; jazz; outdoor; santa monica; food trucks;
Every Sunday throughout the month of August, enjoy jazz on the lawn in Santa Monica at the Santa Monica City Hall. Bring a picnic, blanket, or lawn chair to get comfy and relax while you soak up some smooth jazz tunes. During the show or afterwards, enjoy some cool treats from...
Date posted: 06/22/2011
Tags: shopping; santa monica; Montana Avenue; artwalk;
The 2nd Annual Montana Avenue Artwalk is here again and is sure to provide an evening of fun, food, and culture. On Thursday, July 21st, Montana Avenue in Santa Monica will be bustling with art lovers and casual window shoppers alike. The street will be transformed into a luminous art gallery...
Date posted: 05/09/2011
Tags: music; festival; los angeles; santa monica; ocean; surfing; paddleboards; nonprofit;
Spend a day of fun in the sun at the Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival. Join the Honolua Surf Co. on Saturday, June 11 as it starts off summer with a bang with paddleboard races, dory competitions, outrigger canoes, and live music. The event will also feature...
Date posted: 04/07/2011
Tags: entertainment; party; park; free; mexico; live music; fiesta; dancing; cinco de mayo;
Every year locals and tourists come to Virginia Avenue Park for the Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
Date posted: 03/04/2011
Tags: santa monica pier; earth day; aquarium; earth month; ocean; heal the bay;
Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is celebrating Earth Day and Earth Month with a festival April 16 and 17.
Date posted: 02/20/2011
Tags: entertainment; movies; mall; star; event; movie; santa monica place; spring;
Throughout the spring Santa Monica Place will be featuring a variety of classic movies out on its dining deck under the beautiful starlit L.A. sky.
Date posted: 01/05/2011
Tags: show; event; expo; vintage; style; clothes; chic; santa monica civic auditorium;
The Vintage Fashion Expo is coming to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 5, and Sunday, February 6.
Date posted: 12/11/2010
Tags: garden; party; event; disney; kids; santa monica;
On Saturday, January 22, the Disney Store at Santa Monica Place will be hosting a Disney Princess Garden Party.
Date posted: 11/20/2010
Tags: entertainment; culture; event; play;
The Ruskin Group Theatre proudly presents their adventurous rendition of Cyrano de Bergerac.
Date posted: 10/28/2010
Tags: family fun; holiday; event; winter; ice skate;
Every year downtown Santa Monica goes through a wonderful holiday transformation by setting up an ice-skating rink on the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue.
Date posted: 09/24/2010
Tags: music; event; contest; free; halloween; costume; pumpkin; festivities;
West Hollywood’s 23rd Annual Halloween Costume Carnaval takes place on Halloween night, Sunday October 31.
Date posted: 08/01/2010
Tags: art; entertainment; artists; free; festivals; fairs;
The Abbot Kinney Festival takes place this year on Sunday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Date posted: 07/31/2010
Tags: exhibit; beach; artist; visual arts; glow; all-night;
On September 25, 2010, Glow and all of its exciting splendor will be returning to Santa Monica State Beach.
Date posted: 06/28/2010
Tags: entertainment; music; concert; santa monica pier;
Throughout the summer the Santa Monica Pier hosts free concerts that feature a variety of talented musical artists from around the world.
Date posted: 05/14/2010
Tags: santa monica pier; beach; sun protection; hawaiian tropic;
Visit the Hawaiian Tropic® Cabana during their Beauty of Sun Protection Tour from June 24 through July 10 at the Santa Monica Pier.
Date posted: 04/02/2010
Tags: photography; exhibition;
The Peter Fetterman Gallery will be showcasing In the Presence of Paul Caponigro from April 3 to June 10. The exhibition features beautiful landscapes and still life photographs of one of the last American masters of photography.
Date posted: 03/14/2010
Renoir in the 20th Century focuses on the last three decades of Renoir’s career, and will be on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art from Feb. 14 thru May 9.
Date posted: 02/04/2010
Tags: valentine's day; restaurant;
Michael’s garden patio is a beautiful setting that is one of the most romantic in town. On Feb. 14 they will hosting a luxurious and romantic Valentine’s evening dinner with a special menu that will light up the passion between you and your loved one.
Date posted: 01/18/2010
Tags: museum; skateboard;
The California Heritage Museum will be presenting SKATEBOARD: Evolution and Art in California until May 30, 2010.
Date posted: 12/01/2009
On Saturday, Dec. 12, the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run & Walk will start and finish at the beach in Santa Monica, running throughout Venice and along the city's famous boardwalk.