
Santa Monica/Go Surf LA Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Ready to ride the real California wave? Go Surf LA is your gateway to surf culture. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider, expert coaching, top-tier boards, and perfect waves await right on Santa Monica Beach. Strap on your board, catch that swell, and feel the rush of flying over water—the ultimate sense of freedom. And after the ride? A classic beachside hot dog makes the perfect finish.











Everything you need to know about Go Surf LA
The Malibu Beach Inn is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Go Surf LA and nestled along Santa Monica's scenic coastline. This boutique hotel features Mediterranean-inspired architecture and private ocean-view terraces, with select rooms offering breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean sunrise. Guests enjoy complimentary bicycle rentals to explore nearby surf spots and attractions. Nearby, the iconic The Original Farmers Market offers delicious dining options. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic California beach culture and surfing adventures.
Santa Monica Marriott Hotel & Spa is ideal for surfers, located just 300 meters (about a 5-minute walk) from Go Surf LA. The hotel provides free parking, 24-hour room service, an indoor pool, and a fully equipped fitness center. Its prime location places guests within easy reach of the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, perfect for post-surf relaxation and shopping. Additionally, the hotel partners with local surf instructors to offer private lessons, making it a great choice for beginners looking to catch their first wave efficiently.
After surfing, head to the Santa Monica Pier to ride the iconic Ferris wheel and visit the Seafood Market. Take a scenic ride on the Electric Trolley that circles the coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific shoreline and golden sunset panoramas. For cultural immersion, attend the daily Sunset Concert Series held at Ocean Avenue Plaza. Don’t miss The Original Farmers Market, where you can savor local favorites like tacos al pastor and artisanal ice cream—perfect for unwinding after a day on the waves.
Near Go Surf LA in Santa Monica, The Malibu Pier Hotel stands out with dedicated surf gear rentals and certified instructors on-site, just a 5-minute walk from the beach. Its rooms feature coastal-inspired design and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean sunrise. Another top choice is Santa Monica Beachfront Hotel, offering a rooftop lounge for surfers and hosting regular surf workshops and beach yoga sessions. Both hotels provide complimentary electric shuttle service to key surfing spots like Pico Boulevard and Ocean Avenue, ensuring seamless access to prime waves and local surf culture.
From LAX, take the FlyAway Bus to the Santa Monica Airport Station, a 30-minute ride, then transfer to Metro Bus Line 21 or use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft for a direct trip. For convenience, both The Malibu Pier Hotel and Santa Monica Beachfront Hotel offer pre-booked airport shuttles ($60–$80 round-trip), including luggage handling and door-to-door service—ideal for surf travelers. Alternatively, rent a bike via Metro Bike Share and cruise along Ocean Ave, enjoying scenic ocean views while reducing carbon footprint—a sustainable and scenic option.
Beyond standard lessons, Go Surf LA offers exclusive experiences like sunset surf tours—gliding through the waves off Santa Monica Pier as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon, with professional photographers capturing every moment. The Double Board Surf program is perfect for beginners and families. Each summer, the Surf & Sound Festival transforms the beach near Pacific Park into a vibrant hub featuring surf competitions and live music. Some nearby hotels also host surf-themed dinners featuring fresh seafood and ocean-view dining, blending California’s culinary and surf cultures into one unforgettable evening.
See what other travelers say about Go Surf LA

Staying at The Eden in Santa Monica was an absolute dream come true. It was our first visit to the city, and from the moment we arrived, everything felt perfect. The room was spacious, beautifully designed, and incredibly comfortable—just what we needed after a long journey. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, attentive service, making us feel right at home. The pool and hot tub area is serene and stylish, especially in the evening when the lights come on—it’s the ideal spot to unwind. The atmosphere throughout the hotel is calm, elegant, and inviting. Plus, being just a short walk from downtown and public transit made exploring the city so easy. Every detail, from the decor to the quiet ambiance, reflects thoughtfulness and quality. If you’re planning a trip to Santa Monica, this hotel should be at the top of your list. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Staying at Ocean Lodge Santa Monica Beach Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—practically steps from the Santa Monica Pier, with easy access to beaches, restaurants, and local attractions. The room was spotless, cozy, and thoughtfully designed, making it feel like a home away from home. From the warm welcome to the attention to detail, every aspect of the stay exceeded expectations. I’ll definitely be returning on my next trip to the area and highly recommend this gem to anyone visiting Santa Monica.

Staying at Cal Mar Hotel Suites was an absolute delight for our family of five. The space is generously sized, making it perfect for both relaxing and dining in—no need to worry about cramped quarters or crowded tables. The rooms are well-designed, spotlessly clean, and packed with thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home. What really stood out was the location: just a short walk from Santa Monica Beach and surrounded by great dining options. Compared to other four-star hotels we've stayed at, this one offers far better value and convenience. Friendly staff, excellent amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere—it’s definitely a top pick for any family trip.

I was extremely disappointed with this property. I initially booked through a platform and had a free cancellation option, yet they charged me for the first night despite still being within the cancellation window—due to a date error. When I rebooked, we canceled the day before because of troubling reviews about the hotel. I accepted the $217 cancellation fee without issue, but then the hotel charged me the full amount of $651 instead! That’s completely unacceptable. To make matters worse, the place itself is a disaster. We encountered French guests who stayed only one night and left immediately—they mentioned cockroaches, filthy conditions, and unbearable noise. The room was not clean, the building felt rundown, and the overall experience was far below any standard I’d expect. Avoid this hotel at all costs—it’s not worth the money or the stress.

The hotel is incredibly convenient, just a short walk from Santa Monica Beach and surrounded by great dining options and shops. The room was clean, spacious, and the bed was super comfortable—perfect for a good night's sleep. The breakfast was outstanding: generous portions with a wide variety of fresh options including juice, hot dishes, pastries, and eggs. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes your day start right. Staff were friendly and attentive, and overall, the value for money is excellent. I’d definitely stay here again.

This budget-friendly hotel is an absolute gem! Located just steps away from the transit stop and nestled in a safe, convenient neighborhood, it’s perfect for travelers who value both comfort and affordability. The area is lively yet peaceful, with plenty of local eateries and shops within walking distance. I was impressed by how clean and well-maintained the rooms were—great value for the price. Whether you're here for a quick weekend getaway or exploring Santa Monica, this hotel delivers on every front. Definitely a top pick!

I arrived earlier than check-in time, but the staff welcomed me immediately and got me checked in without any hassle. The owners are a lovely couple—so warm and flexible with their service that it felt like staying at a friend’s place. The garden on-site is absolutely beautiful—peaceful, well-maintained, and perfect for relaxing after a long day. It’s super convenient too: there are plenty of restaurants nearby, a 7-Eleven right across the street, and fast food options just steps away. I’m already planning my next trip to Santa Monica just so I can come back here. This place has a genuine charm and excellent value—you won’t regret booking with the platform.

Staying at Sea Blue Hotel was a great experience overall. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from Santa Monica Pier and Muscle Beach, making it super convenient for exploring the area on foot. The property itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a nice modern vibe. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room to relax after a day of sightseeing. While there’s no air conditioning, the weather was pleasantly cool during our visit, and the fan in the room worked perfectly to keep things breezy. One thing to note is that the neighborhood can get a bit noisy at night, especially if you leave the window open—something we were aware of and managed accordingly. We felt safe during the day, but walking back late at night, we noticed a few people around who made us cautious. That said, it’s more reflective of the local area than anything the hotel did wrong. Overall, the value for money is excellent, the staff were friendly, and the central location makes it hard to beat. I’d definitely stay here again.

Staying at Pavilions Motel in Santa Monica was an absolute delight. Right next to the beach and just a short walk from the pier, it's perfect for those who love easy access to coastal vibes. The motel itself is clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly cozy—my room was compact but thoughtfully designed with all the essentials. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept like a baby every night. What really stood out was the staff—friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. They even gave me some great local dining tips that made my trip even better. For the price, this place offers incredible value. If you're looking for a relaxed, no-frills stay in a prime location, this is definitely the spot.

I stayed at Palm Motel for just one night, and I was genuinely impressed. The property was spotless and quiet—perfect for a relaxing getaway. My room was cozy and well-furnished, with everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The staff were incredibly polite and attentive, always ready to help with anything. I’ll admit I was a little nervous at first about the shared bathroom setup since it was my first time staying in such a space. But honestly, it wasn’t an issue at all—during my entire stay, I never encountered anyone else using the facilities while I was in there. Privacy was respected, and the bathrooms were kept clean and well-maintained. For a budget-friendly option in Santa Monica, this place offers excellent value. I’d definitely recommend it to travelers looking for a quiet, clean, and welcoming base.

Staying at Hotel Carmel Santa Monica was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to Santa Monica Beach and the Pacific Park amusement area, with everything you need within easy reach. I loved strolling along the nearby pedestrian street for dinner and shopping; there’s such a vibrant mix of restaurants and boutiques. The hotel itself offers excellent amenities and top-notch service—clean rooms, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s clear they care about guest comfort. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Santa Monica.

I stayed here during my English language course in Santa Monica, and it was a great experience. The breakfast was simple but included, which was a nice touch—especially helpful when you're on a tight schedule. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making the stay feel welcoming and stress-free. That’s why I ended up rebooking for a longer stay. The location is excellent—close to everything, and super convenient for getting to class by public transit. Overall, a fantastic value with a warm, reliable vibe. Definitely coming back.
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