Day trip suggestion: Santa Monica & Venice by car
Drive from 1 Hotel West Hollywood to Santa Monica and Venice in a single day by taking Sunset/SM Blvd west: off-peak it’s about an 11–12 mile drive (roughly 15–20 minutes) to Santa Monica, with Venice reachable en route in about 15 minutes by car from West Hollywood. Plan parking at each stop, leave valuables out of sight, and allow extra time for traffic during peak hours.
In this guide
Start at 1 Hotel West Hollywood
Meet at the hotel lobby and collect directions from the 24-hour front desk. If you’re driving your own car or a rental, valet parking is available on-site for a surcharge and offers in-and-out privileges; the property does not advertise free self-parking.
Choose a room to suit your group: City Room or Skyline King for compact stays, or a One Bedroom Suite or Loft Suite if you want separate living space before and after your day on the coast.
- Address: 8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
- Front desk open 24 hours; standard check-in 4:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel
| Hotel Services | Useful detail |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Available for a surcharge with in-and-out privileges |
| Complimentary shuttle | Area shuttle operates within a 2–3 mile radius |
| Rooftop pool | Heated, open daily 8:00 AM–sunset (photo 115) |
Best driving route and timing
From the hotel go west on Sunset Boulevard/Sunset Strip toward Santa Monica: this is the most direct route to the coast. Off-peak travel to Santa Monica State Beach is commonly about 15–20 minutes; allow substantially more during morning and evening rush hours.
Venice is typically reached slightly earlier than Santa Monica if you head south off of Lincoln Boulevard or Ocean Avenue; sample day-trip guides list Venice as roughly a 15-minute drive from West Hollywood.
- Off-peak: Santa Monica ≈ 15–20 minutes (about 11–12 miles)
- Rush hour: expect travel times to increase — add 30 minutes or more
- Consider leaving earlier in the morning to find easier parking at the beach
| Destination | Typical drive time from 1 Hotel West Hollywood |
|---|---|
| Venice Beach | About 15 minutes (varies with traffic) |
| Santa Monica Pier / State Beach | About 15–20 minutes off-peak (11–12 miles) |
Santa Monica: pier, beach, and nearby stops
Start at the Santa Monica Pier for the classic boardwalk, views, and people-watching; the wide beach along Ocean Avenue is the main public stretch. Public parking garages and metered street parking are available near the Pier and along Ocean Avenue, but can fill up quickly on weekends.
If you prefer shopping or a café break, head to the Third Street Promenade a few blocks inland from the pier; it’s a pedestrian shopping and dining area with multiple parking options nearby.
- Pier boardwalk and beach access
- Third Street Promenade for shopping and cafés
- Public parking garages and metered street parking — arrive early on weekends
| Activity | Why go |
|---|---|
| Walk the Pier | Scenic views and classic boardwalk atmosphere |
| Beach time | Wide sandy public beach adjacent to the Pier |
| Third Street Promenade | Shopping and cafés a short walk inland |
Venice: boardwalk, canals, and local food
Venice Beach’s Boardwalk is lively and eclectic: expect street performers, vendors, and small shops along Ocean Front Walk. If you want a quieter stroll, the Venice Canals Historic District is a short drive and offers tree-lined walkways and restored 20th-century homes.
Parking in Venice can be limited. Street parking and small lots exist near the boardwalk; consider using a public parking garage in Santa Monica and then drive south to Venice if lots are full.
- Ocean Front Walk (boardwalk) for street life and vendors
- Venice Canals for a calmer walk and photos
- Plan extra time to find beach-area parking
| Neighborhood | Good for |
|---|---|
| Venice Boardwalk | People-watching, street vendors, snacks |
| Venice Canals | Quieter strolls and architecture photos |
Where to eat during the day
Both Santa Monica and Venice have many casual cafés and seaside snack options. If you’d rather stay at the hotel before or after your trip, 1 Kitchen on the lobby level serves breakfast and lunch (daily 7:00 AM–3:00 PM), and Juniper Lounge and Garden offers cocktails and light bites in an indoor‑outdoor setting.
For rooftop dining when you return in the evening, Harriet’s Rooftop serves Pan‑Asian–inspired plates and cocktails with panoramic LA views (hours vary by day; Harriet’s maintains an upscale casual dress code).
- 1 Kitchen (lobby level): breakfast & lunch, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Juniper Lounge and Garden: cocktails and small plates (3:00 PM–11:00 PM Sun–Thu, to midnight Fri–Sat)
- Harriet’s Rooftop: rooftop bar and seasonal plates (evening service; reservations recommended)
| On-site venue | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| 1 Kitchen | 7:00 AM–3:00 PM (daily) |
| Juniper Lounge and Garden | 3:00 PM–11:00 PM (Sun–Thu); to midnight Fri–Sat |
| Harriet’s Rooftop | Evening hours vary; check for specific day |
Return and post-beach options at the hotel
After the beach, dry off and relax at the rooftop pool deck (the heated pool is open daily 8:00 AM–sunset; pool rules restrict professional photography and do not allow pets on the pool deck). Cabana rentals and a Pool Bar operate during daytime hours.
If you want spa time, Bamford Wellness Spa is on the East Tower second floor with a menu of treatments and set hours; the Field House Gym is open 24 hours if you’d rather exercise off the sand before evening plans.
- Rooftop pool open 8:00 AM–sunset; Pool Bar hours vary by day
- Bamford Wellness Spa located on 2nd floor of East Tower (book ahead)
- The Field House Gym open 24 hours for hotel guests
| Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pool Bar | Daytime hours; light fare and cocktails |
| Bamford Wellness Spa | Pre-book treatments; check spa hours |
| Field House Gym | Open 24 hours; complimentary fitness classes available weekly |
Practical tips and traffic notes
Traffic in Los Angeles is variable. The 11–12 mile distance to Santa Monica is a short drive off-peak but allow extra buffer time for morning and evening commutes. If you’re on a tight schedule, avoid the primary rush hours.
Bring sunscreen, park legally (ticketing is common in beach neighborhoods), and keep valuables out of sight when leaving a parked car. Ask the front desk about the hotel’s complimentary area shuttle if you prefer to limit driving.
- Expect 15–20 minutes off-peak to Santa Monica; add time during rush hour
- Street parking enforcement is active — use garages if unsure
- Hotel offers a complimentary area shuttle within a 2–3 mile radius
| If you want less driving | Option |
|---|---|
| Use hotel shuttle | Within about 2–3 miles — check availability at front desk |
| Public transit | Several Metro bus lines serve West Hollywood but will be slower than driving |
| Rideshare | Convenient for one-way travel and finding parking later |
