Why visit
It is the postcard LA beach day, combining a vast sandy shore with a classic pier, amusement rides, and a buzzing boardwalk scene all in one place. For visitors without a car, it is also among the easiest world-class beaches to reach in the entire region.
The beach runs for miles of soft, flat sand backed by Palisades Park bluffs to the north and Venice to the south, with the Santa Monica Pier and its Pacific Park amusement rides as the central landmark. The paved Marvin Braude bike path threads along the shore here, letting visitors cycle or skate toward Venice and beyond. Lifeguard towers, restrooms, volleyball courts, and rental stands make it one of the most fully equipped beaches in the region. Because it is reachable by the Metro E Line and ringed by hotels, restaurants, and the Third Street Promenade, the beach draws large crowds, especially in summer and on warm weekends. The water is open for swimming with lifeguard supervision in season, and the gently sloping sand suits families and casual swimmers. Conditions, surf, and water quality can vary, so checking posted advisories before swimming is wise, particularly after rain.
History
Santa Monica developed as a seaside resort town in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and its beach and pier became central to Southern California's beach culture. The pier's carousel and later amusement attractions cemented the area as a destination, and the beach has long served as the western terminus of the historic Route 66.
Insider Tips
- ✦Take the Metro E Line to skip beach-parking stress entirely
- ✦Walk or bike south along the path toward Venice for a quieter stretch of sand
- ✦Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy the beach before crowds and afternoon wind arrive
Photo Tips
- 📸Frame the Santa Monica Pier sign and Ferris wheel from the sand at sunset
- 📸Shoot the bike path leading-line down the coast in early morning light
- 📸Capture the Pacific Park Ferris wheel lit up after dark from the beach
Before You Go
- ✓Check posted water-quality advisories before swimming, especially within 72 hours after rain
- ✓A common mistake is driving on a summer weekend and circling for parking — consider the Metro E Line instead
- ✓Confirm current pier amusement-park hours separately, as they differ from the beach
Visiting with family
Gently sloping sand, lifeguards, and the pier's amusement rides make this a top family beach. Pack sunscreen, water, and cash for parking and rides, and pick a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in the crowds.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Santa Monica State Beach FAQ
Is Santa Monica Beach free?
Yes, the beach itself is free. You only pay for parking if you drive, and pier amusement rides are priced individually.
Can you get to Santa Monica Beach without a car?
Yes. The Metro E Line connects downtown LA to Santa Monica and drops you within walking distance of the beach and pier.
Can you swim at Santa Monica State Beach?
Swimming is allowed with lifeguard supervision in season on the gently sloping sand. Check posted water-quality advisories first, especially after rain.
Nearby Neighborhoods
WestsideVenice Beach
Venice Beach is a free-spirited coastal neighborhood known for its carnival-like boardwalk, muscle-bound Muscle Beach, street performers, and canals. It's eclectic, artsy, and unpretentious, a place to people-watch and soak up offbeat LA energy. The mix of skate culture, public art, and beach life makes it one of the city's most distinctive spots.
WestsideMarina del Rey
Marina del Rey is a waterfront community built around one of the largest man-made small-craft harbors in the world. It's a relaxed base for boating, paddling, waterfront dining, and bike rides along the coast. The vibe is breezy, nautical, and unpretentious.
More Beaches in LA
BeachesVenice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant, eccentric oceanfront promenade famous for street performers, artists, and the open-air Muscle Beach gym. It's a free, free-spirited slice of LA culture where the beach, the skate park, and the carnival of vendors all blend together.
BeachesMalibu Pier
Malibu Pier is a historic wooden pier reaching into the Pacific beside the world-famous Surfrider Beach, offering ocean views, fishing, dining, and easy beach access. It is a relaxed gateway to Malibu's surf culture and coastline.
BeachesEl Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is a dramatic, secluded Malibu cove famous for its towering sea stacks, sea caves, and arches carved into the cliffs. Reached by a steep trail and stairs, it rewards visitors with one of the most photogenic stretches of coastline in Southern California.
BeachesZuma Beach
Zuma Beach is one of Malibu's largest and most popular sandy beaches, beloved for its wide shoreline, clean water, and reliable surf. With ample parking, lifeguards, and full facilities, it is a go-to spot for swimming, sunbathing, and a classic SoCal beach day.
Helpful Guides
BeachesThe Best Beaches in Los Angeles
From the family-friendly South Bay piers to Malibu's cliff-backed coves, here is how to pick the right stretch of LA sand for your day.
PlanningHow to Visit Los Angeles Without a Car
Yes, you can do LA car-free. Here's how to use the Metro rail, the beach, and a little planning to see the city without ever touching a steering wheel.
Santa Monica State Beach on the map
See Santa Monica State Beach and what's nearby in Santa Monica.
Map pins are approximate and for visitor planning only — they may not mark the exact entrance or parking. Please check official directions before visiting.
Places shown on this map (5)
- Santa Monica State Beach — Beaches
- Santa Monica Pier — Landmarks
- Palisades Park — Parks
- Venice Beach — Neighborhood
- Marina del Rey — Neighborhood