Santa Monica Beach stretches three and a half miles along the Pacific, anchored by one of the most recognizable landmarks in Southern California: the Santa Monica Pier. This is the beach that shows up in movies, TV shows, and Instagram feeds around the world, and it lives up to the hype without feeling like a tourist trap.
The pier opened in 1909, making it the oldest pleasure pier on the West Coast. Today it’s home to Pacific Park, a compact amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel that lights up at night, a roller coaster, arcade games, and carnival food. The pier also hosts free concerts during summer and remains open year-round.
The Beach Itself
Santa Monica Beach is wide, clean, and well-maintained. The sand is soft, the water is swimmable most of the year (though chilly—bring a wetsuit if you’re planning to stay in long), and lifeguards are on duty daily during summer and on weekends the rest of the year.
The bike path that runs along the beach connects Santa Monica to Venice Beach to the south and Will Rogers State Beach to the north. You can rent bikes, electric bikes, or scooters from multiple vendors near the pier. The 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also called The Strand) is one of the best urban bike rides in the country.
Parking is the main challenge. The lots along the beach charge around $15 to $25 per day depending on season and time. Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays if you want a spot. Street parking north of the pier in the residential neighborhoods is free but fills up quickly.
Where to Eat and Drink
Skip most of the pier restaurants—they’re overpriced and underwhelming. Instead, head to the Third Street Promenade or Main Street, both a few blocks inland.
For seafood with an ocean view, The Albright on the pier is the exception worth making. Their fish tacos and clam chowder are solid, and the patio overlooks the water.
On Main Street, Blue Plate Oysterette serves excellent oysters and fish dishes in a relaxed setting. Cassia, also on Main, offers California-meets-Southeast Asian food that’s worth the splurge. Tar & Roses in the southern end of Santa Monica does wood-fired everything and has one of the best wine lists in the area.
For casual eating, Bay Cities Italian Deli on Lincoln Boulevard makes the Godmother sandwich—a Southern California legend. Order it online ahead of time to skip the line.
Beyond the Beach
Santa Monica isn’t just sand and surf. The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only shopping district with chain stores, street performers, and plenty of people-watching. It’s more crowded and touristy than it used to be, but still worth a walk-through.
Main Street, a few blocks south, has a more local feel with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cafes. The Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings is one of the best in Los Angeles—chefs from across the city shop here.
Palisades Park runs along the bluffs above the beach for 26 blocks. It’s perfect for a sunset walk, a morning jog, or just sitting on a bench watching the ocean. The views stretch from Malibu to Palos Verdes on clear days.
When to Visit
Santa Monica has good weather year-round, but June through August brings the biggest crowds and the warmest water temperatures (still only around 65°F). September and October offer the best combination of warm air, smaller crowds, and clearer skies after the marine layer burns off.
Winter is quieter and cooler, with occasional rain, but the beach is never empty. Locals surf, walk their dogs, and run along the strand all year.
The pier gets packed on summer weekends and holidays. If you want to experience it without the crowds, visit on a weekday morning or in the off-season.
Getting There
Santa Monica is about 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles without traffic, and 20 minutes from LAX. The Big Blue Bus system connects Santa Monica to other parts of LA, and the Expo Line light rail runs from downtown LA to downtown Santa Monica, ending just a few blocks from the beach.
If you’re driving, take the I-10 west until it ends at Pacific Coast Highway. Turn right for the pier and beach parking lots.
Santa Monica works as a day trip from anywhere in the LA area, or as a base for exploring Southern California. The combination of beach access, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to LAX makes it one of the most convenient beach towns in the state.
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