Summary
What to Do at Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach offers a myriad of activities for visitors. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this coastal oasis will not disappoint.
- Watch People: Santa Monica Beach is an ideal location for people-watching. Visitors often enjoy viewing the lively scenes of volleyball players and iconic lifeguard towers reminiscent of “Baywatch.” You can easily spend hours observing fitness enthusiasts, runners, cyclists, and dog walkers.
- Relax on the Beach: Pack your beach essentials—blankets, chairs, umbrellas, and plenty of sunscreen. You may also rent beach chairs and umbrellas from local vendors. The farther you go from the pier, the more tranquil the sand becomes.
- Walk, Run, Bike, Skate: The flat, paved path along the beach extends for about 25 miles, connecting Santa Monica to Redondo Beach. It’s suitable for walking, running, cycling, and skating. However, motorized scooters are prohibited.
- If you don’t have your own bike, consider renting from Santa Monica Beach Bike Rentals. Additionally, Perry’s Beach Cafe offers a variety of pedal and electric bike rentals.
- Visit the Pier and Amusement Park: The Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Park amusement park feature attractions such as a solar-powered Ferris wheel and an antique carousel for family-friendly fun.
- The Twilight Concerts at the Pier showcase free concerts on select Wednesdays during the summer months, filled with art, food, and entertainment.
- Swim: Lifeguards are present during daylight hours, though the Pacific Ocean can be quite chilly. Many opt to wade instead of swimming. Be sure to check the local water quality, as conditions can vary.
- Surf: While Santa Monica’s waves are generally smaller, you can still find surfing opportunities north of the pier when conditions allow. Check the latest surf reports and consider taking a surfing lesson for beginners.
- Play on the Beach: The beach features numerous sand volleyball courts available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Visit the Beach House: The Annenberg Community Beach House offers amenities such as a swimming pool and yoga classes, making it perfect for a refined beach experience.
- Play Chess: The Santa Monica International Chess Park features several chess tables and a large board with human-sized pieces.
- Work Out: Explore the original Muscle Beach area south of the Santa Monica Pier where you can find athletic equipment for public use—including rings and parallel bars.
What to Know Before You Go to Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is a state beach managed by the City of Santa Monica. It spans three miles from Will Rogers Beach to Venice Beach.
- No entrance fee is required, but nearby parking is available for a fee.
- Parking lots and restrooms open at dawn and close at dusk, though some remain accessible near the pier.
- Alcohol and pets are prohibited on the beach.
- Restrooms are plentiful, many offering showers to rinse off sand and saltwater.
- Dining options include those at the pier or nearby Perry’s Beach Cafe. For a variety of restaurants, head to Third Street Promenade.
- Camping or overnight stays are not permitted on the beach.
How to Get to Santa Monica Beach
Reaching Santa Monica Beach is straightforward. Simply take I-10 west until it curves into the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1). Numerous public parking lots are conveniently located near the pier.
If you prefer to park downtown, you will find parking options on the bluff, which is approximately 110 feet above the beach. While this may seem like a convenient choice, consider the equipment you may need to bring with you. From downtown, you can easily walk downhill to the pier.
For those using public transportation, Google Maps can assist in planning your journey, or you may consider using the LA Metro trip planner.
