Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach which includes general coastal views and surf
Santa Monica Beach


Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts. 

Get the iconic southern California sun-and-surf experience at Santa Monica Beach. Discover a sandy stretch of oceanfront delights close to one of the nation’s biggest cities.

At 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) long, Santa Monica Beach is one of the area’s largest beaches. Stroll down its length and claim a portion of its soft sand. Swim in the clear Pacific Ocean or take advantage of the prime surfing conditions.

Explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, located in the center of the beach and hosting an amusement park, aquarium and a variety of restaurants. Play arcade games in Pacific Park or enjoy the view from atop the Ferris wheel. Take a spin on the historic carousel and learn about the ocean around you in the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Try fishing at the end of the pier.

South of the pier the beach joins the city, which contributes to its bustling atmosphere. Check out the original Muscle Beach, popularly known as the birthplace of America’s fitness boom in the 20th century. Gymnastics equipment is still abundant on the beach. Observe or participate in a chess game in the International Chess Park. Sample the restaurants and browse the shops lining the beach.

North of the pier, Santa Monica Beach meets the soaring palisades. The ocean bluff, coupled with the bordering Pacific Coast Highway, give this section of the beach a more remote atmosphere. Spread out your beach towel and soak up the sun or start a friendly game of beach volleyball.

Santa Monica Beach is accessible by public transportation via light rail or bus. Alternatively, drive here and park in one of the more than eight main parking lots located along the length of the beach. On-street parking is also available.

Head just 16 miles (25 kilometers) west of downtown Los Angeles to take advantage of southern California’s famous weather. Visit Santa Monica Beach throughout the year. Although the weather gets chillier in winter, temperatures never dip below freezing. In summer, the days are long and warm. Come prepared with sunglasses and sandals to enjoy the sand in any season.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Huntley Hotel

The Huntley Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
The Huntley Hotel
Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

5 out of 5
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Fairmont Miramar Hotel
The Eden

The Eden

4 out of 5
1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Eden
Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel

3 out of 5
1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Ocean View Hotel
The Georgian Hotel

The Georgian Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
The Georgian Hotel
Shore Hotel

Shore Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Shore Hotel
Hotel Carmel

Hotel Carmel

3 out of 5
201 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA
Hotel Carmel
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica

Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica

3 out of 5
501 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica

Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica

4 out of 5
530 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach offers a delightful array of activities, including stunning sunsets and vibrant shopping experiences. Visitors can enjoy beach bonfires, relaxing beach days, and rejuvenating beach getaways. For a perfect retreat, don’t forget to pack essential beach kits to enhance your seaside experience. Whether you seek sports or simply wish to unwind on the sandy shores, Santa Monica Beach promises a memorable escape.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping at Santa Monica Place, just 644m from the beach, featuring a mix of entertainment and city vibes. For unique finds, visit Jadis, located 1.6km away. If you're up for a drive, the Farmers Market is 14.5km away, offering a delightful array of local products.

Recreation

At SoFi Stadium, immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere with exciting sports events just 16.1km from Santa Monica Beach. For a leisurely day, visit the Riviera Country Club, 4.8km away, where you can enjoy golf amidst beautiful outdoor scenery, or indulge in luxury at the Los Angeles Country Club, 9.7km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at OnRope Consulting, located 1.1km from Santa Monica Beach, offering an exhilarating outdoor vibe. For a scenic hike, explore the Nicholas Flat Trail, situated 1.6km away, showcasing stunning landscapes. Alternatively, enjoy a game at the Palisades Tennis Center, 3.2km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Santa Monica Beach is vibrant and diverse. Venture to the TCL Chinese Theatre for a romantic cinema experience, or enjoy the cultural allure of the Dolby Theatre. For adventure, Sherman Oaks Castle Park offers arcade fun, all within a short distance from the beach.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach offers a delightful blend of attractions, including vibrant streets, scenic beaches, and urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences while enjoying family-friendly activities and the lively city atmosphere. Whether you seek relaxation by the shore or an engaging exploration of local life, Santa Monica Beach promises a fulfilling getaway.

  • Venice Beach: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Venice Beach, renowned for its eclectic boardwalk, street performers, and artistic murals. It's a perfect spot to soak up the sun while enjoying a lively beach culture, just 3.2km from Santa Monica Beach.
  • Santa Monica Pier: This iconic pier, located a mere 483m away, offers a charming blend of amusement rides, games, and eateries. With its friendly atmosphere, it's a great place to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy ocean views, and capture beautiful memories.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Situated 8.0km from Santa Monica Beach, UCLA showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Explore its beautiful campus, engage with its vibrant culture, and appreciate the academic spirit that defines this prestigious institution.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Beach

The best time to visit Santa Monica Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica Beach

To save money on your trip to Santa Monica Beach, consider visiting between November and January, when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates, as Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options based on your budget and preferences, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. For transport, utilise public transport options to minimise costs, and seek out free activities along the beach to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Monica Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation for Santa Monica Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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