Santa Monica State Beach
A major beach area with wide sandy stretches and easy access to the coast. Great for swimming, strolling, and enjoying the Pacific Ocean scenery.
Santa Monica State Beach is a long, wide stretch of sandy coastline along the Pacific Ocean, known for its easy access, classic Southern California beach atmosphere, and views of the Santa Monica Pier. It’s a good place for walking, sunbathing, swimming, biking, or simply watching the surf and sunset, with the beach connecting naturally to the city’s promenade and oceanfront paths. Because it sits in a busy urban area, it feels both relaxed and lively, with plenty of nearby amenities and a steady flow of locals and visitors.
History
Santa Monica State Beach is part of California’s state beach system and has long been one of the city’s signature public shoreline areas. The beach’s modern identity is closely tied to the development of Santa Monica as a seaside resort and to the later creation of the Santa Monica Pier, which helped make this stretch of coast a major recreational destination.
Expert notes
- Bring layers; ocean breezes can make it feel cooler than inland Santa Monica.
- Plan ahead for parking, since beach-adjacent lots and street spaces can fill quickly.
- If you want a quieter experience, walk farther from the pier area.
- Check local beach and water conditions before swimming.
More things to do in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Ghosts: Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub CrawlsA historically themed attraction focused on Santa Monica’s ghost stories and haunted history, offering a culturally significant way to explore local lore.
California Heritage MuseumA museum that can be a good family-friendly cultural stop, especially for visitors who want something educational beyond the beach. Its neighborhood setting also makes it easy to combine with other nearby activities.
Santa Monica History MuseumA small museum that can work well for families interested in local history. It offers a quieter, educational stop away from the busier beachfront attractions.
Crescent Bay ParkA neighborhood park with a bluff-top setting and views over the ocean area. It works well for a quieter outdoor visit in Santa Monica.
Original Muscle Beach Santa MonicaA historic outdoor fitness and beachside recreation spot right on the oceanfront. It’s a distinctive Santa Monica place to see local beach culture in action.
Santa Monica PierAn iconic seaside attraction with oceanfront access and lively outdoor energy. It’s a landmark stop if you want a quintessential Santa Monica experience.