Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach featuring waves and general coastal views
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.

Tours & day trips

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Adventure & outdoor

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Food, drink & nightlife

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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
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
Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

5 out of 5
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Fairmont Miramar 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 breathtaking sunsets and vibrant shopping experiences. Visitors can engage in various sports while enjoying stunning ocean views. Whether you're strolling along the beach or exploring the bustling promenade, Santa Monica provides a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, making it an ideal destination for a memorable getaway.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Santa Monica Place, just 644m from the beach, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and retail. If you're up for a drive, visit the Farmers Market, 14.5km away, for local produce and crafts, or the MOCA Pacific Design Center, 12.9km away, for unique design items.

Recreation

SoFi Stadium, a vibrant sports facility, offers an exciting atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 16.1km from Santa Monica Beach. For golf lovers, the Riviera Country Club, just 4.8km away, provides beautiful outdoor surroundings, while Whiskey a Go Go, 12.9km away, promises lively entertainment filled with music.

Adventure

Embark on the Nicholas Flat Trail, a scenic hiking route located 1.6km from Santa Monica Beach, offering stunning views and a touch of adventure. For adrenaline seekers, OnRope Consulting, 1.1km away, provides exhilarating climbing experiences, while Eco Dive Center, 8.0km distant, invites you to explore underwater sports.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Santa Monica Beach with a visit to the Dolby Theatre, where romance meets culture. The TCL Chinese Theatre offers a family-friendly cinema vibe, while the Wiltern Theatre showcases captivating performances, all just 17.7km away, ensuring an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

*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 is a vibrant destination offering a blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Key attractions include the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the picturesque Santa Monica Beach itself, and charming beachfront hideaways. Whether you’re seeking a lively urban park atmosphere or a relaxing day by the sea, Santa Monica caters to every traveller's desire for exploration and enjoyment.

  • Santa Monica Pier: Experience the iconic Santa Monica Pier, just 483m from the beach, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with friendly locals. Stroll along the boardwalk, indulge in delicious snacks, and take a ride on the Ferris wheel for stunning views of the coastline.
  • Venice Beach: Located 3.2km away, Venice Beach is a vibrant stretch of sand known for its eclectic boardwalk, street performers, and a lively beach vibe. Enjoy sunbathing, skateboarding at the famous skate park, or exploring the unique shops and eateries.
  • Rodeo Drive: A 11.3km drive will take you to Rodeo Drive, an upscale shopping street renowned for its luxury boutiques and designer stores. Experience the city vibes as you window shop or indulge in a bit of celebrity spotting in this glamorous locale.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Beach

The best time to visit Santa Monica Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Monica Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Monica Beach falls in December, 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 visit to Santa Monica Beach, consider travelling between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid Saturdays for check-in, as Mondays are the cheapest. Use Expedia to refine your search for budget-friendly options, and filter for Eco-certified hotels to find sustainable stays. Look for package deals that combine flights and activities for the best savings. Take advantage of free beach activities and local attractions, and utilise public transport for affordable travel around the area.

  • 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 preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Santa Monica Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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