About Santa Monica Beach:
Situated beneath the palisades and downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica State Beach runs north of the Santa Monica Pier. This southwest-facing beach is home to Pacific Park amusement park and is near the Third Street Promenade.
Santa Monica Beach Fees:
- Entrance Fee: No
- Parking Fee: Yes. Park in the lots or at meters along Ocean Avenue.
Creature Comforts at Santa Monica Beach:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Food nearby
- No Alcohol on the beach
- No pets allowed
Santa Monica Beach Activities:
- Bike path
- Surfing
- Swimming, lifeguard on duty during daylight hours
- Volleyball (7 courts)
- Walking path
Lodging Near Santa Monica Beach:
You'll find a lot of hotels on the beach in Santa Monica and other area towns, or check our picks for nice hotels in Santa Monica and Malibu.Highs and Lows at Santa Monica Beach:
- Santa Monica Beach can get very crowded on a summer day. The further you get away from the pier, the thinner the crowds.
Beachgoer Beware:
Heal the Bay rates Santa Monica as a "Bummer" for its poor water quality.How to Get to Santa Monica Beach:
To reach Santa Monica State Beach, take I-10 west to where it ends at Pacific Coast Highway (California 1).
Park downtown and take the Tide Shuttle
More Los Angeles Beaches:
