Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach showing general coastal views and waves
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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Classes & workshops

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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
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
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
1707 4th St, Santa Monica, CA
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
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
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

At Santa Monica Beach, visitors can revel in stunning sunsets while enjoying beach life and a variety of activities. Engage in sailing or spend delightful days at the beach, soaking up the sun. Don't miss the nearby amusement park for some thrilling fun and take advantage of the vibrant shopping scene that adds to the coastal charm. Whether it's sports or leisurely strolls, Santa Monica offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Shopping

Santa Monica Place, only 644m from the beach, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of entertainment and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, the Farmers Market, located 14.5km away, is perfect for local produce and unique gifts. Don't miss Jadis, just 1.6km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

SoFi Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, is perfect for catching a thrilling game or concert. For a more tranquil experience, visit Riviera Country Club, offering lush greens and outdoor relaxation. Alternatively, indulge in luxury at the Los Angeles Country Club, where elegance meets recreational bliss.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at OnRope Consulting, located 1.1km from Santa Monica Beach, where outdoor vibes await. Alternatively, hike the scenic Nicholas Flat Trail, 1.6km away, or enjoy a game at Palisades Tennis Center, situated 3.2km from the beach, perfect for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santa Monica Beach by catching a film at the TCL Chinese Theatre, just 17.7km away, or immerse yourself in culture at the Dolby Theatre, also 17.7km distant. For some adventure, visit the Sherman Oaks Castle Park, located 16.1km away, for arcade fun.

*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 diverse array of attractions for every type of visitor, from cultural enthusiasts to families seeking fun. Explore the vibrant streets, soak up the sun on the sandy beach, or unwind in the urban parks nearby. With a mix of experiences that cater to those wanting a taste of city life, Santa Monica is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday in California.

  • Venice Beach: Experience the vibrant beach culture at Venice Beach, just 3.2km from Santa Monica. With its lively boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops, you'll soak in the laid-back atmosphere, perfect for sunbathing, people-watching, and enjoying artistic expressions.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Located a mere 483m from Santa Monica Beach, the iconic Santa Monica Pier boasts a nostalgic amusement park, charming eateries, and stunning ocean views. The friendly vibe makes it an ideal spot for family fun and romantic strolls at sunset.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Situated 8.0km away, UCLA offers a glimpse into academic heritage with its beautiful campus and cultural events. Explore its art galleries and historic architecture while immersing yourself in the rich educational atmosphere.

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 while visiting Santa Monica Beach, consider travelling between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a Monday stay, as it tends to be cheaper than Saturday. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel prices from lowest to highest and filter for eco-certified options. Save further by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package. Additionally, make use of the local public transport system for economical travel around the area, and explore free activities along the beach and promenade.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you’ll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Santa Monica Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia