Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach featuring surf 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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Classes & workshops

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Wildlife & nature

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Popular places to visit


Top Santa Monica Beach 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 Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
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
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
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 range of activities, including stunning sunsets, vibrant shopping experiences, and various sports. Visitors can indulge in luxurious spa treatments to unwind and rejuvenate. This coastal gem combines relaxation with adventure, ensuring a memorable holiday in California.

Shopping

The nearest store is Jadis, located 1.6km from Santa Monica Beach, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Westfield Century City, 9.7km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options, while the Farmers Market, 14.5km away, showcases local produce and crafts.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at SoFi Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy laughter and family fun at The Groundlings comedy theatre. For a unique twist, Ultrazone Laser Tag offers a thrilling environment for relaxation and wellness through playful competition.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, visit OnRope Consulting, a climbing venue located 1.1km from Santa Monica Beach, offering thrilling outdoor vibes. Alternatively, explore the scenic Nicholas Flat Trail, 1.6km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. For a unique adventure, try your hand at tennis at the Palisades Tennis Center, situated 3.2km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at TCL Chinese Theatre, just 17.7km away, and enjoy a romantic film. Alternatively, visit the Dolby Theatre for a cultural evening or the Pantages Theatre for a family-friendly show, both offering entertainment in a charming atmosphere, also located 11 and 19.3km away, respectively.

*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 for all types of travellers, from cultural enthusiasts to families seeking a fun day out. Explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, enjoy the sandy shores, or stroll through the vibrant urban parks. With a variety of street activities and experiences, this coastal gem is perfect for beach enthusiasts looking to soak up the sun and immerse themselves in the lively local scene.

  • Venice Beach: Only 3.2km from Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can soak up the sun, watch street performers, and explore eclectic shops along the famous boardwalk. The beach vibes here are infectious, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the local culture.
  • Santa Monica Pier: A mere 483m away, Santa Monica Pier is a lively destination with its amusement park, aquarium, and picturesque views. The friendly people vibes create a welcoming environment, ideal for family fun and leisurely strolls.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Located 8.0km from Santa Monica Beach, UCLA is a historic campus rich in culture and academic excellence. Explore its stunning architecture, gardens, and art exhibits, providing a unique glimpse into Californian educational heritage.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Beach

The best time to visit Santa Monica Beach is dependent 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 drop. Aim for a Monday stay for the best rates, avoiding the pricier Saturdays. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly options, including Eco-certified hotels. Take advantage of package deals that combine flights and hotel bookings for extra savings. Additionally, explore free activities along the beach and utilise public transport, which is an economical way to navigate the area while enjoying the local scenery.

  • 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 customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you have in mind. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Santa Monica Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.