Santa Monica Airport

Have been coming here to see the airplanes land for about 12 years. It is quiet and just a great place to hang out and have a snack while you watch the planes. There’s an upper deck for better viewing or picnic tables on the lower deck. You don’t see as many jets as you used to because of neighbors complaints I think. Too bad those were great to see. There’s soccer fields in the area and an empty lot for other activities. It used to be a airplane parking lot but the neighbors complained and so it is now just empty for recreational use. I don’t think people know that because it’s always empty. But you can google the rules. Back to the airport… the cops patrolling are nice and will give kids paper gliders if they have any with them. There is a public bathroom and it’s very clean. So come and enjoy the view before this airport is closed which I believe is the plan in the coming years. This place is also great at night time with all the lights. The kids just love it. Bring your lunch, a refreshment (non alcoholic) and have a great day.

Ah, the Santa Monica Airport. A truly splendid spot, a personal favorite, if I'm being perfectly frank. One has been frequenting this delightful locale for well over a decade, and the allure of witnessing these magnificent birds gracefully descend onto the tarmac never wanes. It's truly a quiet, exquisitely calm experience, providing the perfect backdrop for a tranquil afternoon. The upper deck, naturally, offers a truly superb vantage point – simply unparalleled for those who appreciate the finer subtleties of aviation. And for a more intimate setting, perhaps a light repast or a quiet moment, the lower deck's picnic tables are quite charming. It truly holds a very special place in my heart, a place where one can effortlessly escape the quotidian bustle and simply enjoy the magnificent ballet of the skies. A thoroughly agreeable diversion, indeed.

Because of the gigs that I happen to work at Barker Hangar. That's really the only reason I ever go here. But if you have kids inspiring to be actors or if you're interested in learning how to fly planes or even model or become a photographer. This is the place. It has it all surprisingly and it's pretty affordable

Love this airport, been coming here ever since I was little, I love the observation deck and the tables so you can eat food while watching the planes take off and land.I’m so sad it will be gone in a few years

To observe flying planes, descending and taking off was an inspiring experience for us.

Great airport great place & spotting destination

Great place to come and watch the planes take off if you can find the elevator to get up to the third floor. I have included pictures of the elevator so you know what and where to find it

Great airport for training. Did my private pilot certificate here with Santa Monica Flyers and really appreciated the convenient location, busy airspace (really makes you a better pilot) and central location in SoCal. Really hope the city doesn’t shut it down at the end of 2028 and realizes the value this airport provides to the community. When eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft become more mainstream, this airport will be a great hub for travelers of all kinds. And the noise will only continue to go down as more electric aircraft become available for training. KSMO <3

Santa Monica Airport CA Tue 2/11/25 On my way! Back to SillyValley! Sun is rolling into sunset! Going home tonight! © Yes, SMO Municipal airport is slated to close in 2028! It's been a source of controversy for decades! Capping decades of legal battles & protests! One of the oldest in USA! Airport land converts into Park! Meanwhile they shortened the runway to limit jet flights! By the way, this is where Harrison Ford crash landed onto Golf Course instead of a runway! This general aviation airport, naturally long favorite of celebrities & biz heads, had its share of public scrutiny just like many other non commercial airports in California. Like my San Carlos Airport SQL or Palo Alto Airport PAO. Historic significance lays in the fact that famous DC-3 & military aircraft was produced by Douglas Aircraft Co in Santa Monica at the airport before it had moved to Long Beach. Famous tenants like Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise & Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with others, average daily 250 takeoffs & landings, that's a lot of noise! Neighbors in Santa Monica didn't want harmful exhaust, emissions, fueling, lead & carbon, pollution, and noise! At the same time, its use during WWII for military purposes had federal agreements for FAA to allow operations. So various aviation interests contended with the City of Santa Monica over its ownership. They reached the agreement after endless litigation to return the control of the airport land to the city. And at the end of 2028 the city is free to do what they want with 227 acres of airport land! *The one who should care Does she or doesn't So let the beat roll on I'm 'bout to get in the zone I been locked up all by myself But I'm known to grow my own I burn it till it's gone Like there ain't nothing wrong I'm just out in the shade Watching the world go up in flames [ Review #828 w 3 pic Feb 15, 2025 ] Here, can't complain! @Santa Monica Airport CA Thur 2/6/25 Going home tonight! Salute Tuesday! 2/11/25 Spirit of Santa Monica! @Santa Monica Airport CA Tue 2/11/25

Was in the neighborhood and was curious about the flight schools at the Santa Monica airport. Walked in and I felt immediately welcomed. Met with Oliver and Jorge and they gave me all of the information I needed to begin my journey into aviation. Prices are very reasonable and the school is going through lots of positive changes. I was also impressed with how many of the staff members are bilingual. 非常好 Great fleet of airplanes to learn from: Cirrus, Cessna, and SportCruisers. I am now looking forward to my introductory flight with the school and will definitely be considering getting my Private Pilot License with them! 谢谢SMF 加油 Muy Bien Adios

This is a general aviation airport on the eastern edge of Santa Monica. Although we've never used the airport per se, we have come here to visit the Museum of Flying ... and to absorb some of the history associated with the airport. This was the home of the Douglas Aircraft Company, which was founded at the airport in 1921.

Nothing quite like Santa Monica's location and observation deck! Fresh air and sunshine watching the general aviation aircraft.

Love the free observation deck right next to the runway. Took my 20 month old daughter and she enjoyed pointing at the planes taking off and landing. There were also a lot of other toddlers and parents there. The sky deck the area we visited. Did not use the actual airport. Parking was free. Masks required.

Easy access to get into, no charge for parking, nice, open observation deck to watch planes and helicopters take off and land. On a clear day, you can see the Hollywood sign to the East and the ocean to There was a father there with his 5 year old son and it was nice to hear the kid get so exciting every time a plane took off. Worth a shot if you'd into aviation. The observation deck is right above the Typhoon restaurant so you can walk down there for lunch if you're hungry afterwards. Hope you enjoy your day.

We came here for a kid friendly birthday party and were really surprised at the way it was organized. The parties are held on the top deck where you can see all the small planes taking off and landing. We had to look for the elevator awhile since we had a stroller. It's hidden to the left of the entrance near the main offices. There was a host that welcomed us when we got to the top and directed us to the right place. There were several tables setup for the party. All you had to do is place the table clothes and provide the food and drinks. We are and then tours inside the planes were provided. We had to line up as they only took one family at a time. The party person told us what to touch and what not to touch. They showed the kids how a pilot operated the plane and let the kids move the wings. They also took pictures of us in front of the plane. Overall the party was well planned and the organization was on point. They gave us a sticker so we can be admitted into the museum at a discounted rate. Plenty of parking available and is free.

I'm scared of flying. I hate flying on commercial airliners and would avoid them like the plague. But, I have to conquer my fears, and was given an opportunity to go flying on a small plane at SM airport. The airport itself was nice, lots of room for the planes and fairly quiet on a Wednesday mid-day. Our destination was Catalina Island, but ended up not making it due to bad fog. We sort of did the whole LA tour and finally came back to SM Airport. There was a time when we were in the air and a plane was near us and we couldn't find it. THAT was scary as f***. That's the downside of being near LAX, but maybe it was just because it was the first time I was up there. My friend told me that Harrison Ford keeps his plane at SM airport, which was kind of neat. If I had the money, I would buy a plane, buy a house for cheap somewhere, fly to SM everyday for work, (since I work 5 mins away from the airport) and fly back to avoid LA traffic. That would be the life.

Best Airport In SoCal in two categories. Best GA airport for pilots, and Best airport/aviation experience for the curious kids and adults! For Pilots: Doesn't get any better for training or fly-in. Perfect location just north of LAX on the shoreline with plenty of transient parking on the field. If you come in from the Northwest, you should contact the tower near Topanga or Pacific Palisades when you spot the Water Gardens while entering on the on the 45 for right traffic if 21 is in use, or left base if 3 is in use. Coming from the south (weather permiting) you'll want to take the Mini Route (You'll be under positive control) or the "Special Flight Rules Area" to the airport. The tower will give you directions for left or right traffic upon check in. Once on the ground you have a choice of two FBO's Atlantic on the North side and American Flyers on the South side. Note: American Flyers offers self service fuel pumps. Transient parking is near the Admin Building on the South side of the airport. There are two restaurants on the field. Typhoon is located right next to the tarmac and runway near the administration building, and Spitfire Grill is located a short walk across field on the south side near Airport Park. Both offer excellent menu selections for hungry pilots and passengers! There are several major repair facilities for General Aviation aircraft located here and they cover everything from avionics to airframe and powerplant repairs/maintenance. The pilot shops that were once located on the airport have departed... sign of the times and advancement in technology. Speaking of which one of the flight schools now have one of the most advanced simulators available for GA training, and anyone looking for flight training should certainly consider this strongly in the selection process. I won't suggest a flight school is this review - there are several on the field. Visit ALL of them. Talk to more than one instructor at each school - train with someone you are comfortable with - it's YOUR hard earned money! For Aviation Lovers and The Curious: You will find no better spot in Southern California to experience aviation up close and personal. SMO has the best observation deck anywhere - offering views from the Pacific Ocean to San Bernardino Mountains most days. You can see aircraft approaching and sequencing themselves for landing over Century City. You can hear the air traffic controllers in the tower issuing instructions to the aircraft while you sit and watch. It's great to sit and enjoy your brown bag lunch and watch the action, it's also a great place to bring the kids, they have a great time especially on Saturday or Sunday mornings when it's a bit busier! This is also the time when you are most likely to see a larger variety of aircraft including some vintage models. Plenty of parking for those who arrive by car, a huge public dog park, a brand new soccer field that seems is always in use, and good food on the field. Can't go wrong!

Maybe it's because I'm an aviation buff but I like stopping by here on my way to LAX just to watch the planes take off and land. You can also hear the control tower talking to the pilots. You should bring a jacket during the colder months as you do get a breeze.

To individuals who believe the little airplanes are alright and there should be NO JETS because of safety, consider this. Jet pilots, as a general rule, have hundreds if not thousands of more hours flying than those of the little planes. Great place, love sitting on the observation deck. Love typhoons deck and spitfire as well. Really a great destination for the $100 burger if you're in the LA basin.

Either you should go to Van Nuys air port or Santa Monica, here pros and cons VN : no parking , no traffic if you go with I170 SM: lots of parking, the area has bad traffic 405 is nightmare VN: bad customer service, SM: good customer service VN: lots of local food but less car rental SM: good food around and more car rental

We seem to be heading to LA more and more often these days, and all I can say is, I hope these two cases settle before 2014 (when they claim to be closing this amazing airport). It's heaven flying in here. (Even better that they don't let you land til 2 PM so we end up staying an extra night in LA, usually due to late night fog and low ceilings in the Bay Area). The on-site restaurant/bar Typhoon is also a great place to grab a bite or a bourbon before take off.

Great place to hang out and pass the day. I bring my daughter here and I am also a pilot who flies out of KSMO. Keep this airport!

I am in this immediate area a lot. Whether at the park next-door with my kid, having a meal and walk through the garden and Spitfire, eating crickets at Typhoon, watching the planes from the observation deck, visiting the Museum of Flying... the runway is the best view in Santa Monica. I am terrified of flying, although I do it often, but for some reason I could watch the planes here all day and it is completely relaxing. It will be a sad day if the @$$face neighbors who moved next to an airport only to complain about it ever win and this place closes. This weekend, grab your favorite breakfast beverage and spend 30 minutes on the observation deck. It is the best. And if you're a local, make sure you vote to ensure the place exists for a long time to come. Such a special place.

Pilots love it, businessmen worship it's location, and kids LOVE the observation deck right smack next to the runway. The real cool thing is that the ObsDeck has speakers through which they play the tower's radio transmissions. You can hear all the radio chatter that goes on, in real time. Once, some random fella parked feet from the ObsDeck and was making his way across the deck to, my guess, the bar, when he stopped and noticed the kids watching him. He stops and says, "If any of you are interested in seeing the plane, you can come with me and I'll show it to you." Just some random niceguy. What?! AWESOME! I'm used to LA people, with enough cash to buy an airplane, acting like douchebags. This guy made me nephew's day by letting him sit in the cockpit and play with the controls. Whoever you are, Mr. Niceguy, thank you. You are a stand-up citizen. Never congested, centrally located in the midst of West LA, and just a stone's throw from Typhoon and Spitfire Grill (two pilot hangouts), Santa Monica airport is a true blessing.

One of the greatest airports. We have been welcomed into this community so nicely and we are proud to have SMO so close to our home. The ATC is always very friendly, the SMO Police are always around making sure everything is running smoothly, and there are always happy and cheerful children cheering on the pilots on their not so smooth landings, missed approaches, and solo flights. Okay okay in all fairness they do cheer on the good pilots too :) I hope they never close SMO down and the people that are always complaining need to realize this... The airport was here FIRST, it is not our fault that you want to take away something so near and dear to our hearts when you were the ones that decided to build homes around it. The end :) Gotta go take off now!

Came here a long time ago for a wrap party for Broken Arrow.....(Ya BROKEN ARROW)....that long ago.... As we wrapped up dinner here, we then attended the party which was in one of the airplane hangers and after fending off a stray cougar, I was partying it up drinking silver patron with none other than Mr. John Woo! And he LOVES his Patron!!!!! Ah yes, back to the review..... Flew out of here and aside from the old school days where they posted a LARGE "NO JETS" banner near Bundy and National, modern times finally caught up and now jets are seen everywhere. Even Air Force One has flown here a few times as I remember seeing the blockade of stretch limos holding Pres Reagan and a few others along the years. This place also holds a few swap meets and Antiques show on various weekends also~ Enjoy their museum and show the young ones what planes are all about. Share education and share the wealth!

Oh SMO, how I love your eardrum ripping, not for the weak stomached or out of practice, GPS-A approach. SoCal you can kiss my ass keeping me up at 7000 ft and then asking me to dive to 2500 until established on final and then calling out traffic while I am in the clouds. HELLLLOOO, do you really think i would subject myself to your condescending ways if I could get into the airport vfr? regardless, Santa Monica is a really great airport. Close and convenient to everything, a wonderful sushi joint right on the field, all the latest celebs boarding their private jets at Atlantic Aviation. Everything a girl needs in a general aviation airport.

Santa Monica Airport is a legendary place in aviation. From rapid growth during the Douglas Aircraft years, to becoming a powerhouse contributor to Santa Monica's and Los Angeles' economy, the airport still has a personal and magical feel. Some of the must-do's at Santa Monica Airport are visiting the observation deck to take in some incredible views of all of LA. Check out some of the restaurants on the field (Typhoon, Spitfire). Flying into SMO is super easy and the controllers are extremely efficient. The approach is one of the best I've seen.

Visited several times and it gets better. Tower is very supportive and is accomidating of any request with a firm desire to please. Not sure what all the Jet complaints are about, Go to Boston or NY and then one can complain about jets. Food and obs deck are the best in the US, no doubt, no equal. Next time you see a pilot from the obs deck respectfully ask to see the plane. Dont be surprised if you are flying 10 minutes later and seeing the sights on the beach. This is that kind of place. I would give anything to base my planes here. I hope it stays here beyond 2014. My guess is it will get killed due to the simple fact this is the best airport in the US and CA can ruin anything via poor governing and worse money management. It will be a sad day if this place closes.

Great place to bring the kids and watch planes take off and land. At the observation deck they broadcast the air traffic control tower on a loudspeaker.

This place is the best. From a Cessna Skyhawk to a Gulfstream 650 jet, the airport can handle us all. Nice long runway, awesome location, and yes...a great observation platform for the kiddies. I love taking off over the beach. There's usually a nice head wind i.e. onshore breeze. One thing I will never understand are the folks who move close to the airport and then complain about the noise.

Great airport. Since only private planes fly in, they only know how to give first class service. Car rental guy is never busy, and they just do the best job. Highly recommend flying in and out of here. Use Atlantic (they used to be Supermarine). The free cookies are great too!

Solid work in Point Break. Came across as a functionally competent airport without seeming arrogant or pretentious

Awesome place for novices to experts on planes. Come and relax under the warm sun to watch planes take off and land on this secluded runway. Enjoy a picnic in the grass and let the day roll by as you find yourself dreaming of flying away. Really a cool place. Just beware: there are always children about, and they may attack you.

Love this airport, best way to travel without having to deal with all the craziness of a major airport

Great base airport to explore Sourthern California!

THE AIRPORT KEEPS SANTA MONICA AND SURROUNDING AREAS FROM OVER CROWDING BY KEEPING THE BUILDINGS SHORT. If you love the Santa Monica shore line without tall buildings you should consider the fact that the airport is mostly the reason. If/when it closes the developers will find a way to change the building codes. Resulting in very tall hotels and condominiums on the shoreline and throughout the city. The only space to grow is up. Good luck with the traffic and say goodbye to the charm that Santa Monica is known for. The real jewel is the upward growth through out the city. The airport property is small change compared the the money that will be made selling million dollar apartments on the 45th floor in the new buildings on the ocean front. The only reason Santa Monica does not look like South Beach in Miami is BECAUSE OF THE AIRPORT. Don't you think LAX as close as it is to Santa Monica has a larger impact on pollution than Santa Monica Airport. Also the approach for planes coming down the coast and from the northwest across the pacific fly right over Santa Monica on their way to LAX. I think it is at least 1 plane every 5 minutes on average. They are large airplanes like 747's, 757's, and 777's. Look up and see for your self.

Went to the airplane museum here with the family and had a very nice time. We are looking forward to bringing some friends here and checking it out next time they visit us. Overall a reasonable and fun experience.

Here in Europe we are currently remembering D-Day and all those who took part and those who sacrificed their lives for this truly momentous historical event. A key piece of the equipment for the allies was the Douglas DC3 which was designed and built at Santa Monica. I hope that those who wish to close SMO will share in this remembrance considering the importance of Santa Monica Airfield in helping the allies win WWII? How about a DC3 Fly in as we had one here with 8 of these magnificent machines? I have flown from SMO and its a great airfield and needs to remain so. It would be truly foolish to build on it. There are plenty of free-ways that can be built on with loads of space!

Ugh, if only I could ALWAYS fly out of Santa Monica Airport. What a luxury. No lines. No security. And a fleet of private planes in every direction. This is what traveling is all about my friends. You get to the airport and are literally driven directly to the plane. You will be on the plane in minutes. Simple, quick and unfortunately prohibitively costly. Someday this is the only way I want to fly... Someday.

Are you unemployed or have a lot of free time? Do you like airplanes? Then sit here at the public observation deck and watch airplanes take off and land, ya dingus! Treat yourself to a bag of Cheetos and a coffee from the vending machines inside.

@kandy k. Learn your facts... The airport will not be shut down. In fact i hope they tear down all the houses around it and build another runway, hopefully one of those houses is yours

I like this airport very much. I like flying my plane at this location. It is nice and safe. The airport staff are good and competent. The air is clean. The ocean views are wonderful. It reminds me of my days as a naval aviator.

It was a nice place for our son to check out planes landing and taking off, but it can definitely get loud. We considered living close by, but a lot of the neighbors say the noise gets pretty ridiculous, and cable even gets a bit scrambled too. Air quality isn't supposed to be too good either because the planes are soooo close to all the homes. Still, it is what it is. Maybe get the huge planes out of here, and keep the small ones around?

Nobody wants to hear you flying around Santa Monica on your afternoon cruise. It's super annoying. A plane flies over my head every 5 minutes very loudly. Is there a petition somewhere to shut this place down?

This is one of the best municipal airports I've ever seen for plane spotting. They have an observation deck and restaurant literally adjacent to the taxiway and 50 feet from the runway. Most of the LA westside big wigs and celebs use this as a private airport to shuttle in and out of. Not uncommon to see heavy private jets such as Gulfstreams, Falcons, and Challengers coming in and out of here. Also have the air traffic control tower broadcast from the observation deck. Not much cooler than seeing a G450 at near full power doing a high performance take off 50 feet from you. However, I can see how these homeowners in the area are deficating themselves with almost no bailout areas over the city on approach or take-off. Only a matter of time before someone's roof in the area becomes one with a plane.

Great spot to take your kids to watch private planes take off and land. There is also a park nearby as well as Spitfire Grill for breakfast or lunch!

This airport is great since it's close to everything. I hate flying into this one because you have to fly over LAX and then make a very steep decent to get to this airport. It scares the living crap out of me having to fly near 747s, but thats just because I'm relatively new at flying.

Watching airplanes is fun, and there's a little lunch table there so bring some food or something. You can listen to the tower talk to airplanes and stuff while they land, really cool. The observation deck is right next to the two sushi places there, off airport ave.

Great for kids to watch the planes taking off and landing

Great airport. We often fly from here on Sunday and holidays when the skies are clear. Great ground support & friendly tower. Take-off is stunning as you're over the ocean within a couple of minutes. Also v easy access to nip over to Catalina.

Really nice clean and high class airport. Flown out of once (Im a van nuys guy) but I absolutely hate the fact that my dreams of returning for touch and goes were crushed. It is extremely unnecessary to charge $17 per touch and go that's outrageous

I don't understand what the community complains about. The airport does everything within it's power to protect the community that grew up around the airport. Yes, the airport was there first. It was surrounded by fields and farmers. I live in Venice and have used the airport many times and have never had an issue. The airport's noise abatement staff and FBO operators are extremely helpful and willing to answer any questions or concerns pilots or the community have.

One of the greatest airports in the world. Convenient to all of West LA. If you're looking to watch airplanes take off and land, there's a great observation deck with the tower radio piped in (many of the planes contain celebrities so it's interesting to muse who might be flying off the where.) You can also sit and eat at Typhoon.

Good restaurant over there and nice place for a lunch.

Did you know that no one in Santa Monica has ever been serioulsly injured or killed by an Aircraft off-airport in 100 years? Did you know that no deaths have ever been attributed to defects with the design or operation of the airport in 100 years? Lots safer than the new Metro line on Colorado I bet.

SANTA MONICA AIRPORT HAS BEEN HERE SINCE 1919. I am a pilot and I love this airport. It is a vital sliver of the economy of Santa Monica and the surrounding area. Like other motorized vehicles, aircraft make noise. If you live by the freeway, you will have a continuous loud noise. If you live by an airport or a train track you will get intermittent engine noise. This does not mean we need to remove freeways and railroad tracks. We are not trees. If one does not like the noise...move. Do you think the pilot of a 747 can just jump in and fly? Of course not. Small airports are where the big-plane pilots learn how to fly. Take them away and we take away the training centers for the commercial pilots. "Yeah, there are other airports out there that aren't in my back yard. Let them learn there." Well most airports are in somebody's back yard. The airport has been there longer than almost any of us. BELIEVE ME, THE AIRPORT WILL BE THERE FAR BEYOND 2014.