Santa Monica State Beach

This beach is a nice and large beach with many tourist attractions along it's length like Muscle Beach and the Pier. It is often crowded, and if you dont come in from the bike path, parking is really tough. The views are nice though, and there is a bikeway along the entire length of the beach.

Beautiful ! Plenty of parking and. not free I paid $15 so....plan your trip Wisely. The beach is really nice and it's a little bit of a hike from the parking to waters edge. Come prepared to walk a bit. Also, choose your bike rental wisely too. I paid $95+ tax for a bike for a good 4hrs. Come to find out there were cheaper options.

I’ve lived in California most of my life, but finally took the time to spend a full Saturday at Santa Monica State Beach—and I gotta say, it’s got a lot going for it. The views are honestly hard to beat, especially if you get there a bit earlier before the crowd rolls in. I parked way down past the pier because, man, the parking lots right by the sand are pretty expensive and fill up fast. You’ll have a little walk, but I didn’t mind—actually kind of enjoyed checking out the local businesses on the way. Once I hit the sand, it was nice and clean, no trash around, and plenty of space to toss a frisbee or just chill. Brought my own towel and umbrella—recommend doing that because rentals are nuts. I ended up near a volleyball game for a bit, and the people playing were friendly enough to let me jump in for a round. Water was cold (like, freezing at first), but after the first thirty seconds you get used to it. I’m not a super swimmer, but the waves were manageable, and lifeguards were on point. Took a walk up to the pier, which is honestly worth the trip whether you’re first-timer or local. Tons of food stands and little shops—got a burger that was solid but overpriced, but so is everything around here. Roller coaster was fun, arcade is slightly run down but still gives you that old-school vibe. Ran into some street performers who were surprisingly legit, and ended up watching a skate demo near the boardwalk. Annoyances? For sure. Restrooms could use a serious deep clean, and if you’re like me and try to avoid public bathrooms, be prepared—most days they’re kind of gnarly by noon. Also, traffic out of Santa Monica at sunset was a joke. Took me 40 minutes to get onto the freeway. Would’ve been nice if cops helped direct more, since lots of folks just stand around blocking the crosswalks and it gets messy. Still, all things considered, it was a killer day. Beach, water, people-watching, and just hanging out with friends with the ocean right there—hard to complain. Deducting a star mainly for the parking and those restrooms but, honestly, I’ll be back. If you can roll with big crowds and keep your expectations set, Santa Monica State Beach delivers the classic SoCal experience.

Santa Monica Pier and Beach offer the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and stunning ocean views. The pier is lively with street performers, shops, and great spots for food and ice cream. The Ferris wheel ride gives a beautiful view of the coastline, especially during sunset. The beach is clean, wide, and great for walks, picnics, or just soaking up the California sun. Parking is convenient and there are plenty of nearby restaurants and attractions. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Santa Monica Pier and Beach never disappoint — a must-visit spot for that true SoCal vibe!

Santa Monica State Beach is absolutely beautiful! The wide sandy shoreline, clean ocean water, and stunning views make it the perfect place to relax or take a walk. The atmosphere is lively yet peaceful, with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Watching the sunset here is unforgettable, and the nearby Santa Monica Pier adds extra charm. A must-visit spot if you’re in Los Angeles!

A timeless, iconic beach with an urban backdrop. Not so much for the pristine waters and the seclusion, like, say, a beach on the south orange county coast, but more for the cosmopolitan panache that reflects what most visiting tourists might think of when they visualize Los Angeles. The drawbacks are its crowds, especially during summer, and now, the grime that has been an inevitable side effect of a metro light rail line that runs from downtown LA to the coast...

Santa Monica State Beach is a true California gem – a perfect blend of natural beauty, classic seaside charm, and cultural history. Stretching over 3 miles along the Pacific Coast, this iconic beach has been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike for over a century. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, when Santa Monica became a popular seaside retreat for Hollywood stars and Los Angeles residents looking for a break from city life. Over the years, it has become a symbol of the California beach lifestyle. The beach is wide, clean, and well-maintained, with soft sand and stunning views of the ocean. The famous Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, adds a nostalgic charm with its vintage amusement park rides, small aquarium, shops, and restaurants. It’s also the historic endpoint of Route 66, making it a meaningful stop for road trip lovers. There are plenty of activities for everyone – biking, volleyball, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the waves. The beach paths are great for long walks, and the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re into beach fun, coastal views, or historic landmarks, Santa Monica State Beach offers an unforgettable experience. It’s more than just a beach – it’s a piece of California’s cultural and cinematic legacy.

My favorite fun beach location in SoCal. Very clean beach with several lifeguard towers every 100 yards or so along with several public restrooms. There's lots of reasonable parking on the street or in the several parking lots along the beach. The walking and biking lanes are frequently used and run along the length of the SM beach. There's also a cafe with bicycle rentals at the mid point and the SM pier is a favorite destination with the locals and many visitors. There are a few cafes/restaurants and many fun pier rides for the whole family. It is the place to be if you're looking for a fun day at a great California beach!