Santa Monica Beach Tours and Activities

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach featuring general coastal views and surf
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.

Plan a trip to see Santa Monica Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Glendale Hotel
Level Los Angeles Downtown - South Olive
Fairmont Century Plaza Gold Experience

Tours & day trips

See all 99 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 29 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 16 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 11 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 3 activities

Reviews of Santa Monica Beach

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
52
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
54
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Pier Santa Monica amazing!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The pier was worth the visit. Great lunch at The Albright.

3/5 - Okay

Lovetotravel

We only booked one night at a Santa Monica hotel. It rained heavy all weekend so we didn’t get to see the beach or much of the surrounding area.

Popular places to visit


Top Santa Monica Beach Hotel & Accommodation 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
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
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica

Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica

3 out of 5
501 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica

Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica

4 out of 5
530 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica
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 vibrant mix of activities, including stunning sunsets, a lively nightlife with trendy bars, and local attractions like the iconic pier. Enjoy the chill beach vibes while shopping at boutique stores or indulging in water sports like surfing. For those keen on adventure, consider day trips to nearby sites for a complete Californian experience.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Santa Monica Place, located 644m from the beach, offering a lively atmosphere with entertainment and diverse shops. If you're up for a drive, check out the Farmers Market, situated 14.5km away, which features local produce and unique goods.

Recreation

SoFi Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 16.1km from the beach. For a leisurely day outdoors, the Riviera Country Club, 4.8km away, provides a beautiful golf course. Indulge in luxury at the Los Angeles Country Club, just 9.7km from Santa Monica Beach.

Adventure

At OnRope Consulting, 1.1km from Santa Monica Beach, experience thrilling climbing adventures in a vibrant outdoor setting. Hike the Nicholas Flat Trail, located 1.6km away, and immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery. For tennis enthusiasts, the Palisades Tennis Center, 3.2km away, offers exciting matches amidst adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Experience Santa Monica Beach's vibrant nightlife by catching a film at the TCL Chinese Theatre or immersing yourself in culture at the Dolby Theatre. For an adventurous twist, head to Sherman Oaks Castle Park for some arcade fun. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening.

*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 variety of attractions for all types of travellers, from culture seekers to families. Key highlights include the iconic Santa Monica Pier and the beautiful beach itself, perfect for soaking up the sun. Urban parks and vibrant streets further enhance the city experience, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore local points of interest and enjoy a relaxed coastal vibe.

  • Venice Beach: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Venice Beach, just 3.2km from Santa Monica Beach. This iconic location boasts colourful murals, street performers, and a lively boardwalk, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the eclectic beach vibes.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Located a mere 483m from Santa Monica Beach, the Santa Monica Pier offers a fun-filled experience with its amusement park, games, and eateries. The friendly people and stunning ocean views create a welcoming environment for relaxation and enjoyment.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Just 8.0km away, UCLA is a historic institution rich in culture. Wander through its beautiful campus, admire the architecture, and enjoy the various art exhibits and performances that showcase the vibrant student life.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Beach

The best time to visit Santa Monica Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Monica Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Monica Beach falls in December, 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 from November to January when accommodation prices drop. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help you avoid the higher weekend rates. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Take advantage of free activities at the beach and nearby parks, and opt for public transport to explore the area affordably.

  • 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 organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Santa Monica Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia