Santa Monica Beach Tours

Santa Monica Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach
Santa Monica Beach featuring general coastal views and a sunset
Santa Monica Beach featuring a coastal town and a beach
Santa Monica Beach which includes general coastal views and surf
Santa Monica Beach which includes a coastal town, general coastal views and a sandy 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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Santa Monica Beach

Tours & day trips

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Adventure & outdoor

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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Reviews of Santa Monica Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1878
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
1168
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
232
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
30
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
44
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you're not used to walking to nearby shops and sights, try it but remember walking shoes. It's actually rather convenient to walk rather than drive in a number of instances.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We chose to take our own old school razor scooters. Just wear comfortable shoes.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Walking shoes and sweater!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Last minute trip to Pacific Park on Santa Monica pier, it was crowded bit it was a Saturday afternoon.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go really early to find parking.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The crepes are goog

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Santa Monica Beach

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

At Santa Monica Beach, you can enjoy stunning ocean views while taking in breathtaking sunsets. The area offers a vibrant shopping scene, with plenty of boutiques and local shops to explore. For those seeking activity, various sports options are available, making it easy to stay active and have fun. Whether you're relaxing by the beach or engaging in exciting activities, Santa Monica Beach has something for everyone.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Jadis, just 1.6km from Santa Monica Beach, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. For a broader selection, visit Westfield Century City, located 9.7km away, featuring entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, the Farmers Market is 14.5km away with a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

SoFi Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere with exciting sports events just 16.1km away, perfect for fans. Enjoy a round of golf at the Riviera Country Club, located 4.8km away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. For live music, Whiskey a Go Go, 12.9km away, provides vibrant entertainment vibes.

Adventure

Hike the Nicholas Flat Trail for scenic views and outdoor adventure only 1.6km from Santa Monica Beach. For climbing enthusiasts, OnRope Consulting, located 1.1km away, offers thrilling climbing experiences. Dive into underwater sports 8.0km away at Eco Dive Center for a unique aquatic adventure.

Nightlife

Santa Monica Beach offers vibrant nightlife with venues like the Dolby Theater, known for its romantic atmosphere, and the TCL Chinese Theatre, perfect for family-friendly entertainment. For adventure, visit Sherman Oaks Castle Park, an arcade zone that guarantees fun for all ages, just a short drive away.

*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 vibrant mix of attractions perfect for every traveler. Explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, relax on the sandy shores, or discover the charm of beachfront hideaways. With a blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and urban parks, Santa Monica caters to those seeking a memorable city experience. Whether you're enjoying the beach or strolling through local streets, there's something for everyone in this sunny California destination.

  • Santa Monica Pier: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Monica Pier, located just 483m from the beach. This iconic spot features amusement rides, restaurants, and stunning ocean views, making it perfect for families and friends to enjoy a day of fun.
  • Venice Beach: Only 3.2km from Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach is famous for its lively boardwalk, street performers, and unique shops. Immerse yourself in the laid-back beach vibes while soaking up the sun or watching the local skateboarders showcase their skills.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Situated 8.0km away, UCLA boasts beautiful architecture and a rich cultural scene. Explore the campus, visit museums, and enjoy the diverse events that highlight its vibrant academic community.

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 during your visit to Santa Monica Beach, plan your trip between November and January when accommodation prices are lower, especially booking for a Monday stay. Avoid weekends, particularly Saturdays, for better rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter options based on your budget and preferences, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Look for special offers like getaway deals and flexible booking options to maximize your budget while enjoying free beach activities and scenic strolls along the coast.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Santa Monica Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia