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

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Popular places to visit


Top Santa Monica Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

5 out of 5
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Fairmont Miramar Hotel
The Huntley Hotel

The Huntley Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
The Huntley Hotel
The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
The Eden

The Eden

4 out of 5
1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Eden
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
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
Hotel Carmel

Hotel Carmel

3 out of 5
201 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA
Hotel Carmel
Shore Hotel

Shore Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Shore Hotel
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 mix of activities, from stunning sunsets to vibrant shopping experiences. Enjoy a round at the Holey Moley Golf Club for some quirky fun, or indulge in a leisurely day of sightseeing along the beautiful California coastline. Whether you're keen on beach relaxation or seeking a shopping fix, Santa Monica promises an unforgettable getaway.

Shopping

At Santa Monica Beach, visit Santa Monica Place, a vibrant shopping destination just 644m away, offering a mix of business and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, The Grove and Farmers Market are both 14.5km away, providing a lively atmosphere with diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at SoFi Stadium, just 16.1km away, with its electrifying sports atmosphere. For a relaxing day, play a round at the Riviera Country Club, 4.8km from the beach, or indulge in the luxury of the Los Angeles Country Club, located 9.7km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at OnRope Consulting, located 1.1km from Santa Monica Beach, where adventure and outdoor excitement await. For a scenic hiking experience, trek the Nicholas Flat Trail, 1.6km away, offering stunning views. Alternatively, challenge yourself at the Palisades Tennis Center, 3.2km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Monica Beach is vibrant and diverse. Catch a film at the TCL Chinese Theatre or enjoy a live show at the Dolby Theatre, both a mere 17.7km away. For a unique experience, visit the Raleigh Studio Hollywood, just 19.3km from the beach.

*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 blend of attractions, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can unwind at the beautiful beach, explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and immerse themselves in the local scene. Whether you're enjoying a day on the sand or strolling along the lively promenade, there's plenty to see and do in this quintessential Californian destination.

  • Santa Monica Pier: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Monica Pier, just 483m from the beach. Enjoy amusement rides, games, and local street performers while taking in stunning ocean views. The friendly vibe makes it perfect for families and friends alike.
  • Venice Beach: Located 3.2km away, Venice Beach is renowned for its lively boardwalk, colourful murals, and unique street performers. Relax on the sandy shores or explore the diverse shops and eateries that embody the quintessential Californian beach vibe.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: About 8.0km from Santa Monica Beach, UCLA boasts beautiful architecture and rich history. Stroll through its picturesque campus, soak up the culture, and appreciate the vibrant student life that thrives here.

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 (dry). 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 RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica Beach

For a budget-friendly trip to Santa Monica Beach, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower, and aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates. Use Expedia's search tool to compare prices, find deals, and take advantage of free cancellation options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for extra savings. Public transport is a cost-effective way to explore, and don’t miss out on free activities along the beach and pier for a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

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