Santa Monica Beach Tours and Activities

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach which includes 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


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
The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

5 out of 5
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Fairmont Miramar Hotel
Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel

3 out of 5
1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Ocean View Hotel
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
The Eden

The Eden

4 out of 5
1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Eden
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 stunning sunsets, vibrant shopping, and exciting sports activities. Visitors can enjoy the adjoining amusement park for family fun, take a quick trip to explore the area, and appreciate performances by the Santa Monica Symphony. With a variety of entertainment destinations, this beachside locale promises a delightful experience for everyone.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Santa Monica Beach, check out the MOCA Pacific Design Center, just 12.9km away, featuring unique design stores. If you're up for a drive, visit The Grove and the Farmers Market, both 14.5km away, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Recreation

SoFi Stadium, a vibrant sports facility 16.1km away, energizes visitors with its dynamic atmosphere. The Riviera Country Club, located 4.8km from the beach, offers a beautiful outdoor golf experience. For luxury, indulge at the Los Angeles Country Club, just 9.7km away, surrounded by elegance.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at OnRope Consulting, located 1.1km from Santa Monica Beach, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. For a scenic hike, explore the Nicholas Flat Trail, 1.6km away, offering breathtaking views. Dive into adventure with Eco Dive Center, 8.0km away, for exciting underwater sports.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Dolby Theater, offering a mix of culture and romance. Catch a film at TCL Chinese Theatre for family-friendly entertainment. For a thrilling evening, visit Hollywood Park Casino, where the city vibes and excitement await you, just a short distance from Santa Monica Beach.

Find the best attractions near Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including the iconic Santa Monica Pier and the beautiful Santa Monica State Beach. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or a lively city atmosphere, this destination has it all. Enjoy the lively streets and historic charm while soaking up the sun at the beach, making it a perfect getaway for tourists from Canada and beyond.

  • Santa Monica Pier: A vibrant hub of entertainment, Santa Monica Pier is known for its friendly atmosphere and artistic vibes. With an amusement park, restaurants, and stunning ocean views, it's a perfect spot to soak in the local culture and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
  • Venice Beach: Famous for its lively beach vibes, Venice Beach offers a unique blend of sun, surf, and street culture. Explore the iconic boardwalk, watch street performers, or relax on the sandy shores while soaking in the vibrant energy of this eclectic destination.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: This historic university is a cultural gem located just 8.0km away. With its stunning architecture, expansive gardens, and rich history, UCLA provides a tranquil setting for exploring art galleries and attending events that celebrate diverse cultures.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Beach

Visitor numbers around Santa Monica Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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 average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
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)SunnySlightly HighAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica Beach

To save money on your Santa Monica Beach vacation, visit during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation prices. Consider staying on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Enjoy free entry to Santa Monica Beach and nearby attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package to combine flights and activities for additional savings. Look for deals with free cancellation and potential free nights to maximize your budget.

  • 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 ideal location, and more. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking at Santa Monica Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.