Santa Monica Beach Tours



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.

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The LEEF Hotel
Los Angeles Deluxe Suites - 2 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms
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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
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 Georgian Hotel

The Georgian Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
The Georgian Hotel
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
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
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 atmosphere with stunning ocean views, making it a perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Visitors can indulge in shopping at nearby boutiques and explore various sports activities along the beach. Whether you're looking to relax by the shore or engage in some fun, Santa Monica Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

For shopping near Santa Monica Beach, visit Santa Monica Place, just 0.4 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and retail. Jadis, a charming store, is also nearby at 1 mile. If you're up for a drive, check out the Farmers Market, located 9 miles away, for local goods.

Recreation

At SoFi Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. The Riviera Country Club offers a serene golf experience amid beautiful landscapes, while the Los Angeles Country Club provides a luxurious retreat with upscale amenities and picturesque views for relaxation.

Adventure

At OnRope Consulting, located 0.7 mile from Santa Monica Beach, experience thrilling climbing adventures amidst outdoor vibes. Hike the Nicholas Flat Trail, 1 mile away, and enjoy beautiful scenery and nature. For underwater excitement, the Eco Dive Center, 5 miles away, offers exhilarating dive experiences in an adventurous setting.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santa Monica Beach with a visit to the TCL Chinese Theatre for a romantic movie night, or catch a show at the Dolby Theatre for a blend of culture and family entertainment. For adventure seekers, Sherman Oaks Castle Park offers thrilling arcade fun nearby.

*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 travelers seeking culture, family fun, and a lively city experience. Explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, relax at the beautiful beach, and discover hidden beachfront spots that enhance your visit. With its combination of urban parks and scenic coastal views, Santa Monica Beach is a must-visit destination in California.

  • Venice Beach: Located 2 miles from Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic boardwalk. Experience street performers, unique shops, and muscle beach culture, all set against stunning ocean views.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Just 0.3 miles away, Santa Monica Pier offers a classic seaside experience with its amusement park, arcade games, and delicious dining options. Enjoy the friendly vibes while taking a stroll along the boardwalk or catching a beautiful sunset.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: About 5 miles from Santa Monica Beach, UCLA boasts impressive architecture and lush campus grounds. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this prestigious university, which often hosts art exhibits and events.

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 between November and January when accommodations are cheaper. Stay on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options and consider booking package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don't forget to explore free activities like beach access and local parks 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort 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 deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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