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.

Plan a trip to see Santa Monica Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The LEEF Hotel

The LEEF Hotel

2 out of 5
Citrus Grove
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $488, price is now $253 per person
$253
per person
Nov 14 - Nov 17
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (115 reviews)
I was genuinely surprised how nice this place was. 100% will stay here again : ). Not the biggest fan of the deposit BUT as long as you don’t do anything out of the ordinary totally worth it

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Glendale Hotel

Glendale Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Somerset
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $670, price is now $348 per person
$348
per person
Oct 24 - Oct 27
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,650 reviews)
I liked the size of the rooms and the comfortable beds. What I didn't like was you had to check in on a computer kiosk. Very strange, In all my traveling I never experience something like that. I always enjoy speaking to a human being. It makes it more welcoming and personable. They should post that on their website. I saw people freaking out that they could not find a person to talk to.

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Petit Ermitage

Petit Ermitage

4 out of 5
West Hollywood
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $1,137, price is now $603 per person
$603
per person
Oct 30 - Nov 3
found 14 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
We originally booked one of the cheap rooms. But I couldn’t get over the style discrepancy. So I decided to upgrade to a red premium rooms as a surprise for my partner. Unfortunately, when I arrived, they didn’t have any knowledge of my room upgrade. We walked into the original room instead of the surprise. When we went back down to alert them to the error, I found out they’d given my room to someone else!! And after blaming Expedia for the error, they weren’t terribly apologetic or helpful. My surprise was ruined…. Which really bummed me out. But they gave us a comprable room and we made the best of it. The blue room was beautiful—we loved it. And the vibe of the hotel grew on me throughout our stay. It’s kinda dated and shabby. A lot of the art isn’t good. But it’s got CHARACTER! Being there feels like a fever dream-from the crowd to the improv jazz upstairs, it’s a vibe. A totally unique experience. So in the end I was happy. But they DO need to work on a few things—the bathroom near the pool had no toilet paper or seat covers. When I’m paying over $1K per night, I expect more. The service wasn’t particularly friendly or helpful. We never knew what the WiFi was, nor did anyone tell us how to find the pool and the jazz. The place smells like an eccentric old man, and kinda feels like that too. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re looking for a romantic hidden gem and like an out-of-the-box experience, this might be it!

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Santa Monica Beach

Tours & day trips

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Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 332 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $99 per adult
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!Opens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 31 activities
Photoshoot at Los Angeles’ Most Beautiful Beaches and Parks

Photoshoot at Los Angeles’ Most Beautiful Beaches and Parks

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $85 per adult
Photoshoot at Los Angeles’ Most Beautiful Beaches and ParksOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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30min Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood Sign in Ferrari

30min Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood Sign in Ferrari

Activity duration is 30 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $149 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 18 activities
Marina del Rey Premier Champagne Brunch Cruise

Marina del Rey Premier Champagne Brunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 82 reviews
Price is $121 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 12 activities
Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $69 per adult
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Popular places to visit

And the Cubs win

Third Street Promenade

4/5(36 reviews)

During your trip to Santa Monica, you can enjoy retail therapy at Third Street Promenade. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Third Street Promenade
Visit the Santa Monica Pier Catch the Sunset from the Pier and overlook all the city's attractions http://www.sunshineandskylines.com/#!Top-5-Things-to-Do-in-Santa-Monica/c1slb/47F76409-90A0-4851-906D-7D302726EC3B

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Take the kids to visit the sea creatures at Heal the Bay Aquarium during your trip to Santa Monica.

Heal the Bay Aquarium
Santa Monica Pier which includes rides

Santa Monica Pier

4.5/5(6,622 reviews)

You'll find beachside kitsch, boardwalk ambience and carnival fun at this sunbaked LA attraction that’s more than a hundred years old.

Santa Monica Pier
#Perspectives #Golden Santa Monica!! #Nature #Celebrate World Photo Day

Pacific Park

5/5(3 reviews)

Bring the family to Pacific Park and enjoy some excitement at this amusement park in Santa Monica. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Pacific Park
Tongva Park is a newly built park in Downtown Santa Monica, close to the beach, the Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place. Named for the Tongva people who have lived in the Los Angeles area for thousands of years, the park provides lawns and walkways, picnic tables, fountains, playgounds and futuristic lookouts. http://bigcitiesbrightlights.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/santa-monica-the-tongva-park/

Tongva Park

Tongva Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Monica, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Tongva Park
This site was a hot spot in the 1930s and 1940s for entertaining the elite. The 110 room mansion that used to be here was demolished but the pool is now restored and open to the public for a small fee.

Annenberg Community Beach House

Enjoy a stop at Annenberg Community Beach House, an entertaining place to visit in Santa Monica. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Annenberg Community Beach House

Best Lodging Options Near Santa Monica Beach

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 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
The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

2 out of 5
1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel
Shore Hotel

Shore Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Shore Hotel
See all 6,442 properties in Santa Monica Beach
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

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Monica Beach, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets, indulge in shopping at local boutiques, and partake in various sports activities. Don't miss the iconic Santa Monica Pier and its boardwalk, perfect for seaside strolls. Explore nearby attractions and embrace the ultimate beach getaway in this picturesque coastal destination.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local flavors, visit Govinda for vegetarian delights, or enjoy a scenic sip at San Antonio Winery. Absolution Brewing Company offers craft brews in a vibrant setting. Santa Monica’s dining scene is perfect for food lovers seeking romance and entertainment by the beach.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Santa Monica Beach, visit The Grove and Farmers Market, both located 9 miles away, offering a mix of family-friendly and vibrant city vibes. MOCA Pacific Design Center is also nearby at 8 miles, perfect for design enthusiasts.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at SoFi Stadium, just 10 miles from Santa Monica Beach, where you can catch a game or concert. Enjoy a round of golf at the Riviera Country Club, 3 miles away, surrounded by stunning landscapes, or indulge in luxury at the Los Angeles Country Club, 6 miles from the beach.

Adventure

Explore the Nicholas Flat Trail for a scenic hike with breathtaking views of the California coastline, located 1 mile from Santa Monica Beach. For thrill-seekers, OnRope Consulting offers exciting climbing experiences only 0.7 miles away, combining adventure with outdoor sports in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Monica Beach offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment. You can catch a show at the Dolby Theatre or enjoy a film at the TCL Chinese Theatre. For a unique experience, visit the Griffith Observatory and marvel at the stars while enjoying family-friendly activities.

Find the best attractions near Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach offers a vibrant blend of attractions, including its stunning beach, urban parks, and lively streets. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience the city's unique vibe. Don't miss out on exploring the famous Santa Monica Pier and nearby Venice Beach, both of which provide a quintessential Southern California experience that is perfect for making lasting memories.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience the magic of movies at this iconic theme park, just 12 miles from Santa Monica Beach. With thrilling rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours, it's a perfect family-friendly destination that brings your favorite films to life.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Just 0.3 miles away, this historic pier offers a vibrant atmosphere with friendly locals and stunning ocean views. Enjoy carnival rides, street performers, and local art, making it a hub of fun and creativity.
  • Venice Beach: Located 2 miles from Santa Monica Beach, this lively beach is famous for its bohemian spirit. Relax on the sandy shores, watch street performers, and explore the colorful boardwalk filled with unique shops and eateries.

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 average 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 RainSunnyAverageAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica Beach

To save money during your visit to Santa Monica Beach, take advantage of the free entry to the beach and nearby attractions like Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. The best time to visit is from November to January when hotel prices are lower. Book hotels about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts, and consider package deals to combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Utilize public transport or walk 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 April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Santa Monica Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find 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.