Photo: Natasha Setin
Photo: Dennis
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Santa Monica State Beach
★4.6(1,461 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 4-6 hours for a full beach day, or 2-3 hours if combining with pier attractions👶 Perfect for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Babies and toddlers love playing in the shallow water and building sandcastles, while elementary-aged kids enjoy boogie boarding and the pier's attractions. Tweens and teens appreciate the bike path, volleyball courts, and social atmosphere.🧡 Saved by 29 families
About
Santa Monica State Beach offers everything families need for an ideal Southern California beach day. With 3.5 miles of soft sand, gentle waves perfect for young swimmers, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier just steps away, it's one of LA's most accessible and family-friendly coastal destinations. The paved bike path and nearby rental shops make it easy to explore beyond the beach, while lifeguards on duty provide peace of mind for parents.
Highlights
- ✓Gentle waves ideal for young swimmers and first-time boogie boarders
- ✓Easy access to Santa Monica Pier with its amusement park, aquarium, and arcade
- ✓22-mile paved bike path perfect for family bike rides or stroller walks
- ✓Volleyball courts and playground areas near the beach
- ✓Year-round lifeguard stations for added safety
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 10am to snag easier parking and stake out a spot near a lifeguard tower before crowds arrive
- 2.Bring a wagon or beach cart to haul gear from the parking structures,it's a bit of a walk to prime spots
- 3.Rent bikes or surreys early in the day from vendors near the pier to explore the Marvin Braude Bike Trail when it's less crowded
- 4.Set up south of the pier for calmer waters and fewer crowds, or north of the pier for easier access to restrooms and the playground
- 5.Pack layers and a windbreaker,even on sunny days, the ocean breeze can get chilly by late afternoon
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings from May through September for the warmest water and best weather, with significantly smaller crowds than weekends. Arrive between 9-10am for optimal parking and beach space. June Gloom may bring morning fog, so late morning to early afternoon is ideal during that month.
What to Know
Beach access is free, but parking in nearby structures costs $8-25 depending on location and duration. Restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing facilities are available along the beach. The pier area has numerous food vendors and restaurants, though bringing your own snacks saves money.
Seasonal Notes
Summer (June-August) offers warmest water temperatures but biggest crowds. Fall (September-October) provides excellent weather with fewer visitors. Winter and spring are quieter but water is cold,bring wetsuits for swimming. The beach is open year-round with no seasonal closures.
Nearby Eats
Try The Albright on the pier for casual seafood with ocean views and a kids menu, or head to Blue Plate Taco just off the beach for fish tacos and a relaxed family atmosphere with outdoor seating.
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