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Santa Monica State Beach
As one of the most iconic places in Southern California, this beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Santa Monica.
Plan Around Santa Monica State Beach
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Santa Monica State Beach Details
As one of the most iconic places in Southern California, this beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Santa Monica. It is located right off the legendary Pacific Coast Highway and features a 3.5-mile-long stretch of sand, the Santa Monica Pier, and numerous opportunities for land and sea activities. It is also home to the original Muscle Beach, the birthplace of beach-side acrobats and bodybuilders. Although this beach is very popular with swimmers and sunbathers, it is also popular with paddleboarders, surfers, and volleyball players. A 3-mile bike and pedestrian path also stretches along the coast from the beach towards Will Rogers State Beach. At the heart of the beach is the Santa Monica Pier, which dates back to 1909 and contains the Pacific Park amusement park, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a trapeze school, and several restaurants and pubs.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
State Parks
Nearby Parks Around Santa Monica State Beach
Compare nearby parks around Santa Monica State Beach when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Santa Monica State Beach
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Santa Monica State Beach while the map context is still fresh.
2.5 mi away
Will Rogers State Beach
This 1.75-mile beach on Santa Monica Bay is one of the most recognizable beaches in Southern California.
2.5 mi away
Venice Canals Walkway
There are more similarities between Venice Beach and Venice, Italy, besides having the same name.
3.3 mi away
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Tucked away in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles is the former home of famed performer Will Rogers.
5.9 mi away
Dockweiler State Beach
This state beach has one of the more unique views in Los Angeles.
6.3 mi away
Topanga State Park
This 11,000-acre park is one of the best places in Los Angeles to go hiking.
