Santa Monica State Beach is located in California, USA. It lies between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach and is situated along the Pacific Ocean coast. It is famous for its wide sandy beach, swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities.
Santa Monica State Beach Location Map,Santa Monica, California

California Related Links
Top Attractions Inside Santa Monica State Beach
- Wide Sandy Shoreline – Perfect for sunbathing, beach games, and scenic strolls.
- Volleyball Courts – Popular spot for casual and competitive beach volleyball.
- Bike & Walking Path – Scenic trail along the coast for cycling, skating, and jogging.
- Muscle Beach Gym – Outdoor fitness area famous for strength training and acrobatics.
- Beachfront Restaurants & Cafes – Spots to enjoy ocean views with food and drinks.
- Lifeguard Towers – Iconic colorful towers providing safety and classic photo opportunities.
Santa Monica State Beach Facts
| Official Name | Santa Monica State Beach |
| Location | Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA — Pacific Coast / Santa Monica Bay |
| Latitude & Longitude | 34.0099° N, 118.4973° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of sandy coastline along Santa Monica Bay, total area 1,500 acres (≈607 hectares) including beach and park areas |
| Established / Opened | Designated as a California State Beach; formally managed by the City of Santa Monica and California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Managed By | California Department of Parks and Recreation / City of Santa Monica |
| Region | Santa Monica / Los Angeles County / Southern California |
| Address | Ocean Avenue & Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA |
| Zip Code | 90401 |
| Area Code | 310 / 424 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Coastal recreation, beach activities, sunbathing, swimming, volleyball, family-friendly, scenic oceanfront, outdoor fitness |
| Main Sections / Areas | North Beach, Santa Monica Pier area, South Beach, bike and pedestrian paths, volleyball courts, picnic areas, restrooms, lifeguard stations |
| Famous Attractions | Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Ocean views, sandy beaches, bike and walking paths, volleyball courts, nearby parks and playgrounds, ocean sunsets |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 8–10 million visitors per year |
| Entry Fee Type | Free public beach access; paid parking and pier attractions |
| Ticket Price Range | Parking: $5–$15 per day; pier rides and attractions vary $3–$35 per activity |
| Ticket Options | Free beach access, paid parking, Pacific Park rides tickets, group events, guided tours and fitness classes |
| Best Time to Visit | Year-round; summer for full beach experience, spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds; early morning or late afternoon for jogging or photography |
| Nearby Airport | Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 8 miles (13 km); Bob Hope Airport (BUR) – 25 miles (40 km) |
| Transportation | Car, taxi/ride-share, public buses, Metro Expo Line (light rail), walking and biking along beach paths, parking lots and street parking |
| Official Website | https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=615 |
Distances from Santa Monica State Beach to Nearby Landmarks
- Santa Monica Pier – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
- Palisades Park – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Third Street Promenade – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Venice Beach – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Santa Monica College – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills) – 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Getty Center – 18 km (11.2 mi)
- Marina del Rey – 8 km (5 mi)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Downtown Los Angeles – 27 km (16.8 mi)
- Hollywood – 28 km (17.4 mi)
- Griffith Observatory – 32 km (19.9 mi)
- Universal Studios Hollywood – 31 km (19.3 mi)
- Malibu Pier – 29 km (18 mi)
- Dodger Stadium – 28 km (17.4 mi)
Top Places to Visit in California
Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.
Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.
