Santa Monica State Beach —
Your Complete Guide
Over three miles of free beach on Santa Monica Bay, with the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and a 22-mile bike path along the sand.
What is Santa Monica State Beach?
Santa Monica State Beach is a California state beach run by the City of Santa Monica. It stretches over three miles along Santa Monica Bay and covers 245 acres of sand, from Will Rogers State Beach in the north to Venice in the south, with the Santa Monica Pier near the middle. The beach is open sunrise to sunset all year and is free to enter. Parking in the City lots by the Pier is $20 a day from April to October.
The Pier has stood since 1909 and is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. On and around it are Pacific Park's 12 rides, the historic carousel, Heal the Bay Aquarium, Original Muscle Beach and the beach volleyball courts. The 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs the length of the sand, and the Annenberg Community Beach House on the north beach has a historic summer pool.
Three things to know in 2026. The City is rebuilding the Pier Bridge, so expect detours at Ocean and Colorado; the neon Pier sign is away for restoration, with a half-scale replica on the Pier for photos (Pier guide). Dogs are not allowed on the sand. And LA County Public Health tells swimmers to stay out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after rain (water quality).
Santa Monica State Beach at a Glance
What to Do at Santa Monica State Beach
California State Parks lists a picnic area, shops, the pier, volleyball, basketball and a running strip along the beach.
Santa Monica Pier
Free to walk, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Rides, the carousel, the arcade and the replica Pier sign.
Pier Guide →
Pacific Park
No entry fee. 12 rides, including the solar-powered Pacific Wheel; $5 to $15 a ride.
Rides & Prices →
Swimming & Surfing
LA County lifeguards on duty. Check the Beach Report Card and skip the water after rain.
Water Quality →
The Bike Path
The 22-mile Marvin Braude Trail; about three miles in Santa Monica. No e-scooters.
Route & Rentals →
Annenberg Beach House
A historic summer pool, splash pad, playground and Marion Davies Guest House tours.
Pool & Hours →
Original Muscle Beach
Free rings, bars and a gymnastics area just south of the Pier, where Jack LaLanne trained.
What's There →How to Get to Santa Monica State Beach
Along Pacific Coast Highway, below Ocean Avenue and Palisades Park in Santa Monica.
By Car
Beach Lot 1 North, 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, sits beside the Pier. All lots and rates.
By Train or Bus
Metro E Line (formerly the Expo Line) to Downtown Santa Monica (4th and Colorado), then a 10-minute walk. Metro bus 534 stops at Colorado and Ocean.
City Beach Office
1550 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Phone (310) 458-8411.
More on the Beach
Book a volleyball court or join a pickup game, fish from the Pier without a license, walk the bluff in Palisades Park, or ride north to Will Rogers State Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Monica State Beach free?
Yes. There is no fee to enter the beach or walk the Santa Monica Pier. You pay for parking: $20 a day from April to October in the City lots by the Pier, less in winter and in the southern lots.
What are Santa Monica Beach hours?
The City lists the beach as open sunrise to sunset, year-round. The Santa Monica Pier is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Where do you park for Santa Monica Beach?
The City runs beach lots along Pacific Coast Highway, Appian Way, Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way. Lot 1 North, at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, is right beside the Pier and stays open until 2 a.m.
Are dogs allowed on Santa Monica Beach?
No. Dogs are not allowed on Santa Monica State Beach. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Santa Monica Pier, but not inside Pacific Park.
Can you swim at Santa Monica Beach?
Yes, near a staffed LA County lifeguard tower. Avoid the water for at least 72 hours after rain, stay 100 yards from the Pier and storm drains, and check Heal the Bay's Beach Report Card.
Who runs Santa Monica State Beach?
The City of Santa Monica operates the beach in partnership with California State Parks. Lifeguards come from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
How long is Santa Monica State Beach?
Over three miles, covering 245 acres of sand from Will Rogers State Beach to Venice.