Santa Monica Beach FAQ
These are the questions people ask most about Santa Monica State Beach and the Santa Monica Pier, answered from the City of Santa Monica's pages and the operators of each attraction. Each answer links to the page with the full details. Prices are 2026 rates.
Visiting
See hours and fees, parking and plan your visit.
On the Beach
See swimming, surfing and lifeguards, volleyball, dogs and rules.
Around the Pier
See Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, Heal the Bay Aquarium and fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Monica Beach free?
Yes. There is no fee to enter Santa Monica State Beach or to walk on the Santa Monica Pier. You pay for parking: $20 a day in summer in the lots by the Pier, less in winter and in the lots farther north and south.
What are Santa Monica Beach's hours?
The City lists the beach as open sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. The Santa Monica Pier is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where do you park at Santa Monica Beach?
The City runs 13 beach lots along Pacific Coast Highway, Appian Way, Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way. Lot 1 North at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway is beside the Pier. See the parking page for rates.
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. Stay out of the water for at least 72 hours after rain, keep 100 yards from the Pier and flowing storm drains, and check Heal the Bay's Beach Report Card.
Is the Santa Monica Pier free?
Yes. Walking the Pier and entering Pacific Park are free. Rides cost about $5 to $15 each, and Heal the Bay Aquarium charges $12 for adults.
Where is the Santa Monica Pier sign?
The original neon sign was removed in October 2026 for restoration during the Pier Bridge replacement. A half-scale replica stands on the Pier just before Pier Burger, on the left side.
Do you need a fishing license on the Santa Monica Pier?
No. It is a public pier, so no California fishing license is needed there. Fishing from the beach needs a license for anyone 16 or older.
Can you have a fire or barbecue on Santa Monica Beach?
No. Fires, barbecues, portable stoves and charcoal are banned on the beach except in City-installed grills.
Are e-scooters allowed on the Santa Monica bike path?
No. The City bans e-scooters on the beach bike paths, the Pier, Ocean Front Walk, the Third Street Promenade and City parks.
How long is Santa Monica State Beach?
Over three miles and 245 acres of sand, from Will Rogers State Beach in the north to Venice in the south.
Who runs Santa Monica State Beach?
The City of Santa Monica operates it, in partnership with California State Parks. Lifeguards come from the LA County Fire Department.
Is Will Rogers State Beach part of Santa Monica?
No. It is the next state beach north, run by LA County Beaches and Harbors, at 17700 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades.
Is there a pool at Santa Monica Beach?
Yes, in summer. The historic pool at the Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway, sells same-day passes in person starting one hour before it opens.