Plan Your Visit

Santa Monica State Beach is free and open sunrise to sunset, all year. Most visitors start at the Santa Monica Pier, where Colorado Avenue meets Ocean Avenue, and spread north or south along over three miles of sand. Come by Metro E Line or bike if you can; if you drive, a summer day in the lots by the Pier costs $20. Check the water-quality grade and bring sun protection.

Getting There

• Metro E Line (formerly the Expo Line): trains run from 7th Street/Metro Center in downtown Los Angeles to Downtown Santa Monica Station at 4th and Colorado, about 46 minutes. Walk 10 minutes west on Colorado to the Pier.
• Bus: Metro bus 534 stops at Colorado and Ocean.
• Bike: the Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs the full length of the beach.
• Rideshare: set the drop-off to 1550 Appian Way, by the beach below the Pier.
• Car: come in on the 10 Freeway or Pacific Coast Highway. The Pier Corporation puts the Pier about 9 miles from LAX, a 30 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic. See parking for every lot and rate.

Pick Your Stretch of Beach

• By the Pier: the busiest part, with the Pier, Pacific Park, Heal the Bay Aquarium, restrooms and rentals. Best for first-timers and families who want everything close.
• North beach: the long stretch below the bluffs toward the Annenberg Beach House, with its summer pool, playground and courts, and Will Rogers State Beach beyond.
• South beach: past Original Muscle Beach and the volleyball courts, toward Venice. The southern lots are cheaper.

What It Costs

• Beach: free.
• Parking: $20 a day in summer by the Pier; $12 to $15 in the northern and southern lots; $7 to $12 in winter.
• Pacific Park rides: about $5 to $15 each.
• Heal the Bay Aquarium: $12 adults, $5 kids.

Full list on hours and fees.

Before You Go

1. Check the water. LA County Public Health warns against ocean contact for at least 72 hours after rain. Look up Heal the Bay's Beach Report Card grade. See swimming.
2. Leave the dog at home for the beach itself. Leashed dogs are fine on the Pier. See dogs.
3. Leave scooters behind. E-scooters are banned on the bike path, the Pier and Ocean Front Walk.
4. Check what is open. Pacific Park's hours change by day, and Heal the Bay Aquarium paused its weekend drop-in hours on October 19, 2026.
5. No lockers on the Pier. Bring only what you need to the sand.

What Is Changing in 2026

The City is replacing the Pier Bridge, the link from Ocean Avenue to the Pier, and expects to finish by 2028. The Pier stays open, but expect detours near Ocean and Colorado and reduced Pier deck parking. The famous neon Pier sign was removed in October 2026 for restoration; a half-scale replica on the Pier keeps the photo spot alive.

A Simple Day Plan

• Morning: ride or walk the beach path north toward the Annenberg Beach House while it is quiet.
• Midday: swim near a staffed lifeguard tower, or book a volleyball court.
• Afternoon: walk out on the Pier, ride the Pacific Wheel, and stop at Muscle Beach.
• Sunset: watch from the end of the Pier or from Palisades Park on the bluff.

Nearby

The Third Street Promenade is about a 10-minute walk from the Pier, according to the Pier Corporation. Venice is just south along the bike path.