Beach Volleyball

Santa Monica State Beach has public sand volleyball courts that anyone can use for free, first come, first served. To reserve a court in advance, email the City at beach.permits@santamonica.gov or call (310) 458-2201, extension 5186. The Annenberg Community Beach House has 3 more volleyball courts that you can book online. After noon, all courts become challenge courts when players are waiting and no court is free.

Where the Courts Are

The City lists volleyball courts among the beach's amenities. Its court rules name one group, the Pier Courts, beside the Santa Monica Pier. Up the coast, the Annenberg Community Beach House has 3 beach volleyball courts and 1 beach soccer court.

How to Get a Court

Walk-up: most courts are first come, first served. Show up, find an open court and play.

Reserve ahead: the City takes advance reservations for beach courts. Email beach.permits@santamonica.gov or call (310) 458-2201, extension 5186.

Annenberg courts: book the Beach House courts online through the City's ActiveNet system. You need an ActiveNet account first.

Court Rules

These are from the City's rules for beach volleyball and beach tennis courts:

• First come, first served. When no other court is free, you can hold one court for up to 15 minutes while the rest of your group arrives, and at least one person must stay on it.
• Nets: players may adjust court nets by following the posted instructions. You can set up your own boundary lines and antennas.
• Challenge courts: after noon, every court is a challenge court if anyone is waiting and no court is free. The Pier Courts are challenge courts at all times. A team can only be challenged by a team of the same format (doubles, threes, fours, fives or sixes) unless the team on the court agrees to something else.
• Calling the game: no referees. Call your own faults, settle disputes with a replay, and play to the higher level when levels are mixed. The City recommends CBVA rules.
• Portable nets are fine if the guy wires are clearly marked and the net does not block beach traffic, lifeguard access lanes or existing courts.
• Coaching: anyone offering training, paid or unpaid, needs a City permit first.
• Conduct: no intimidation, abusive language, property damage or fighting.

Parking Near the Courts

For the Pier Courts, use Beach Lot 1 North or the Appian Way lots south of the Pier. For the Annenberg courts, use the Beach House lot at 415 Pacific Coast Highway ($4 an hour). See parking.

Dunes and Courts

The City's dune restoration south of the Pier, started in 2026, kept the existing volleyball space open. Stay out of the roped dune areas when you chase a ball.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: pickup games, doubles with friends, and groups who book ahead.

Maybe skip if: you want a guaranteed court on a summer weekend afternoon without a reservation; the Pier Courts are challenge courts, and winners keep them.