Where is Santa Monica, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is Santa Monica, California Located in the United States? - Santa Monica is a city located in the Los Angeles County in California, United States. Santa Monica lies between 34.0195 Degrees North latitudes and -118.4912 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California

Where is Santa Monica Located in Los Angeles, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California.

Santa Monica Map, California, USA

About Santa Monica Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Santa Monica is located in Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific Ocean coastline west of downtown Los Angeles. The city was incorporated in 1886 and was named after Saint Monica, and it developed as a seaside resort community before becoming a major center for tourism, technology, and entertainment.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Santa Monica is 93,076 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 10,900 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Santa Monica covers a total area of approximately 8.4 square miles (about 21.8 square kilometers), including about 8.3 square miles (21.5 square kilometers) of land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Santa Monica is situated west of downtown Los Angeles and north of Venice, positioned along Santa Monica Bay. The city features sandy beaches, coastal bluffs, and a dense urban core that reflects its role as a popular coastal destination. Interstate 10 and Pacific Coast Highway provide major transportation routes connecting Santa Monica to surrounding communities.

Attractions and Recreation

Santa Monica offers a wide range of recreational and cultural attractions that draw visitors from around the world. Popular destinations include the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and Palisades Park overlooking the ocean. The city is also home to Santa Monica College, contributing to higher education and workforce development in the region.

Transportation

Santa Monica is served by Interstate 10 and Pacific Coast Highway, offering direct highway access to Los Angeles and coastal communities. Public transportation includes Metro rail and bus services linking the city to downtown Los Angeles and other parts of the metropolitan area. The nearest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport, located approximately 8 miles to the south.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Santa Monica City Website.

Most Viewed US Maps

USA MapUSA Region MapUSA Road Map
USA County MapWhere is USA in World Map?US ZIP Code Map
USA Time Zones MapUS State and Capitals MapUSA Physical Map

Santa Monica City Facts

CitySanta Monica
StateCalifornia
CountyLos Angeles County
CountryUnited States
RegionSouthern California - Westside Los Angeles
IncorporatedNovember 30, 1886
Founded1875
Total AreaApproximately 16.0 sq mi (41.4 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 8.4 sq mi (21.8 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 7.6 sq mi (19.6 km2)
ElevationApproximately 105 ft (32 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 90,000+
Population (2020 Census)93,076
Population DensityApproximately 11,000 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90406, 90407, 90408, 90409, 90410, 90411
Area Code310, 424
Major HighwaysInterstate 10, Pacific Coast Highway
Public TransitLos Angeles Metro Rail E Line, Big Blue Bus
Major AttractionsSanta Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica State Beach
Official Websitehttps://www.santamonica.gov/

Distance from Santa Monica City, CA to Nearby Cities in California

  • Los Angeles, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Beverly Hills, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
  • West Hollywood, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Culver City, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Inglewood, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
  • El Segundo, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Torrance, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Long Beach, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Glendale, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Pasadena, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Burbank, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
  • Malibu, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Manhattan Beach, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Redondo Beach, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
  • Hawthorne, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Downey, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
  • West Covina, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Anaheim, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Santa Ana, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Irvine, CA – 50 miles (80 km)

California Related Links

California MapCalifornia County MapMap of California With Cities
California ZipcodesAirports in CaliforniaWhere is California
California Area CodesCalifornia Blank MapCalifornia River Map
US County MapCalifornia Road MapCalifornia PhysicalMap