Where is Santa Monica State Beach,Santa Monica, California?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Santa Monica State Beach is located in California, USA. It lies between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach and is situated along the Pacific Ocean coast. It is famous for its wide sandy beach, swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities.

Santa Monica State Beach Location Map,Santa Monica, California

Top Attractions Inside Santa Monica State Beach

  • Wide Sandy Shoreline – Perfect for sunbathing, beach games, and scenic strolls.
  • Volleyball Courts – Popular spot for casual and competitive beach volleyball.
  • Bike & Walking Path – Scenic trail along the coast for cycling, skating, and jogging.
  • Muscle Beach Gym – Outdoor fitness area famous for strength training and acrobatics.
  • Beachfront Restaurants & Cafes – Spots to enjoy ocean views with food and drinks.
  • Lifeguard Towers – Iconic colorful towers providing safety and classic photo opportunities.

Santa Monica State Beach Facts

Official NameSanta Monica State Beach
LocationSanta Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA — Pacific Coast / Santa Monica Bay
Latitude & Longitude34.0099° N, 118.4973° W
Total AreaApprox. 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of sandy coastline along Santa Monica Bay, total area ~1,500 acres (≈607 hectares) including beach and park areas
Established / OpenedDesignated as a California State Beach; formally managed by the City of Santa Monica and California Department of Parks and Recreation
Managed ByCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation / City of Santa Monica
RegionSanta Monica / Los Angeles County / Southern California
AddressOcean Avenue & Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Zip Code90401
Area Code310 / 424
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptCoastal recreation, beach activities, sunbathing, swimming, volleyball, family-friendly, scenic oceanfront, outdoor fitness
Main Sections / AreasNorth Beach, Santa Monica Pier area, South Beach, bike and pedestrian paths, volleyball courts, picnic areas, restrooms, lifeguard stations
Famous AttractionsSanta Monica Pier, Pacific Ocean views, sandy beaches, bike and walking paths, volleyball courts, nearby parks and playgrounds, ocean sunsets
Annual VisitorsApprox. 8–10 million visitors per year
Entry Fee TypeFree public beach access; paid parking and pier attractions
Ticket Price RangeParking: ~$5–$15 per day; pier rides and attractions vary ~$3–$35 per activity
Ticket OptionsFree beach access, paid parking, Pacific Park rides tickets, group events, guided tours and fitness classes
Best Time to VisitYear-round; summer for full beach experience, spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds; early morning or late afternoon for jogging or photography
Nearby AirportLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) – ~8 miles (13 km); Bob Hope Airport (BUR) – ~25 miles (40 km)
TransportationCar, taxi/ride-share, public buses, Metro Expo Line (light rail), walking and biking along beach paths, parking lots and street parking
Official Websitehttps://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=615

Distances from Santa Monica State Beach to Nearby Landmarks

  • Santa Monica Pier – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Palisades Park – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Third Street Promenade – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Venice Beach – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Santa Monica College – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills) – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Getty Center – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Marina del Rey – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Downtown Los Angeles – 27 km (16.8 mi)
  • Hollywood – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Griffith Observatory – 32 km (19.9 mi)
  • Universal Studios Hollywood – 31 km (19.3 mi)
  • Malibu Pier – 29 km (18 mi)
  • Dodger Stadium – 28 km (17.4 mi)