🌤 Weather at Santa Monica State Beach by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52–63 °F | 59–70 °F | 54–70 °F | 50–63 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Santa Monica Pier, 0 mi away, elevation 14 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 The World’s Most Famous Beach — 3.5 miles of iconic Pacific beach in the heart of Los Angeles
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most recognized beaches on Earth — a 3.5-mile-long, 200-foot-wide sandy strand in the heart of Los Angeles, anchored by the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its Pacific Park amusement rides, solar-powered Ferris wheel, and historic carousel. The beach is the western terminus of Route 66 — marking the end of the “Mother Road” from Chicago. The wide beach accommodates volleyball courts, the Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand) running 22 miles along the coast.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA |
| Length | 3.5 miles |
| Entry Fee | Free (paid parking lots) |
| Pier | Santa Monica Pier (1909) with Ferris wheel |
| Route 66 | Western terminus of Route 66 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking expensive?
Beach parking lots charge $8-20/day depending on location and season. The structures on the pier and along Ocean Avenue fill early on summer weekends. Consider transit (Metro Expo Line) or ride-sharing.
About Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in the world — 3.5 miles of wide, golden sand anchored by the legendary Santa Monica Pier with its Pacific Park amusement rides and solar-powered Ferris wheel. This is the western terminus of Route 66, where “America’s Mother Road” meets the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a year-round destination drawing over 8 million visitors annually.
Things to Do
Swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, cycling the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (22 miles of coastal path), visiting the Santa Monica Pier aquarium, riding the Ferris wheel, and watching the legendary California sunsets. The Third Street Promenade shopping district is steps from the sand.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Will Rogers State Historic Park (a short drive away) or Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (a short drive away).
🎡 Visit Santa Monica State Beach
World-famous beach — Route 66 terminus, iconic pier, Ferris wheel, and 3.5 miles of Pacific sand.
Wildlife & Nature
Santa Monica State Beach — 3.5 miles of iconic wide sandy beach in Santa Monica — is one of the most famous beaches in the world, featured in countless movies and TV shows. The Santa Monica Pier — with its Ferris wheel, carousel (1922), and aquarium — marks the western terminus of Route 66 (“End of the Trail”). California sea lions occasionally haul out near the pier. Brown pelicans roost on the pilings.
Nearby Attractions
Santa Monica — adjacent — has the Third Street Promenade, Montana Avenue, and the Annenberg Community Beach House. Venice Beach — 2 miles south — has the boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and street performers. Malibu — 15 miles north on PCH. Getty Villa — 10 miles north — has Roman art in a recreated Roman villa. Downtown LA — 15 miles east.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Santa Monica State Beach
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Santa Monica State Beach?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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