Santa Monica State Beach

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertMay 8, 2026 · Updated May 9, 2026

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 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

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.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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