🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 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.
