Santa Monica State Beach
4.6★ · 1,518 Google ratings, California
✓ Parking✓ Restrooms✓ Good for kids
At a glance
Parking
Parking lot · 275 yd away · paid
Walk
275 yd · 3 min
Restrooms
Yes · 225 yd away
Cost
Paid parking
Water
74°F
Tide
5 ft range today
Children
Reported good for young kids
Length
2.8 miles of shoreline
Water quality
Mixed · 15% of 109 over the limit · 2025
Map of Santa Monica State Beach
Guide
Good to know
Reported good with little kids
Visitors often mention shallow or calm water. This is what reviewers report, not a safety assessment.Mentioned by 12 visitors · 2019–2026
Ideal for all-day activities
Bring a full day's supplies since the pier offers food, the beach has volleyball and bike paths.
Visit on weekday mornings
Arrive around 9-10am on weekdays to enjoy the beach before crowds build up in late morning.
Plan for parking costs
Expect to pay $15-20 for daytime parking in the main lots, or walk further for cheaper street parking.
Walk to water's edge
The beach is very wide, so be prepared for a significant walk from parking or the boardwalk.
Best for sunset visits
Evening trips offer magical views and lower crowds than daytime, though lifeguards leave at 7:30pm.
Conditions
How it is right now
Air
69°F · clear
Water
74°F
Waves
2.8 ft · 10 s apart
Wind
7 mph from the W
Shelter
Onshore · wind blowing straight in off the water
UV index
8 peak today
| Time | Tide | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 15:25 | High tide | ↑ |
| 23:49 | Low tide | ↓ |
Last updated Sep 4, 4:34 AM.
Practical
Plan your visit
📍 California, United States
🅿 Parking 275 yd from the listing
🌊 Water 275 yd away, about 3 min walk
🚽 Restrooms 225 yd away
Nearby
Other beaches close by
625 yd away · shorter walk
1.0 miles away
1.3 miles away · shorter walk
1.6 miles away
1.8 miles away · shorter walk
1.8 miles away · shorter walk
Find another
Not the right one?
Find another beach that works for today.
Where are you starting from?
More options
What matters today?
Contribute
Been here recently?
Help other visitors with fresh information about Santa Monica State Beach. Everything below is optional except the last box.
Questions
Common questions
Where do you park at Santa Monica State Beach?
The nearest mapped parking area is 275 yd from the listed location. Positions come from OpenStreetMap, not from review text.
How far is the walk to the water at Santa Monica State Beach?
275 yd in a straight line from the listing to the mapped shoreline, about 3 min. Soft sand and dune make the real walk longer than the straight line.
Does Santa Monica State Beach have restrooms?
Restrooms are mapped 225 yd from the listing.
Measured from OpenStreetMap, public aerial imagery and live conditions data, and counted from visitor reviews. Every source, in full.
