Beach guide
Santa Monica State Beach & Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
Santa Monica State Beach is a 3.5-mile stretch of wide, soft sand along Pacific Coast Highway, split into north and south halves by the Santa Monica Pier. It's part of the state park system but operated by the City of Santa Monica, and it's one of the most visited beaches in Southern California.
The pier
The pier sits at 1600 Ocean Front Walk at the foot of Colorado Avenue. It's open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and fishing is allowed. Leashed dogs are welcome on the pier but not on the sand. Smoking isn't allowed on the pier, which protects the historic wooden structure. A small Heal the Bay aquarium under the pier opens on weekend afternoons. A pier bridge replacement project is under way, with completion expected by the end of 2027, so expect some construction around the entrance.
Who comes here
Families spend the day on the sand, volleyball players use the free first-come courts, and cyclists and skaters ride the paved beach path south toward the South Bay. North of the pier you'll find the Annenberg Community Beach House, with a public pool and cafe, and a universally accessible playground. South of the pier is Original Muscle Beach, with rings, bars and ropes.
Before you go
The beach lots fill early on summer weekends, and posted rates apply. Paddleboarders and surfers use the beach too, but stay clear of the pier pilings and swim near a staffed lifeguard station. Snowy plovers nest on parts of the beach, so respect any fenced areas.
Getting there & access
Driving and parking
Use the City beach lots along the sand. Lot 1 North is at 1550 Appian Way and Lot 4 South is at Bicknell Avenue and Ocean Avenue. The pier deck lot has limited weekday hours, and the downtown public parking structures are a short walk away. Posted rates apply in all lots.
Accessible parking and pier access
Designated accessible spaces are in Beach Lot 1 North and Lot 1 South (1640 Appian Way). Wheelchair ramps and a publicly accessible elevator near the pier connect the beach level with the pier deck.
Walking and biking
The paved beach bike path runs along the sand through Santa Monica and continues south toward the South Bay. Bike rentals are available at the pier.
Paddleboards and surfing
Stand-up paddleboarding and surfing are common here. Launch from the open sand away from the pier and stay well clear of the pilings.
Amenities
- Pier fishing — Fishing is allowed from the Santa Monica Pier
- Aquarium — Heal the Bay Aquarium beneath the pier, weekend afternoons
- Volleyball — Free courts on a first-come, first-served basis
- Original Muscle Beach — Rings, parallel bars, swings and ropes south of the pier
- Annenberg Community Beach House — Public pool, cafe and kids' play area at the north end, no membership required
- Accessible playground — Universally accessible North Beach playground
- Bike path and rentals — Paved beach path, plus bike rentals and bike share at the pier
- Restrooms and lifeguards — Restrooms and staffed lifeguard stations along the beach
Rules & official resources
- Pier open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Leashed dogs are welcome on the pier, but not on the beach
- No smoking on the pier
- No alcohol, glass, tents or camping on the beach; leashed dogs on the boardwalk only
- No fishing license needed on a public pier, but only two rods/lines per person and all size limits, bag limits and seasons still apply
Common boat service needs here
Bottom cleaning for boats at nearby Marina del Rey
Boaters who cruise past the pier usually keep their boats in Marina del Rey, just south. Year-round salt water means regular diver hull cleaning for boats kept in a slip.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026