Santa Monica Beach & Pier

Activity Overview

Santa Monica is one of California's most iconic beaches. It stretches for 3 miles of pale white sand and attracts crowds throughout the summer months. Lie out, relax and catch some rays from the beautiful Californian sun and learn to love the West Coast lifestyle. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied up and down the beach if you feel like getting a little energized. There are a bunch of little parks along the coastline while you can even head to the Pacific Park Amusements on Santa Monica Pier to survey the whole scene from the Ferris wheel.

Things to Do

• At the Annberg Community Beach House people can experience the full beach club treatment without paying any crazy membership fees. This amenity is open to anyone and hosts numerous cultural events, tours, community events, yoga, swimming and beach volleyball classes and during the summer months opens its public to the public also.
• There are a number of parks dotted along the beach that can make a good place to go to if you want to have a sand free lunch. Many of these parks have picnic tables on grassy areas. Depending in which park you are there are also children's playgrounds, cafes, tennis courts, basketball courts, gazebos, free athletic equipment and chess boards.

Santa Monica Beach Insider Tips

• If you want to learn to surf make sure you do it with someone who knows what they are doing. The City of Santa Monica has a helpful list of approved surf instructors in the area who currently have permits to teach others. You can check out the list here.
• The Santa Monica Beach Map usefully highlights facilities and services like bike paths, life guards, beach volleyball courts, food stands and more.