Santa Monica is the beach town most visitors picture when they think of Los Angeles, and it is one of the easiest parts of the region to see without a car. It is its own city, with its own parking rules and buses, on the coast west of Downtown LA. The pier, a wide sandy beach, a walkable downtown and the end of the Metro E Line are all within a few blocks. This guide covers what to see, when the markets run, how to get there and what changed with parking in 2026.
In this guide
It is part of our Los Angeles neighborhood guide. For the pier itself, read our Santa Monica Pier guide.
Santa Monica at a glance
- What it is A separate city in LA County, on the coast west of Downtown LA
- Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica station, a short walk to the pier
- Pier hours Open daily 6am to 11pm
- Farmers markets Wednesday and Saturday on Arizona Ave, Sunday on Main Street
- Bike path The beach path runs about 22 miles, from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance
- Parking Downtown structures changed rates in April 2026 and are no longer free for the first 90 minutes
What to see and do
Santa Monica Pier
The pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue is open every day from 6am to 11pm and is free to walk. Pacific Park on the pier has 12 rides, including a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel, which usually start around 11am, weather permitting. The pier also has an aquarium, arcades, places to eat and anglers along the rails. See our Santa Monica Pier guide for ride times, parking and rideshare drop-off.
The beach
The beach runs north and south of the pier and is wide and sandy, with lifeguard towers spaced along it. North of the pier it is calmer, and south toward Venice it gets busier. For water quality, check the county’s beach reports before you swim, and stay out of the ocean for 72 hours after heavy rain. Our best beaches in Los Angeles list compares Santa Monica with Malibu and the South Bay.
The beach bike path
The paved path along the sand, often called The Strand, runs about 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades south to Torrance. From the pier, ride or walk south to Venice in a few minutes, or north toward the Palisades. Bike rental shops are near the pier, and bikes are allowed on the pier itself.
Palisades Park
Palisades Park runs along the top of the bluffs on Ocean Avenue, north of the pier. It is a long, narrow park with palm trees, benches and views over the beach and the Pacific Coast Highway. It is a good spot for sunset.
Third Street Promenade
The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only shopping street in downtown Santa Monica, a few blocks from the pier. It has chain and local shops, restaurants and street performers. Santa Monica Place, an open-air mall, sits at its southern end near the pier.
Main Street
Main Street runs south from downtown toward Venice. It has a more local feel, with independent shops, cafes and bars. The Sunday farmers market is here.
Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House, on the beach north of the pier, is a public beach club run by the city. Its pool opens in summer; in 2026 the season ran from June 14 to Labor Day, and pool passes were sold in person on the day. Check the Beach House site for off-season events and hours.
Santa Monica with kids
Families can fill a day without leaving a few blocks. Start with the beach and the pier rides, add the small aquarium under the pier, and finish with a picnic in Palisades Park. Tongva Park, on Ocean Avenue near City Hall and a short walk from the pier, has play areas and walking paths. See our Los Angeles with kids guide for more.
Farmers markets
Santa Monica’s farmers markets run year-round, rain or shine, but can close for some holidays.
| Day | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Arizona Ave between 2nd and 4th St | 8am to 1pm |
| Saturday | Arizona Ave between 2nd and 4th St | 8am to 1pm |
| Sunday | 2640 Main St | 8:30am to 1:30pm |
The downtown markets are a short walk from the Promenade and the E Line station. The Sunday market on Main Street pairs well with a morning walk to Venice. Go early for the best choice of produce, and bring a bag.
Getting there and around
Metro E Line
The E Line runs from Downtown Los Angeles to Downtown Santa Monica station at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue. From 7th St/Metro Center, the ride takes about 46 minutes, and the pier is about a 10-minute walk from the station. Metro fares are $1.75 per ride, capped at $5 a day on TAP or a contactless card. See our LA Metro guide.
Big Blue Bus
Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus runs local routes and lines to LAX and other parts of the Westside. Check its site for current fares and routes.
Driving and parking
Santa Monica runs city-owned parking structures downtown and beach lots along the sand. In April 2026 the city changed downtown structure rates, and the first 90 minutes are no longer free. Rates differ by structure and between weekdays and weekends, so check the city’s parking site before you go. On summer weekends, beach lots fill by late morning.
Where to stay
Santa Monica is a classic beach base, with hotels near the water and others a few blocks inland. Hotels near the beach cost more, and overnight parking adds up. If you want a more casual feel, look at nearby Venice. See our where to stay in Los Angeles guide.
Nearby
Pair Santa Monica with
- Venice | Walk or bike south on the beach path. See our Venice guide.
- Malibu | Drive northwest on Pacific Coast Highway. See our Malibu beaches guide.
- The Getty Center | A short drive inland in Brentwood. See our Getty Center guide.
- Brunch | Farmshop at the Brentwood Country Mart. See our best brunch list.
When to visit
Summer brings the warmest water and the biggest crowds. Late spring and early summer mornings are often gray near the coast, and the sun usually comes out by afternoon. September and October are warm and quieter. Bring a layer for evenings year-round. See our best time to visit Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Monica part of Los Angeles?
No. It is its own city in Los Angeles County, bordering the City of Los Angeles.
Can you get to Santa Monica by train?
Yes. The Metro E Line ends at Downtown Santa Monica station, about a 10-minute walk from the pier.
When is the Santa Monica Farmers Market?
Wednesday and Saturday from 8am to 1pm on Arizona Avenue, and Sunday from 8:30am to 1:30pm at 2640 Main Street.
Is parking free in downtown Santa Monica?
Not anymore for the first 90 minutes. The city changed downtown structure rates in April 2026, so check current rates before you go.
Can you bike from Santa Monica to Venice?
Yes. The beach bike path runs south from the pier to Venice and beyond.
Official sources: City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica Pier; Santa Monica farmers markets; Annenberg Community Beach House; Big Blue Bus; LA Metro.
Photo credits
Featured image: Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0