Santa Monica State Beach (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Santa Monica State Beach?
What makes it 80% Baby-Friendly: Boardwalk ramps, shaded benches, changing tables and free beach wheelchairs ease stroller use, but no dedicated nursing rooms and wind-blown sand may unsettle infants and carers.
Positives:
- Easy Stroller Routes: Boardwalk paths connect beach access points for smooth stroller travel.
- Baby-Friendly Facilities: All-gender restrooms and sand-rinse showers are spaced every few blocks.
Challenges:
- Limited Shade: Shade on the sand is scarce—rent an umbrella or bring a pop-up tent.
- Crowded Weekends: Pier area gets busy on weekends, which can slow stroller movement.
What is Santa Monica State Beach?
- A 3.5-mile stretch of state beach fronting Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles County
- A state-managed coastal park characterized by broad sandy shores, dune formations, and staffed lifeguard towers
- The historic western endpoint of U.S. Route 66 adjacent to the iconic Santa Monica Pier
What is so special about Santa Monica State Beach for with baby?
- Boardwalk paths make stroller travel effortless.
- Free changing tables and sand-rinse showers every few blocks.
- Annenberg Beach House offers soft play and a splash pad.
- Beach wheelchairs and bike seats simplify gear transport.
- Gentle waves and wide sand let your baby splash safely.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to stroll, rest, and let your baby enjoy sand and shade without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Santa Monica State Beach
Boardwalk Stroll:
Follow the wooden boardwalk from Main Street to the Pier.
Tip: It’s flat and smooth—ideal for strollers. Go early to avoid crowd bottlenecks.
Shaded Bench Rest:
Use shaded benches along the beach path for feeding or naps.
Tip: Find benches near Ashland Avenue access—they have umbrellas above for extra shade.
Annenberg Beach House Playground:
Soft play area and toddler swing zone near the pool.
Tip: Free entry to grounds; bring swim diapers if you let baby explore the splash pad.
Beach Wheelchair Rental:
Free, wide-tire beach wheelchairs haul gear and seat your baby.
Tip: Reserve up to 2 hours at Perry’s Café locker or Heal the Bay Aquarium before you arrive.
Bike Ride with Child Seat:
Rent a bike with infant seat at Santa Monica Public Bike Rental.
Tip: Book online for $50 all day. Helmets and baskets come included.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Santa Monica State Beach
- Early Arrival: Get there before 10 AM to secure parking close to beach access.
- Pre-book Rentals: Reserve beach wheelchairs and baby gear online a day ahead to guarantee availability.
Reviews of Santa Monica State Beach
Patrick C
A timeless, iconic beach with an urban backdrop. Not so much for the pristine waters and the seclusion, like, say, a beach on the south orange county coast, but more for the cosmopolitan panache that reflects what most visiting tourists might think of when they visualize Los Angeles. The drawbacks are its crowds, especially during summer, and now, the grime that has been an inevitable side effect ...
Timur Mammadov
Santa Monica State Beach is absolutely beautiful! The wide sandy shoreline, clean ocean water, and stunning views make it the perfect place to relax or take a walk. The atmosphere is lively yet peaceful, with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Watching the sunset here is unforgettable, and the nearby Santa Monica Pier adds extra charm. A must-visit spot if you’re in Los Angeles!
LC 444
This beach is a nice and large beach with many tourist attractions along it's length like Muscle Beach and the Pier. It is often crowded, and if you dont come in from the bike path, parking is really tough. The views are nice though, and there is a bikeway along the entire length of the beach.
Harvey Carlock
My favorite fun beach location in SoCal. Very clean beach with several lifeguard towers every 100 yards or so along with several public restrooms. There's lots of reasonable parking on the street or in the several parking lots along the beach. The walking and biking lanes are frequently used and run along the length of the SM beach. There's also a cafe with bicycle rentals at the mid point and the...
Daria Kurovskaya
Santa Monica State Beach is a great spot to spend the day. It’s a huge beach with beautiful ocean views. The iconic Santa Monica Pier adds to the experience with food, games, and fun activities, so it’s easy to spend hours just wandering around and enjoying the atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Santa Monica State Beach (Los Angeles, United States)?
Visit in spring or fall mornings for cooler air and lighter crowds. Summer afternoons can be hot and busy; bring extra sun protection.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Umbrella & chair rental (2 hrs) | USD 12 |
| Bike rental with child seat (all day) | USD 50 |
| Baby equipment rental (jogging stroller) | USD 10 |
| Parking meter (2 hrs) | USD 6 |
| Total Estimated | USD 78 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Santa Monica State Beach
Address: Santa Monica State Beach, California, USA
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