Santa Monica State Beach (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Santa Monica State Beach?
What makes it 86% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 can ride Pacific Park, tour Heal the Bay Aquarium and use an all-abilities playground under lifeguard eyes, yet rip currents and pier congestion demand close adult supervision.
Positives:
- Shaded paths and boardwalks: Wooden walkways connect parking lots to the sand, making stroller and wagon access easy.
- Family-friendly restrooms: Public restrooms feature changing tables and coin-free rinse showers for quick cleanup.
Challenges:
- Parking availability: Nearby lots fill by mid-morning; arrive before 9 AM or use metered street parking further away.
- Sun exposure: Open beach has limited shade; bring umbrellas or pop-up tents to protect kids.
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 kids?
- Spend 2-3 hours exploring wide sandy shores ideal for kids aged 3–12
- Ride family-friendly attractions on the iconic Santa Monica Pier with one wristband
- Discover marine life at Heal the Bay Aquarium with minimal wait times
- Enjoy free splash pad play and children’s activities at the Annenberg Beach House
- Benefit from stroller-friendly boardwalks and well-equipped restrooms for families
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives families time to enjoy beach play, Pacific Park rides, and a short aquarium visit without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Santa Monica State Beach
Pacific Park Rides:
Unlimited wristband grants all-day access to 12 rides on the Santa Monica Pier.
Tip: Buy wristbands early at the ticket booth to avoid lines; children under 7 get a $20 rate.
Sandcastle Building:
Wide, gently sloping beach perfect for digging and building sandcastles.
Tip: Bring shovels and buckets; choose a spot near the tide line for easy water access.
Heal the Bay Aquarium:
Hands-on marine exhibits under the Pier with tide-pool touch tanks.
Tip: Visit mid-morning to avoid crowds; kids 3 and under enter free.
Annenberg Beach House Playground & Splash Pad:
Soft-play area and splash pad steps from the pool.
Tip: Drop in on Mondays (10 am–4 pm) for free crafts and games for kids.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Santa Monica State Beach
- Early arrival: Get there by 8 AM to find parking and secure a spot near the pier.
- Pack a beach wagon: Use a foldable wagon to carry gear, snacks, and kids’ beach toys with less effort.
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)?
Summer brings stronger sun and afternoon breezes; spring and fall have milder weather and smaller crowds. Always pack sunscreen year-round.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pacific Park unlimited ride wristbands (4) | USD 140 |
| Aquarium admission (2 adults + 1 child) | USD 29 |
| Boogie board rentals (2 boards) | USD 40 |
| Beach umbrella & chair rental | USD 20 |
| Picnic lunch and snacks | USD 80 |
| Total Estimated | USD 309 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Santa Monica State Beach
Address: Santa Monica State Beach, California, USA
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