Things to do in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the easiest entry point into the LA beaches region, built around its pier, the Third Street Promenade and a wide, flat stretch of sand that suits families more than the looser scenes at Venice Beach or Malibu further up the coast.

It is also the one beach town on this list reachable by LA Metro (the E Line runs straight from Downtown LA to within walking distance of the pier), so a car is not strictly required here even though it remains useful for continuing on to Venice or Malibu.

Summers are dry and warm, but spring and early-summer mornings often stay grey under the marine layer known locally as May Gray and June Gloom, with the sun usually breaking through by early-to-mid afternoon. Book organised beach activities ahead where possible, and expect parking near the sand to take some searching and cost money rather than being free or immediate.