Santa Monica stretches 3.5 miles along the Pacific, and each section of sand has a completely different personality. Some beaches are made for families who want lifeguard stations and calm surf. Others attract surfers chasing long right-hand breaks or dog owners hunting for off-leash space.
This guide compares seven of the area's standout beaches across the use cases that matter: families, surfers, dog owners, and sunset seekers. Each entry includes the details you need to make a decision before you pack the car.
Santa Monica State Beach North
If you only have time for one beach, this is the one. Santa Monica State Beach North runs along the Pacific Coast from the iconic pier northward toward the Annenberg Community Beach House. The sand is wide, the water is calm enough for wading, and lifeguard stations are spaced every few hundred yards.
You get the pier's amusement rides and restaurants on one end and the quieter Annenberg zone on the other. This is the top beach in the city for first-time visitors because everything you need is already here: restrooms, showers, rentable chairs, and a paved bike path that connects to 22 miles of coastal trail. Locals tend to arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid parking stress. Mid-week visits between Tuesday and Thursday are noticeably less crowded.
Pros
- Highest-rated beach for all-around convenience and family safety
- Closest beach to downtown restaurants, shopping, and the Third Street Promenade
- Multiple parking lots with restroom and shower facilities
Cons
- Parking lots fill before noon on summer weekends
- Stretch nearest the pier draws the largest crowds in the city
- Limited food options directly on the sand
Will Rogers State Beach
Just north of Santa Monica in Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Beach is where locals go when they want to avoid the tourist crowds around the pier. The sand is wide and clean, the water is calm enough for swimming, and the parking lots sit right next to the beach. Volleyball courts line the sand, and the atmosphere on weekdays is noticeably relaxed. Will Rogers marks the official northern starting point of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
Pros
- Noticeably fewer visitors than the pier beaches
- Clean facilities and short walk from parking to sand
- Calm water, reasonable for families with younger children
Cons
- No amusement park, pier, or boardwalk entertainment nearby
- Restroom cleanliness can drop by late afternoon on busy days
- Limited dining options aside from the concession stand
Sorrento Beach
Sorrento Beach sits at the northern tip of Santa Monica State Beach, directly below the Palisades Park bluffs. A pedestrian overpass from Montana Avenue parking brings you down to the sand without crossing traffic. The beach has dozens of volleyball courts that have been in use since the 1950s, and the sand is wide and clean.
Pros
- One of the largest collections of beach volleyball courts on the California coast
- Quieter than the pier-adjacent beaches, even on weekends
- Quick pedestrian access from Montana Avenue's boutiques and cafes
Cons
- Parking along PCH can be limited on summer afternoons
- No on-site food vendors
- Volleyball courts fill by mid-morning on peak weekends
Santa Monica State Beach South
South of the pier, this stretch includes the Original Muscle Beach outdoor gym, where you can use rings, ropes, and parallel bars for free. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs alongside the sand, and the beach connects directly to Venice Beach's boardwalk, giving you two distinct coastal experiences in a single walk.
Pros
- Free outdoor gym equipment right on the sand
- Connected to the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail
- Easier parking access compared to the congested pier lots
Cons
- Crowds build near the gym area on weekend mornings
- Sand can accumulate litter near the Venice transition zone
- Swim zones not as clearly marked as the north end
Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House operates as a public facility on the grounds of a 1920s mansion. It has a pool open to the public during summer, yoga and fitness classes, volleyball and tennis courts, and a playground for young children. The Marion Davies Guest House offers free docent tours, and Back on the Beach Cafe sits on-site with an outdoor patio facing the ocean.
Pros
- One of the few public beachside pools on the California coast
- Kid-friendly playground, splash pad, and beach gear rentals
- Free historical tours add a cultural layer beyond a standard beach visit
Cons
- Pool access requires a day pass and can sell out on hot days
- Beach is narrow compared to wider stretches further south
- Fitness classes and pool hours change seasonally — check before you go
Venice Beach
About ten minutes south of Santa Monica, Venice Beach has its own pace. The Venice Boardwalk draws street performers, artists, and food vendors along a busy pedestrian path. Venice is also home to the famous Muscle Beach Venice gym and a skateboarding park that attracts visitors from around the world.
Pros
- A distinctive atmosphere that differs noticeably from other nearby beaches
- Multiple dining and entertainment options directly along the boardwalk
- Connected to Santa Monica via the Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Cons
- The boardwalk draws large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays
- Parking can be difficult and metered spots fill early
- Noisier than the beaches to the north
Sunset Beach (Pacific Palisades)
At the far northern end of Will Rogers State Beach, Sunset Beach is a thin, nearly empty stretch of sand tucked below the Pacific Palisades bluffs. The beach is known for its long right-hand waves, making it a regular spot for beginner surfers and longboarders. As the name suggests, sunsets from this location are hard to beat.
Pros
- One of the quietest spots on the Santa Monica stretch of coastline
- Reliable surf for longboarding and learning
- Roadside parking along PCH is usually available
Cons
- No restrooms, showers, or food vendors on the beach itself
- The sand area is narrow and gets covered quickly during high tide
- Getting here without a car requires a longer walk from the nearest bus stop
Comparison table: The best beaches near Santa Monica
| Beach | Lifeguards | Volleyball | On-site dining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica State Beach North | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Will Rogers State Beach | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sorrento Beach | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| SM State Beach South | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Annenberg Beach House | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Venice Beach | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sunset Beach | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |