Major city · United States
Santa Monica
Base here 2–3 nights if you want a walkable beach city with Metro to LA; skip it as a day trip from Downtown LA — the 1 h 10 min ride each way eats the day.
Santa Monica is a beachfront city on the Westside of Los Angeles County, about 20 mi west of Downtown LA and 7 mi north of LAX. The pier, the beach and the Third Street Promenade sit within a 15-minute walk of each other, and the Metro E Line ends downtown — so it works as a car-free base. Two nights covers the pier, the beach and the promenade; three adds a Venice walk or a Malibu run.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, hotel peak), late Nov–early Jan (holiday rates)
- Airports
- LAX · SMO
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Santa Monica911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Santa Monica, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA well-policed, walkable beach city; the real risks are petty theft from cars and bikes, rip currents, and overpriced pier parking.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckLAX Los Angeles International (About 7 mi south; Big Blue Bus 3 from the LAX City Bus Center, or a 15–25 min taxi/rideshare (check traffic).).
- Getting aroundMost sights are walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Street or quick mealTaco or burrito at a taqueria$4–14
- BeerDraught beer in a bar$8–12
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareSurge pricing at peak times.$15–25
- Metro or bus rideBig Blue Bus local fare$1.25 (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$55
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomUS$650
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$110 · Mid US$210 · High US$380
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAX Los Angeles International (About 7 mi south; Big Blue Bus 3 from the LAX City Bus Center, or a 15–25 min taxi/rideshare (check traffic).) · SMO Santa Monica Airport (General aviation and business jets only; no scheduled airline service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid*
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
Avoid*
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Santa Monica: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
0 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Most sights are walkable. Big Blue Bus covers the city and Venice; Metro E Line runs to Culver City and Downtown LA. Breeze bike share has docks across Santa Monica and Venice, and a paved beach path runs along the sand. Downtown traffic is heavy on weekends and at rush hour.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Venice Beach
goDoor to door: 30–50 min on foot from the pier
Walk or bike the beach path south, or Big Blue Bus
Go before 11:00 for the boardwalk without the crush; the canal walk is quieter.Go before 11:00 AM for the boardwalk without the crush; the canal walk is quieter.
Culver City
goDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Metro E Line from Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown Culver City for food and the arts district; easy car-free half-day.
Malibu
goDoor to door: About 45–70 min to Malibu Pier
Big Blue Bus 134 along Pacific Coast Highway, or drive
Bus is slow but cheap; a car lets you stop at beaches and trailheads.
Beverly Hills
cautionDoor to door: About 40–60 min
Big Blue Bus or Metro to Wilshire, then local bus
Mostly shopping and architecture; skip unless you have a specific stop.
West Hollywood
cautionDoor to door: About 30–50 min
Rideshare or drive via Santa Monica Blvd
Better as an evening out than a daytime day trip; parking is hard.
Marina del Rey
cautionDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Big Blue Bus along Lincoln Blvd, or bike the beach path
Harbour walks and boat rentals; a short add-on to a Venice day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Third Street Promenade
Walk to the pier, beach and promenade; highest hotel rates and the most noise.
Ocean Avenue
Ocean-view hotels facing Palisades Park; 5–10 min walk down to the pier.
Main Street / Ocean Park
Quieter, independent shops and cafés; 15–20 min walk to the pier, on the Venice side.
Mid-City / Wilshire Blvd
Cheaper motels and chain hotels; 10–15 min by Big Blue Bus to downtown.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $160–260 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$320 | US$640 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$210 | US$840 |
| Big Blue Bus from LAX area, both ways2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Breeze bike share day pass2 × US$20 · check | US$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$156 |
| Trip total≈ US$429 per person per day, bed included | US$1,716 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; prices are shown before sales tax. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Taco or burrito at a taqueria | $4–14 |
| Deli sandwich | $12–18 |
| Draught beer in a bar | $8–12 |
| Big Blue Bus local fare | $1.25 (check) |
| Metro fare | $1.75 (check) |
| 5 km taxi or rideshareSurge pricing at peak times. | $15–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Parking near the pier is expensive and fills by mid-morning on weekends: use a lot on 2nd/4th St or arrive by bus.
- Beach water is cool year-round (about 15–19 °C (59–66 °F)) and rip currents are common: swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.Beach water is cool year-round (about 59–66 °F (15–19 °C)) and rip currents are common: swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.
- Do not leave anything visible in a parked car, including the trunk area.
- June gloom: May and June often start grey and burn off by early afternoon.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Santa MonicaSanta Monica
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Santa Monica; consulates-general are in Los Angeles (for example the UK, Canada and Australia). US travellers: your own country has no consulate here.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- LAX → Downtown Santa Monica, Big Blue Bus 3: about $1.25, 45–70 min (check)
- Metro E Line, Downtown Santa Monica → Downtown LA: about $1.75, 50–70 min (check)
- Taxi or rideshare, LAX → Santa Monica: $30–55, 15–35 min depending on traffic (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- One ticket, please — One ticket, please
US tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Santa Monica. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, hotel peak), late Nov–early Jan (holiday rates) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LAX: Big Blue Bus 3 vs rideshare, field-checked last departures and a late-night taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters with anchors: pier and beach, Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, Montana Avenue, Main Street and Ocean Park.
- Place pages with verified hours and prices (pier, Pacific Park, Bergamot Station, Museum of Flying) and eat pages with last orders.
- June-gloom and heat fixtures so beach days can go green or be swapped for museum days.
Sources
- officialCity of Santa Monica
- officialSanta Monica Travel & Tourism
- officialBig Blue Bus
- officialLA Metro
- secondaryWikivoyage: Santa Monica, revision 5299990 (CC BY-SA 4.0)