The simple joy of a Santa Monica afternoon

An outing idea to help you plan. Photography is illustrative; this is not a first-person review.

A beachside walk, a picnic, and a little classic California magic.

Make a day of it

Bring a picnic and enjoy the beachside atmosphere at your own pace.

Decide in advance whether your day includes paid rides or just a scenic wander.

Check official beach and pier information for parking, operating hours, and conditions. Always supervise children near the water.

Before you go

Check current hours, prices, reservations, accessibility, and conditions directly with the destination. Holiday schedules can differ from normal operating hours.

Official destination website ↗