Slight Chance Rain Showers
Los Angeles County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Santa Monica State Beach
1550 PCH, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Three and a half miles of wide sand fronting downtown Santa Monica — the iconic Santa Monica Pier with the 1922 carousel and Pacific Park amusement park, the western terminus of Route 66, and the 22-mile Marvin Braude bike path. The most recognizable LA beach.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
75°F air · 69°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A slight chance of rain showers between 11am and 5pm, then patchy fog. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Patchy fog before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
Water
- 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:54 AM | Low | -1.2 ft |
| 9:30 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 1:41 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 8:10 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:39 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 10:12 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 2:38 PM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 9:00 PM | High | 7.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:23 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 10:53 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 3:31 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 9:48 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:05 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 4:25 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 10:35 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:46 AM | Low | -1.2 ft |
| 12:15 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 5:20 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 11:23 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:25 AM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 12:57 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 6:18 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:13 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 7:01 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 7:21 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410840, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Patchy Fog
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Beach Info
Parking
Paid municipal lots and metered street parking. Beach Lot 1S (south of pier) and Lot 3N (north) are largest.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach. Permitted leashed on the bike path.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
1550 PCH, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Santa Monica State Beach today?
Santa Monica State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Santa Monica State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach. Permitted leashed on the bike path.
Is there an entry fee at Santa Monica State Beach?
Entry to Santa Monica State Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Santa Monica State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Santa Monica State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Santa Monica State Beach?
Amenities at Santa Monica State Beach include lifeguards, pier, amusement park, restaurants, shops, restrooms, showers, bike path.
When is the water warmest at Santa Monica State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Santa Monica State Beach located?
Santa Monica State Beach is in Los Angeles County, CA, at 1550 PCH, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS