Santa Monica is the most convenient beach town for visitors without a car because Metro's E Line runs from downtown Los Angeles to Downtown Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Pier says it has been around since 1909, and Metro's E Line map notes the pier, Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica College. Choose it for a walkable oceanfront; prices and crowds are higher in peak summer (our assessment).
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best for | Beach day, pier and promenade, car-free access via Metro E Line |
| Trade-offs | Busy on summer weekends; lodging usually costs more near the beach (our assessment) |
| Getting around | Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica; walk to the pier and Third Street Promenade |
| Key places | Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, beach |
| Nearby | Venice, Brentwood (Getty Center), Malibu |
What to see and do
The Santa Monica Pier's own site says the pier has stood since 1909. Metro's E Line timetable map flags the Santa Monica Pier and Esplanade, the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica College. Discover Los Angeles groups Santa Monica with Venice and Malibu among LA's beach cities.
Practical notes
Santa Monica is a separate city from Los Angeles, so hotel taxes and rules can differ from the City of Los Angeles' 14% rate; confirm with your hotel (see the hotels guide).
Our assessment
Santa Monica is the easiest beach base for a first visit. Combine it with Venice for a boardwalk day.