Trip to Santa Monica, the United States: how to get there, how many days and when to go

Santa Monica – Califórnia Destination Los Angeles and Hollywood

How to get there

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Los Angeles · 16 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

The E line of the metro reaches Downtown Santa Monica; from LAX or Los Angeles there is also road access.

How many days

One day for the pier, beach and a walk along the shore.

When to go

In Santa Monica, the periods from April to June and from September to October usually have mild conditions for the outdoor circuit; between November and March, consider the possibility of rain when planning the coastal visit.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Skip the car in the core of the visit; arrive by metro or park to walk.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Santa Monica

Morning
Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
Devote the start of the itinerary to Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. Prioritize the main part of the visit and arrival time, leaving a break before continuing in Santa Monica.
Afternoon
Additional time at Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
Use the afternoon to deepen the circuit at Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park if you feel like it, or return to your base in Santa Monica. If the Santa Monica stop is short, keep the remaining time for rest at the base.
Late afternoon
Return via the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park area
Finish walks in the area of Santa Monica already visited and return to your accommodation before planning another trip. Light and weather can change the duration of this stage.
Evening
Free evening in Santa Monica
Dine near your base in Santa Monica and keep the evening free to rest after the visit to Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Santa Monica and start the visit?

The E line terminates near the central core.

How many days to set aside for Santa Monica?

One day allows time for the pier, the shoreline and the sand.

How to get around during your stay in Santa Monica?

The central area can be explored without driving.

Is Santa Monica a neighborhood of Los Angeles?

It is a separate municipality, integrated into the same urban region and accessible via the E line.

Your trip to Santa Monica.