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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Cool beach spots

A beach area that feels genuinely cool without the pretension that usually comes with popular waterfront spots.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Santa Monica Beach image 1
Santa Monica Beach image 2
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Beach features a long, well-maintained boardwalk and an iconic pier with a Ferris wheel and amusement park rides. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and peaceful to lively with street performers and music, attracting people for sports, walking, and relaxing. Coastal bike and walking path connects to nearby areas, enhancing active and social experiences.

Wide, golden sand beachfront offers space for walking and relaxing. The beach stays very beautiful and clean, with a vibe that blends vibrant energy and tranquility.

Cool and fresh air fills the space, creating a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere. Everything feels consistently cool and inviting.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful, wide, and clean with amazing views."

"You can enjoy a classic Southern California beach day with sun and sea."

"I found everything here to be cool."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $12 for beachside lots, which can be crowded.

2

Swimming is not recommended due to water quality issues after recent rains.

3

Expect large crowds on weekends, making it less relaxing.

02
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

A casual spot right on the beach offers affordable prices and a delightful view of the ocean. It captures the beach atmosphere well, making it a nice place for a snack or meal near the water.

Cool breeze from the Pacific flows through the spot at Ocean and Broadway. The place features a clean atmosphere and a very cool bar. Food matches the vibe with delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"The outdoor seating has a great view of the Santa Monica Pier."

"The fish tacos here are amazing, truly to die for."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

03
The Georgian Hotel image 1

Hotel offers oceanfront views with rooms featuring vintage glamour and spacious suites. Atmosphere stays bustling day and night, blending charm with lively energy. Amenities include a speakeasy bar, secret library, and terrace restaurant with live music.

Steps from the beach with easy access to the pier and outdoor mall. Offers complementary beach cruisers and towels plus valet parking after checkout for extra beach time.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so polite and helpful with everything."

"The ocean view from our suite was breathtaking."

"It's steps from the beach, with direct access and amazing beachfront views."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a speakeasy opening this summer.

2

The Georgian Room will open in about a month.

3

Check-in is available as early as 11 AM.

04
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Outdoor seating offers a view of the beach, ocean, and pier with a super chill vibe. The spot serves seafood and draft beer right by the beach, making it a solid choice for lunch or a casual bite.

The atmosphere feels relaxed and cool, with a vibe that suits drinks well. The ambience resembles a sea shack with lots of wooden furniture, creating a laid-back setting.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood at this beach spot is fresh and delicious."

"The vibe and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

05
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel image 1

Huge, spacious building with large common areas including a patio, kitchen, and lounge. Atmosphere is generally quiet and safe, with silent hours at night and a clean, cozy feel. Guests find plenty of relaxation spots and enjoy amenities like a pool table, fireplace, and well-equipped kitchen.

Just a few minutes' walk from the beach and pier, the spot offers easy access to the ocean and nearby promenade. Plenty of restaurants and shops lie within a short stroll, making it convenient for beach days and dining.

Clean, inexpensive rooms create a cool vibe. Group activities like the Sunday Night Pub tour with volunteer guides bring people together.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are spotless and really nice."

"It's just a short walk to the beach and the pier."

"The staff here is warm and responsive, making it feel like home."

Good to know

1

The hostel organizes daily activities like movie nights with free pizza and donuts.

2

Free yoga classes and comedy shows are available for all guests.

3

The location is ideal, just minutes from the Santa Monica Pier.

06
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel with warm, comforting vibe and beautiful, charming design offers a rooftop pool oasis and panoramic city views. Spaces range from relaxed rooftop bars to lively restaurants with strong energy. Guests encounter a mix of calm ambiance indoors and vibrant social scenes on the rooftop.

Quiet setting sits close to the beach and promenade. Free bikes make rides to Venice Beach easy. Walking distance covers the beach, shops, and restaurants.

People are saying

"This hotel's design is beautiful, stylish, and incredibly comfortable."

"The vibe here is modern, relaxed, and effortlessly cool."

"It's an easy walk to the beach and promenade."

Good to know

1

Valet service fee is $55, but some guests report being charged $70.

2

Additional $40 per night for amenities not disclosed at check-in.

3

The pool and bar may be closed for private events, impacting guest access.

07
Shore Hotel image 1

Oceanfront hotel offers bright and airy rooms with balcony views overlooking a lively main strip and beach. Pool area features a heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and bar, though noise from nearby bars and weekend DJs creates a loud atmosphere. Location places guests steps from an active pier and vibrant restaurants.

The beach sits directly across from the hotel, offering easy access and a beautiful shoreline. A bike path runs along the beach, perfect for rides, and the hotel provides plenty of beach towels for convenience.

Open-air pool overlooks the ocean and sits right next to the beach. Renting bicycles offers a cool way to sightsee from the hotel to Venice and Marina del Rey. Rooms feature clean, cool decor and an open concept bathroom with a spacious shower.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is unbeatable, steps from the beach and pier."

"It's perfectly located right across from the beach and pier."

"It's so cool how everything is walkable, especially the pier."

Good to know

1

Happy hour by the pool occurs midweek with live music.

2

Parking costs $158 per night for valet service, which is high compared to nearby public options.

3

The hotel charges a $40 destination fee, which may feel like a hidden cost.

08
Viceroy Santa Monica image 1

Modern hotel with chic California vibe and stylish decor offers ocean views and a calm, elevated atmosphere. Outdoor spaces include a clean swimming pool, lively bar, and terrace with fire seating. The setting attracts guests seeking upscale surroundings and amenities like free bikes and a gym.

Rooms offer a nice view of the beach and the hotel sits right by the beach with very easy access. Complimentary bikes are available for rides along Santa Monica Blvd to Venice Beach.

Two small pools offer spots to sunbathe and cool off. The lobby and overall vibe feel trendy and cool.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff were all so wonderful and helpful."

"The staff here are genuinely the nicest people."

"The service here is awesome; everyone just says yes."

Good to know

1

Parking is valet only at the hotel.

2

Expect additional resort fees that may exceed room rates.

3

The restaurant and bar close at 10:00 PM.

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