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Top picks in Santa Monica

Beach spots with a nice view

A clear line of sight to the water is the only thing that matters. Watching the horizon from a distance brings a sense of calm.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Playa Santa Monica image 1
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Beach pavillion

Very long beach with breathtaking views and clean, pleasant atmosphere. It feels lively yet quiet in parts, attracting many people and offering various activity options. The area includes a cool cycling path and convenient access.

A very long beach with a quiet atmosphere and clean sand. Walking along the seashore offers a beautiful sea view.

Breathtaking sea views stretch across a clean, lovely beach. The scenery offers a consistently beautiful outlook over the water.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful and offers a great view."

"I loved the beautiful sea view from the beach."

"The scenic views of the sea here are beautiful."

Good to know

1

Parking is conveniently located near the beach.

2

Restrooms are available for public use.

3

Expect a large crowd, especially on weekends.

02
Santa Monica Beach image 1

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.

Sweeping ocean views and the colorful lights of the Ferris wheel create a vibrant scene day and night. Nearby paths offer scenic strolls with breathtaking coastline views and cool ocean breezes.

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 loved the panoramic ocean views and the Ferris wheel."

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.

03
Sirena image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers terrace seating with views of the ocean and park, creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. Live music and a classy bar add to the elegant yet cozy vibe. Charming booths provide privacy while overlooking a beautifully decorated dining room.

Terrace seating offers views of Palisades Park, the ocean, and the Santa Monica beach. A cool breeze comes off the beach, especially at sunset.

Views overlook the ocean and Ocean Avenue, offering gentle sea breezes and good people watching. The terrace view stands out, with staff closing windows and turning up heaters to keep it clear.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, fresh, and served hot."

"You can sit overlooking the Santa Monica beach and have a nice meal."

"The view from the terrace overlooking the ocean is hard to beat."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available for $20 at the front of the hotel.

2

The restaurant offers a beautiful view of Palisades Park and the beach.

3

Lunch menu options are limited and primarily American cafeteria-style food.

04
Perry's Café & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 image 1

Outdoor seating on sand with ocean views and umbrella-covered tables creates a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Comfortable beach chairs and live music on select days add to the laid-back vibe. The setting features sunset views and casual dining right by the water.

Seating and dining happen right on the sand with toes in the sand and views of the Pacific Ocean and bike trail. Rentals include beach chairs, umbrellas, and bikes, plus a beach butler service that handles needs for a relaxing time.

Offers a beachfront view with sights of the ocean, volleyball courts, and bike trail. Dining happens with toes in the sand and an ocean breeze, creating a relaxed, resort-like feel.

People are saying

"I loved watching everything happening on the beach from the cafe."

"I enjoyed a cold beer while watching the sunset."

"You can enjoy a great view right on the beach."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays.

2

Bikes and beach umbrellas can be rented for $8 per hour.

3

The café closes just before sunset, limiting evening visits.

05
Coast image 1
Californian restaurant

Beachfront restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and comfortable outdoor seating that creates a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Soft live music enhances the peaceful vibe while diners enjoy the scenic patio setting.

A beach-front location offers a peaceful setting with outdoor seating that overlooks the waves and sunset. Soft music plays nearby, enhancing the relaxed beach atmosphere.

Unobstructed beachfront views and the sound of waves create a peaceful setting. The sunset over the water offers a relaxed, casual vibe that makes the experience feel special.

People are saying

"The food at this beach spot is outstanding, especially the lobster roll."

"I loved the ocean view from the outdoor seating."

"I enjoyed the beautiful ocean view from the patio."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during specific hours.

3

Valet parking is available for $20 on weekends.

06
Hotel Casa del Mar image 1

Grand lobby and ocean views create an elegant, peaceful atmosphere with a classic California vibe. Heated rooftop pool and live bands add to the relaxed yet upscale energy. Guests enjoy spacious rooms and easy beach access, making it a luxurious coastal oasis.

Location offers unbeatable ocean views and direct access to the beach. Rooms provide stunning beach and pool views, with included access to chairs and bikes for beach enjoyment.

Rooms offer stunning views of the beach and pool. The pool on the 5th floor provides great ocean views. Location sits right on the beach with easy access to the pier and surrounding areas.

People are saying

"The oceanfront view of the sunset over the Pacific is amazing."

"The bar service was great, and the drinks were incredible."

"It's right on the beach with amazing ocean views."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The hotel charges a $44 daily amenity fee for access to facilities.

3

The hotel offers complimentary beach chairs and bikes for guests.

07
1 Pico image 1
Californian restaurant

Upscale restaurant offers gorgeous ocean views and a welcoming, romantic atmosphere. Dining room provides a perfect sunset spot with meticulously decorated surroundings. Energy stays pleasant and relaxed, attracting diners who appreciate both setting and seafood.

Tables sit right by the shore with amazing beach views and sunsets. The spot offers a prime location on the sand, making the beach feel close and present.

Outstanding views of the Pacific shine from tables near the beach. The sunset over the ocean creates a very special and gorgeous backdrop for dining.

People are saying

"I loved the gorgeous ocean views, especially at sunset."

"The wine list here is amazing and has a great variety."

"I loved the awesome beach view, especially at sunset."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect entrees to range from $50 to $100, excluding sides.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

08
Shutters on the Beach image 1

Hotel offers beachfront views and a stylish, romantic atmosphere with live music and evening cocktails. Guests enjoy daily bike rentals and a lounge bar favored for socializing. The setting combines luxury decor with a relaxing vibe despite occasional traffic noise.

The hotel sits right on the beach with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier. Dining options include a unique beachside dinner and a lovely lunch spot inside the hotel, all accessible to exciting beach activities.

Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier dominate the scene. Oceanfront tables offer a perfect spot for brunch or watching an amazing sunset.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is great, right on the beach."

"The staff's genuine warmth and professionalism made my stay feel luxurious."

"It's right on the beach with great views."

Good to know

1

Parking without validation costs $44 for 2.5 hours.

2

The hotel offers a Mon-Thurs Happy Hour at Coast restaurant.

3

Live music is available on Wednesday nights.

09
Perry’s Cafe & Beach Rentals - 1200 image 1

Beachfront cafe with impeccable sand seating and breathtaking views offers a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by jazz music. The crowd is steady but not overwhelming, creating a chill vibe for enjoying food and drinks. Bike rentals add a casual, active element to the experience.

Great atmosphere with jazz music right on the beach creates a relaxing vibe. The refreshing view and chance to sit in the sand while enjoying coffee or drinks add to the beach experience.

Breathtaking views overlook the Santa Monica Beach. The spot offers a great place to enjoy coffee while taking in the refreshing scenery.

People are saying

"The burgers here are tasty and excellent."

"I found the coffee here to be surprisingly good."

"The view here is breathtaking and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs after 4pm with discounted drinks.

2

Cruiser bikes are available for $14 per hour.

3

The restroom facilities are clean and well-maintained.

10
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.

Outdoor dining offers lovely views of the beach and Santa Monica Pier. The patio and roof provide great vantage points with a lively atmosphere including music and TV.

People are saying

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

"I loved the nice view of the Santa Monica Pier from the patio."

"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.

11
Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach image 1

Hotel offers luxurious rooms with spectacular ocean views and a rooftop restaurant featuring a lively atmosphere. Amenities include complimentary electric bikes and a small heated pool nearby. The space balances quiet comfort in rooms with a vibrant social scene in dining areas.

Beach and pier sit within walking distance. Easy access to electric scooters and bikes for cruising along the shore. The Penthouse restaurant offers phenomenal views over the beach.

Breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the coastline, Santa Monica, and the Santa Monica mountains. Rooms and the restaurant offer a gorgeous ocean outlook with a calm, coastal vibe.

People are saying

"The Hotel beds were so comfortable, I had the best sleep."

"I loved the spectacular ocean views from the rooftop restaurant."

"It's an easy walk to the beach, just two blocks away."

Good to know

1

Parking at the hotel costs $58 overnight.

2

Valet parking rates are $68 per night without any special rate for guests.

3

Check-in time is guaranteed at 3PM, but actual availability may vary.

12
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.

Great views and seaside ambience set the scene here. Eating outside on the pier offers a better view of the ocean and boardwalk, matching the hearty coastal comfort food served.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"It's a nice view of the ocean from the outdoor seating."

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

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.

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