The closest beach to downtown Los Angeles is the terminus of Route 66 in North America, and its sea views are a favorite of Hollywood directors.
The first choice for Los Angeles residents to take a family vacation, and a paradise for couples to enjoy their own world.
When the lights come on, Pacific Paradise, stretching from the beach to the sea, is a sea of joy.
Theme parties are often held here, and you can hear California-style bands performing. It is the first choice for tourists visiting the beach in Los Angeles.
Attractions Location: California, USA
Tickets: free
Opening hours:
All day
Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
+1-310-4588300
Transportation:
You can take bus No. 20, 33, or 534 and get off at Ocean/Colorado Station.
Time reference: 1-3 hours
Experience the iconic Santa Monica Beach and its vibrant surroundings in a relaxing day by the ocean.
Accommodation & food: Stay near the beach or downtown Santa Monica for easy access. Breakfast at a local café; lunch on the pier; dinner at Third Street Promenade area.
Souvenirs: Santa Monica Pier gift shops — beachwear, souvenirs; Third Street Promenade — local art, boutique items.
Combine a beach day with exploring nearby cultural spots and parks.
Transportation: Big Blue Bus #1 connects Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Taxi/Uber are convenient.
Accommodation & food: Same as Day 1. Breakfast local; lunch seafood restaurant; dinner near Santa Monica Pier or Venice.
Souvenirs: Annenberg Beach House gift shop — local crafts; Venice Beach shops — eclectic art and souvenirs.
Expand your visit to include museums and gardens in Santa Monica and nearby areas.
Transportation: Walking and short taxi rides in Santa Monica.
Accommodation & food: Stay near downtown Santa Monica or beach. Breakfast local; lunch upscale dining; dinner casual chic.
Souvenirs: ICA LA gift shop — art books, prints; Farmers Market — fresh local produce and artisan crafts; Santa Monica Place — brand stores.
Mix beach relaxation with day trips to nearby attractions in Los Angeles.
Transportation: Taxi or rental car preferred for Getty Center and Malibu.
Accommodation & food: Stay in Santa Monica. Breakfast local; lunch Getty Center café; dinner in Malibu or back in Santa Monica.
Souvenirs: Getty Center gift shop — art prints and books; Malibu shops — surf gear and local crafts.
Explore more of the LA coastline and cultural landmarks.
Transportation: Rental car or taxis recommended for mountain and downtown LA.
Accommodation & food: Stay in Santa Monica. Breakfast local; lunch picnic or Malibu dining; dinner downtown LA.
Souvenirs: Broad Museum gift shop — art and design items; Downtown LA shops — local designer goods.
Include day trips to iconic LA neighborhoods and cultural experiences.
Transportation: Taxi/Uber or rental car preferred for Beverly Hills and LACMA.
Accommodation & food: Stay Santa Monica. Breakfast local; lunch Beverly Hills upscale; dinner casual Santa Monica.
Souvenirs: Rodeo Drive boutiques — luxury goods; LACMA gift shop — art books and jewelry.
Complete your week with diverse experiences from beach to urban culture and entertainment.
Transportation: Taxi/Uber preferred for Venice area.
Accommodation & food: Stay near Santa Monica Beach. Breakfast local; lunch Venice trendy; dinner beachfront dining.
Souvenirs: Venice shops — bohemian art, apparel; Abbot Kinney boutiques — local design and crafts; Santa Monica Pier — beach souvenirs.

A wooden pier juts out to sea from the beach. It houses an amusement park and numerous restaurants. The amusement park's landmark Ferris wheel is the one Jack promised to take Rose on in the movie Titanic.
Azure seas, blue skies, and flocks of seagulls are standard beach features. But here, the beauty is particularly striking! Walking along the pier feels like being on a ferry heading out to sea. The azure waves and equally azure sky, combined with the embossed clouds and low-flying seagulls, create a breathtaking canvas! Simply raise your phone and capture stunning photos. Although it was Christmas, the beach was packed with tourists, but this didn't dampen our interest in photography.

There is plenty of covered parking on the road a block from the beach, free for the first 90 minutes, $4 for 1.5-3.5 hours, and $2 per hour thereafter.
I feel that this is my favorite place in LA. It is a bit like Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. In addition to the beach, you can also walk to the pier to enjoy the sea view. This is also the end of Route 66. The difference is that there are no densely packed shops here, only a few restaurants and an amusement park. Although there are many tourists, it does not seem crowded. The strong commercial atmosphere is removed and the close contact with the sea and beach makes people feel very free. You can easily watch the sea and feel the sea breeze. There are also many artists performing on the pier, as well as cheerful music, which makes people unconsciously excited.

It's a great place for LA residents to get close to the ocean and enjoy the hot sun. The scenery here is beautiful, with tall palm trees reflecting the blue sky, making you want to put on a bikini and run wild on the beach. (Unfortunately, we went in December. I will definitely go again in the summer if I have the chance!)
Santa Monica Beach is a famous Los Angeles beach, recommended for sun-lovers. It's the starting point of Route 66 and was used as a filming location for "Forrest Gump." The pier also houses Forrest Gump's Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant. Surprisingly, there's also a small playground.
Lying on the beach, lazily basking in the sun, watching the seagulls, time should be wasted on beautiful things~

The sun was shining brightly, and everything was beautiful. We reached the finish line at kilometer 66, the same kilometer Forrest Gump ran. It was already 4:00 or 5:00 PM when we arrived, and the strong sunlight cast a beautiful golden glow on the sea, creating a shimmering spectacle. On the beach, some were playing in the water, while others were basking in the sun and reading. It was so relaxing. Regardless of whether this place is a popular tourist attraction or not, it's worth visiting simply for its beauty.
Bulletin boards are covered with maps and signs about Route 66.
Everyone was sitting there waiting for the sunset, chatting, daydreaming, and quietly listening to the singing of the street singers not far away.

The weather was good that day, but the wind was so strong that we started to doubt our lives. We waited silently for the sunset. There were so many people on the beach. They looked so happy, it seemed that we were the only ones freezing to death.
The sun slowly turned golden and set little by little. The angle of the sunset in Santa Monica was actually from the mountain, not the sea. Today's sky was not as pink as my best friend said. We were a little disappointed. We were freezing cold and went back to the parking lot to get the car without waiting for the sun to completely set.

Santa Monica Beach isn't far from downtown, and if there's no traffic, it only takes a little over half an hour to get there. That's why it's a popular weekend getaway for many locals. We arrived just as sunset was setting, and the entire pier shone a golden glow in the sunlight. Santa Monica Beach is famous, but why? First, it's the terminus of the famous Route 66 (which begins in Chicago). There's a sign at the amusement park on the beach announcing the end of Route 66. It's as impressive as any other attraction, and people line up to take pictures. Another reason is that Santa Monica Beach has been used as a filming location for many movies, including the incredibly famous "Forrest Gump."

The weather was not good at first, but when the sun set, the sky started to become beautiful! The Ferris wheel looked even more romantic in the night, and the sky looked even more gentle.
On the pier, there were free performances by African natives. They beat drums rhythmically and sang in a language we couldn't understand. All of this looked particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Thanks to the sunset in Santa Monica, we have the most perfect memories of this trip.

The Route 66 end sign is a must-see for visitors to Santa Monica Beach. Getting a photo there isn't easy; you have to wait in line, and even if you manage to get in, it's not necessarily yours. Suddenly, it becomes a friendly photo with people from all over the world. Well, since I couldn't make it in, I had to take a photo for someone else as a souvenir.

Santa Monica, located north of Los Angeles International Airport, is one of California's most attractive coastal cities. With warm winters and cool summers and convenient transportation, it's not only a great place to cool off in the summer, but also a perfect choice for those looking to spend a leisurely afternoon. Its beaches are a renowned coastal attraction, with a pier extending into the sea. Above the pier sits an amusement park featuring a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and other attractions.

The stunning ocean views are a favorite of Hollywood directors, and the iconic pier frequently appears in major Hollywood films. It's not only a prime destination for Los Angeles families, but also a haven for couples seeking a peaceful escape. When the lights come on, Pacific Park, stretching from the beach to the ocean, transforms into a sea of joy.

Santa Monica Beach connects to Venice Beach, and what I found most relaxing was the abundance of people jogging and walking along the beach. It was barely 11 a.m., and for this sleepy city, people were probably just leaving their homes to start their day. So, I began to imagine how wonderful it would be to retire here. Morning jogs with the sunrise, sunbathing on the beach, and evening walks under the breathtaking sunset—wonderful! There was also a young man playing guitar on the beach, not trying to attract anyone, but simply listening to the waves as they sang a hymn to life. On the beachside promenade, many skateboarders and rollerbladers were spotted. A middle-aged man skated a few steps, found a comfortable spot under the shade of a tree, and used his skateboard as a chair. He sat down on the curb, put down a cup of coffee, and began to read a book.

Everyone who plays GTA knows it.. They come here because of its reputation!

Santa Monica Bay is a beach with many recreational facilities.

The end of Highway 1 is also the end of Highway 66. There are many seagulls on the beach, and they are not afraid of people. It is especially suitable for children. My children don’t want to leave after playing.

It's a must-see attraction. The beach is large and clean, with complete facilities and many entertainment facilities. You must take a photo with the Route 66 terminal sign. Have lunch at the Forrest Gump theme restaurant, listen to the artists' songs and feel the California sunshine. It's very pleasant.

Not as beautiful as Santa Barbara Beach, but crowded and the facilities are old.

The iconic Ferris wheel and old pier are a must-see for many tourists and a favorite of many Hollywood directors. Numerous American films and television series have used it as a key filming location. It was midday on a Saturday, and the long pier, bustling with people, was incredibly lively and bustling. We had planned to rest briefly and check in for lunch, but the beachfront parking lot was already full and expensive. We planned to park at the nearby shopping mall, but the traffic was incredibly congested. We inquired about the few parking lots that had availability, and the fees were shocking (starting at $30). We were also concerned about the safety in Los Angeles (Santa Monica is also a high-theft area), and we had a lot of luggage in the car. After weighing the pros and cons and the time involved, we decided to forgo stopping and leave. We simply took a photo with the car as a souvenir of our visit to Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Beach is very close to the city and is very lively. The most famous thing on the entire beach is the sign at the end of Route 66. There are always people queuing up to take pictures, and the pigeons on it are also very cooperative and have been as quiet as chickens.

It was almost 5 p.m. when we left the Hollywood Hills and headed for San Monique Beach, hoping to watch the sunset from the east coast of the Pacific Ocean. The drive was quite long, almost 40 or 50 kilometers, before we reached the beach. There were several large parking lots, almost all of which were packed. It took us a while to find a spot, and the fee was a staggering $14, limited to parking until 8 p.m. The beach was indeed large and crowded. We sat by the beach, enjoying the breeze and watching the water ebb and flow. Locals, young and old, played in the water, sand-building, and other activities, seemingly having a blast. We were also enjoying ourselves, waiting to see the sunset. After almost an hour, the sun finally set, but unfortunately, it was overcast at sunset, making it a less spectacular sight. For a while after sunset, no clouds appeared over the sea, and by the time it was almost dark, we had to head back, disappointed.

If you don't love the sea or the beach, you will be very happy if you just take a stroll on the pier in good weather.
The atmosphere was particularly good with the singing, and I imagined the movie scene: the bustling crowd and the BGM were very good at creating an atmosphere.

Santa Monica Beach is really packed at night. It's true that people from all over the world love to join in the fun. Behind me, there's a bustling crowd...
Check out the sign at the end of Route 66. People from many countries take photos under the sign. These internet-famous attractions are probably the same in travelogues from all over the world.

The weather was bad and gloomy on the day we went there, so we thought it would be enough to just check in at the Highway 66 sign. There were quite a few people at the scenic spot.

The famous Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier. It is best to go there at sunset, and the night view of the beach and pier is also great.

Santa Monica is the most famous beach in Los Angeles, with a very long beach. Beach volleyball is very popular here, and it is very busy in the summer, so parking can be a headache.

It is a nationally and world-famous beach. It is the end point of Route 66, the most important route for the development of the Western United States in history, and the closest public beach to downtown Los Angeles.
Tips: I strongly recommend coming at sunset, it is really beautiful.

When you go to Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a must-see attraction. The sunset is so beautiful.

Only after seeing it did I realize the beauty of Santa Monica's sunsets. The evening glow reflected on the beach, creating a dazzling display of color. A seagull seemed to join in the fun, standing on the beach to watch the sunset, leisurely braving the waves. The crashing of the waves seemed like a beautiful accompaniment to it, allowing it to immerse itself even more deeply in this breathtaking sunset.

The Spring Festival of the Year of the Dog was at Santa Monica Beach. It was a little cold in the night breeze, but it was beautiful.

Santa Monica Beach is a popular destination for tourists, so it is recommended to avoid weekends when visiting.

Santa Monica Pier is the end point of U.S. Route 66. The beach is very lively and there are plenty of places to eat, drink and have fun.

The reason why we were attracted to it is that Lee Min Ho also filmed a TV series here. Of course, it has some really beautiful sunsets and the years are quiet.

The beach is full of flags from various countries. The five-star red flag can be seen at a glance. The weather is foggy and the sunset is gradually beginning, followed by shivering. This is the romance of Santa Monica Beach. There is the sea, the beach, the most beautiful sunset in California, and an amusement park.

We were still unprepared. We didn't expect that there were no beach chairs or umbrellas provided, so we rented an umbrella and bought a towel on the spot before we could finally enjoy the beach. It was a Friday morning with very few people and the sun was shining brightly. It was really relaxing to walk on the beach listening to the sound of the waves.

We took an Uber to the beach just to catch a glimpse of the sunset. We missed it, but we did get to see a whole pink sky. It was beautiful.
The beach lights come on at night, crowds of people surge in, and hamburger shops and seafood restaurants line the roadside.
The scenery is great and gives people a very relaxing vacation⛱️

May 4, 2016, the weather was cool and the sea breeze was blowing

There is a lot of traffic jam. There are many good seaside steak houses. It is the end of Route 66. You can also drive along Highway 1 into the city.
It is no exaggeration to say that Santa Monica has the most beautiful sunset and sunset in Los Angeles. The purple and orange glow sets off the entire sky and beach. On the last day when I returned to Los Angeles, I went to Santa Monica to watch the sunset and have a drink. It was extremely pleasant.

Santa Monica Beach is also crowded at night, as it's the terminus of Route 66. The shops and side streets along the pier are full of Route 66 elements. This beach pier is a favorite of Hollywood directors, and the movie "Cell Phone" was filmed here. During my visit, I encountered a street singer wearing a Trump mask. America truly is a free country...

The car was parked in a parking lot twenty minutes' walk from the beach. Later, my companions regretted not parking in the parking lot on the beach, as they walked for a long time shivering in the cool morning mist.
Santa Monica Beach in the early morning is like a girl who is about to wake up. The sky in the distance, dyed pink by the morning light, is like a dream. There are not many pedestrians. The occasional homeless people make people feel nervous, but most people are enjoying their lazy sleep on the weekend. The shops are not open and the amusement park is not open yet.

The terminus of Route 66 is always the busiest and most tourist-filled spot in Los Angeles. While Santa Monica Beach isn't the most beautiful beach in California, Route 66 gives it a unique significance. Route 66 begins in Chicago, where Forrest Gump's long-distance run in the movie "Forrest Gump" ended. Santa Monica Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles, making it a great stop if you're driving there. However, if you're staying in downtown Los Angeles, making a special trip there can be a bit of a hassle, and parking at the beach can be difficult.

There are numerous public parking lots within a 10-minute walk of the Santa Monica beach area, offering free parking for short-term visitors. I drove around a bit and found one (Santa Monica Public Parking 4) and parked. There's a self-service payment machine at the pedestrian exit on the ground floor. I checked the rates and found that parking is free for the first hour and a half, then $1.25 for the next hour, and $3.70 per hour thereafter, clearly penalizing regular parking. By the time we exited the parking lot around 5:25 PM, the setting sun cast long shadows on us, and we quickened our pace toward the beach. In less than ten minutes, we were walking from the city streets to the beachfront. The view suddenly opened up, and so did my heart. The sea, the blue sky, the sunset, the white clouds, the tropical trees, the gentle breeze, filled my heart with a sense of happiness. My wife exclaimed as we walked, "I still love places like this!" Feeling refreshed, I happily strolled around and took photos; everything here was so lovely and beautiful. The sun had not yet set, but the moon had already risen. Finally, we had arrived at this place we'd longed to see. Here, there were adorable seagulls, and here was the end of Route 66. We continued along the boardwalk toward the ocean, capturing the beauty around us with our cameras. The golden beach, the golden waves, the golden sunset—picturesque; the golden seagulls, the golden people, my golden heart—I was completely captivated. Continuing forward, we reached the railing at the edge, where we saw the Santa Monica landmark monument, erected in May 1975. Then began the breathtaking, spectacular sunset that everyone had been waiting for. Despite the strong wind, the crowds of onlookers were still numerous. At this moment, everyone counted down. The moment the sun sank into the sea, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, as if they had witnessed a spectacular ceremony that had captured the world's attention.

Going at 4 or 5 pm is the best because you can watch the sunset, which is really beautiful! You don’t need any filters at all

We parked here and had two hours free, which was enough time to stroll around the beach. To be honest, there were too many people here and it was too commercialized. We didn't like it very much. We just walked up the pier, checked the Route 66 sign, ate a hot dog that seemed to be very famous, and then left.

Santa Monica, looking for the feeling of old American movies 🎬

The salty sea breeze brings a cool, moist breeze and the joyful singing of terns. As the setting sun begins to paint the waves red, office workers and Mexican churros arrive after a busy day. Gradually, the beach fills with people and becomes noisier. The sound of waves crashing against the sand seems even more cheerful, one after another, continuous and uninterrupted, like a never-ending melody. People here have heard it for years, yet it remains familiar. When the lights come on, Pacific Paradise, stretching from the beach to the sea, transforms into a sea of joy. Theme parties are held frequently, street bands fill the air, and small shops and specialty restaurants line the streets, waiting for diners and travelers to arrive, enjoying the most beautiful California sunset of the day.
Compared to the sea in San Francisco, this place is far quieter and more peaceful. No surging whitecaps, no crashing waves. It's eternally tranquil and delightful. Backed by rolling green hills and facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the two-mile-long coastline seems endless. On this beach called Santa Monica, surrender yourself to the sun, sand, and waves. There lies hope...

Santa Monica Beach & the End of Route 66
Santa Monica Beach is accessible by subway, but Beverly Hills is also convenient, so we chartered a car. We arrived at Santa Monica Beach at noon. It's the closest beach to downtown Los Angeles and the end of Route 66, the lifeline of the wild westward expansion. It's also the destination of Forrest Gump's long run in the movie "Forrest Gump." Therefore, it's the perfect spot for watching the sunset. It feels like you've made your way through a sea of people. The beach is vast, and Hong Kong's beaches are tiny in comparison.
I had the internet-famous Forrest Gump Shrimp for lunch. There weren't many people, so I didn't have to wait for a table. The price was also very reasonable, much more expensive than the one on Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. The taste was not modified to suit Asian tastes, so I just ordered it for the sake of checking in.

When I came here five years ago, there were not so many people and the beach was not so dirty. Five years have passed, people are on the mountain, people are on the sea, dirty sand and dirty feet.

The sea water is very surging, suitable for daze listening to the sound of the sea crying

This beach is so refreshing. We took off our shoes and strolled in the water. I thought, if I ever lived here, I'd bring a few friends on my days off, set up a small tent on the beach, chat, and watch the sea. It would be an ideal lifestyle...

This is the closest beach to Los Angeles and the end of the famous Route 66, which begins in Chicago. The lonely archway on Route 66, like a gleaming movie icon, has become a filming location for many movies. I saw Woody Allen's recent film, "The Wheel," on a plane to the US, and it looked like it was filmed here. And of course, there's the famous BUBBA GUMP, where Tom Hanks ate shrimp in "Forrest Gump."
There's an amusement park here. While the beach is free to the public, there's an entrance fee. It's $10 for adults and $18 for children, and there's a one-stop shop. Because this park is so similar to the setting in "The Wheel," I think the movie was filmed here. There's a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a pirate ship, and a bungee jump. Try all the thrills. In "Titanic," Jack wanted to take Rose here to ride the Ferris wheel. Coincidentally, Kate Winslet also appeared in both films.
The beach is filled with tourist shops and Western restaurants. There are also some homeless people wandering around. What sticks with me most is a Chinese man playing the erhu at the end of the pier. I sat in the sea breeze and sunshine, listening to him play for a long time. It was a little sad, a little touching. Next to him, a homeless woman with half her butt exposed, looking a little mentally disturbed, sat with her large belly. She was the Chinese man's biggest fan. This pier is called Tuti Pier, built in 1908, and is a symbol of Santa Monica.
3 This is also a place where Los Angeles citizens like to relax and vacation on weekends, and it is also a romantic world for couples. Every Sunday, veterans come here to plant small crosses on the beach to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

Santa Monica Beach is the terminus of Route 66, the Mother Road of the United States. It was once the setting for the filming of "Forrest Gump," where Forrest Gump kept running. The beach was too hot at noon, and there weren't many people, so it's expected to be bustling in the evening.

Although we knew there were many famous beaches in Los Angeles, we ultimately chose Santa Monica Beach, which is the closest, most well-known, most sentimental, and also the most commercialized. Santa Monica is the end of Route 66, and you can find the sign that marks the end of Route 66 on the boardwalk at the beach.

It's breathtakingly beautiful and there's an amusement park. The kids loved the Ferris wheel and watching the sunset was a worthwhile trip.

At the end of Route 66, there is a small amusement park, which is this

The end of Highway 1 heading south, a place to check in, a must-go place. Take a photo of 66, walk to the platform at the end to listen to the old songs on the scene, and leave.

There are quite a lot of people here, and there is a memorial plaque for the end point No. 66.

I arrived at Santa Monica at 1 p.m. and it was already crowded. Many people were lying down and tanning. You must wear sunscreen before going there, otherwise you will easily get sunburned and peeled. In addition to being a beach, it is also a filming location for movies. Route 66 is right here. There are a lot of people checking in and taking photos here. Of course, the beauty of Santa Monica is not in vain. When you go there, you can bring your own umbrella and a sheet to lie on the beach. The entertainment facilities there require money. I took a photo booth there. It cost $7. The machine automatically takes the photo after you put in the coin. You can only take four photos, but in the end, three of them are the same.
I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to go to Santa Monica in the evening to see the night view. The beach at night is cooler than at noon.

We arrived at the beach just as sunset was approaching. Since we were parked in a public parking lot and the walk to the beach was a ten-minute walk, I was lazy and didn't bring my tripod. Unexpectedly, the sunset was brilliant, so I had to crank up the ISO, rest my camera on the overpass railing, and snap a few quick shots.
There's a small amusement park on the beach pier. Each ride costs $10 for adults and $18 for children (with unlimited access to all rides). There's a carousel, a roller coaster, a rocking boat, and a bungee jump. It's not very thrilling, but my 9-year-old son had a blast.

Santa Monica Beach is the terminus of Route 66 in North America. As the closest beach to the city, it's bustling with activity on weekdays. Its stunning ocean views have also become a favorite of Hollywood directors, and its iconic pier has frequently appeared in major Hollywood films. It's a top choice for Los Angeles families and a haven for couples seeking a peaceful escape. When the lights come on, Pacific Park, stretching from the beach to the ocean, transforms into a sea of joy. Themed parties are frequent, and California-style street bands are captivating. The park is home to a wide array of small shops and a variety of unique restaurants. It also boasts attractions like a Ferris wheel and roller coaster. It's a top beach destination for tourists visiting Los Angeles, open 24/7. Absolutely amazing!

As soon as we arrived at Santa Monica Beach, the child ran towards the sea as soon as the car was parked. His excitement made people think that he was at the beach for the first time.

Santa Monica is the closest coastal town to Los Angeles. Along with Venice Beach, Santa Monica is the most popular beach for Los Angeles residents. It's also the starting or ending point for many Highway 1 road trips.
After a half-hour drive, we finally arrived at the beach before 8 p.m. However, I didn't get to see the sunset. Why? It turns out the bay isn't oriented directly north-south! It's slanted! And there's a sharp mountain in the way! It was really annoying.
Let's just enjoy the ocean at sunset (so much kelp... hahaha). It's been so long since I've seen the ocean, and seeing it was such a blessing! I excitedly stepped on the water, and it was so cold.
The waves in Santa Monica are huge.
Not great for swimming, but really great for surfing!

To be honest, this beach had no appeal to me at all, except for its reputation. But the experience was completely different when I actually arrived.
It was almost sunset when I arrived at the beach. Three things captivated me about this internet-famous beach: the singing, the sunset, and the seabirds.
Santa Monica Beach is so beautiful that you don't want to leave.

Santa Monica Beach was a nightmare on my trip to Los Angeles. The roads were incredibly complicated. As I approached the attraction, I discovered numerous detours and detours. There were countless cars, and the parking lot was jammed. I couldn't get into it. After almost two hours of circling, I finally parked, only to be charged $14. There were only a few Chinese people, and the crowds were all European. I checked in at the Route 66 sign and dropped a hat I'd just bought under the nose of the Endeavour. I've never loved a hat so much, and it's gone. The wait for the legendary Forrest Gump shrimp was two hours, and the check-in bench outside the shop was a pile of garbage. I was embarrassed to take a picture of the ground. It wasn't Chinese, it wasn't Chinese. It was almost entirely European. We ate at a shop near the pier that used enamelware as tableware and then quickly ran away. However, the nightmare wasn't over. The parking lot was jammed, and I couldn't get out. I waited another hour and a half before I could get on the road. It took me five or six hours to get to the check-in spot, and my subsequent trip was canceled. It wasn't worth it.

Route 66 and California beaches are similar~

Santa Monica Beach is the end point of Route 66, the lifeline of the western development. It is also the end point of Forrest Gump's long-distance run in the movie "Forrest Gump".

Although it was cloudy that day and we couldn't see the sunset, Santa Monica Beach, as the end point of Route 66, is still worth a visit.
The wind on Santa Monica Beach is very strong, but the scenery is still beautiful.
We parked at a public parking lot across the street from Santa Monica Beach. The fee was $25, which is quite steep if you're just looking to see the ocean, like I did. Later, we discovered we could park on the beach near the ocean. I forgot whether it was $7 or $17, but we regretted it so much! So, if you're driving here, park right on the beach so you can get right in front of the ocean!

Santa Monica Beach was packed with people, and various street artists showed off their skills, making it very lively...

Driving is very convenient, but we couldn't find a parking space. We found a supermarket parking lot.

It's a famous beach with many people.

Santa Monica is a real crowd-pleaser on the weekends. When we arrived, the road leading to the beachfront parking lot was closed, so we had to park in a nearby lot. The parking fee seemed out of control! $30 for parking until the evening... Actually, we only parked for a little over an hour. It seems like the nearby parking structure usually offers 90 minutes of free parking, but we couldn't find it...

Santa Monica Beach is a must-see in California. It's a beach not only for people but also for cars. In winter, the water's low temperature makes it unsuitable for swimming, but it's much more pleasant to sunbathe on the shore. It's the end of the iconic Route 66. The pier is bustling with restaurants, shops, and street performances. Looking out across the Pacific, find a bench, relax, soak up the California sunshine, feel the Pacific breeze, and sing a song like "California Hotel." Enjoy!

Santa Monica Beach is the terminus of Route 66 in North America. As the closest beach to the city, it's bustling with activity on weekdays. You can spot many beautiful women and animals like seals. There are also many entertainers performing here, making it a truly worthwhile attraction to spend some time exploring.

Night tour of Santa Monica Beach, it's cold but also fun, with lots of performances

Santa Monica Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles. The most conspicuous building on the beach is the pier built in 1908 that protrudes from the beach line.
This pier is the symbol of Santa Monica. It is built on the sea, and not far away is the Pacific Amusement Park, which has a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel, etc.
Route 66 is a famous route that runs through the United States. It's known as the "Mother Road" by Americans, symbolizing the difficult journey the American people have taken. The tour guide explained that Route 66 is now abandoned.
Today's destination is Santa Monica Beach, which is a good opportunity to check in at the end of Route 66.
Navigate to the beach where there is a Ferris wheel. There is a large parking lot on the beach. You can park once for 7 dollars, regardless of the length of time. There is a boardwalk leading directly to the sea. There are many souvenir shops along the boardwalk, and there is also a large playground. It is very lively. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a handsome guy playing the viola, which sounds super good. The two beautiful women next to him immediately became his fans.