santa monica to venice beach

Question

hello everyone

We are travelling from Santa Barbara by car to spend the day in Santa Monica, is it possible to do the walk from there to Venice beach? is it worth us stopping at Malibu on the way?

Answer

Yes, it is definitely possible to walk from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. The two areas are connected by the Ocean Front Walk, a scenic pedestrian and bike path that runs along the coastline. The distance is roughly 2–3 miles one way, depending on where you start in Santa Monica, so it’s an easy and enjoyable walk for most people. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic spots such as the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, and the vibrant Venice Boardwalk.

The walk is very popular for tourists and locals alike, and it offers plenty of photo opportunities, street performers, murals, and shops. You can also rent bikes or electric scooters if you prefer a faster or less tiring option.

Regarding stopping at Malibu, it depends on your schedule and priorities. Malibu is about 20–30 minutes north of Santa Monica (without traffic), and it has beautiful beaches, scenic overlooks, and spots like Zuma Beach or Malibu Pier. If you have time in the morning before reaching Santa Monica, it can be worth a brief stop for photos or a quick walk on the sand. However, if your main goal is to enjoy Santa Monica and Venice Beach, you might prefer to head straight there to maximize time exploring the piers, shops, and the beach areas.

Start at Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the attractions, restaurants, and ocean views.
Walk south along the Ocean Front Walk towards Venice Beach, enjoying street performers and local vendors.
Explore Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the canals if time allows.

If you decide to stop in Malibu:

Zuma Beach – wide sandy beach, great for a quick walk or photos.
Malibu Pier – a classic stop with restaurants and fishing.
Scenic overlooks along the Pacific Coast Highway – ideal for a short break or viewpoint photo.

Overall, a Santa Monica to Venice walk is definitely worth doing, and a short Malibu stop can be enjoyable if your schedule allows. Just be mindful that traffic along the Pacific Coast Highway can be heavy, especially during weekends and mid-day, so plan extra time if driving.