Santa Monica stands out as one of the leading beach towns in the Los Angeles area because of its famous coastal attractions which draw many families to visit. The historical Santa Monica Pier offers amusement rides and games while expansive sandy beaches enable children to create sandcastles and families can find plenty of family-friendly activities.
All members of the family can appreciate the tranquil environment and abundant facilities and diverse activities designed for people of all ages. The beaches of Santa Monica provide every opportunity for surfers and beachwalkers and sunbathers with children who want to play.
Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Santa Monica
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach spans over three miles of coastline, providing plenty of space for the kids to run around. Muscle Beach is located south of the pier, an iconic spot where outdoor gym equipment sits right on the sand for public use.
Will Rogers State Beach
For a more serene beach day, Will Rogers State Beach lies just up the coast with parking near the entrance. The waters tend to be calmer here, given its location north of the Santa Monica Pier. Well-maintained courts allow for friendly games of volleyball and a playground sits right off the beach.
Annenberg Community Beach House
This beach club pays homage to Southern California’s early 20th century culture with historic architecture and family-friendly amenities. Stretch out on the pristine shoreline or lounge by the pool and splash pad.
Activities for Kids
Building Sandcastles and Beach Games
Younger kids tend to gravitate towards open spaces with soft sand perfect for digging and drier top layers ideal for sculpting into towering castles. Some of the best spots are just south of the Annenberg Beach House or north of the pier.
Surfing and Paddleboarding Lessons
With its gentle waves, Santa Monica beach has been the starting point for many young surfers over the decades. Notable surf schools nearby include Surf Academy and Beach Cities Health District Surf Camp.
Relaxation Spots for Parents
Beachfront Cafés and Restaurants
Sometimes a little break is in order while the kids play. Enjoy a breezy brunch or casual coastal dinner at one of the many restaurants lining Palisades Park with unobstructed ocean views.
Sip on a frosty margarita at Playa Provisions with its beachy interiors or enjoy delicate seafood tasting menus at upscale FIG.
For all-day dining, grab lunch on the patio at The Independence followed by steamy cups of espresso as the sun dips towards the horizon.
Spa and Wellness Centers
Nearbyluxury hotels like Shutters on the Beach, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, and Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offer indulgent spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation. Choose from massages, facials, body treatments or specialized services like acupuncture.
Most feature tranquil lounges with Pacific Ocean views to continue unwinding after your treatment. Some spas offer express services if you only have an hour or two away from the family.
Safety and Convenience Tips
Lifeguard Services
Although much of Santa Monica’s shoreline poses moderately calm swimming conditions, caution is still necessary with unpredictable waves and changing tides. Swim only in areas that bear swimming zone markers along with listening to the instructions from lifeguards who monitor the beach.
Restroom and Changing Facilities
Easy access to beach restrooms and changing facilities with showers stands as the main convenience that family travelers need at the beach. At the end of the Santa Monica Pier you will discover fixed restroom facilities with outdoor shower stations for beach sand removal.
Parking and Transportation
The summer season brings challenging parking conditions to the area. Choose public parking spaces located near the beach which offer reasonable hourly fees.
Hotels and restaurants located near the beach provide validation services to customers who eat or stay at their facilities. Public transport offers a convenient beach experience through the Metro Expo Line service that ends at Downtown Santa Monica.
Nearby Attractions for Families
Tongva Park
The grassy park located next to Santa Monica Pier provides children’s play areas and serves as a peaceful escape from the beach environment. Children experience great enjoyment in using the climbing facilities and enjoying the spray features at the fountain splash pad.
Use a picnic blanket with shade beneath trees or bring a kite for flying activities at the large green field. Binoculars provide visitors with Catalina Island viewing potential across the ocean.
Cayton Children’s Museum
The educational experience brings occasional entertainment value when you have inquisitive young minds. The Cayton Children’s Museum provides families with an educational indoor-outdoor experience because it faces the beach directly across from Santa Monica Pier.
Dining Options for Families
The Albright
From its prime position at Ruby’s Diner by Santa Monica Pier entrance The Albright presents upscale California dining with panoramic ocean views through expansive glass windows.
Kids will marvel at the passing rides while parents enjoy locally-sourced seafood, steaks and shareable appetizers. Don’t pass up the warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies topped with ice cream for dessert!
Big Dean’s Oceanfront Café
If you have worked up in appetite in the water, head to Big Dean’s Oceanfront Café for delicious breakfast plates, burgers, salads, and tacos just steps from the beach. Grab patio seating to soak up the sights and sounds.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed if wet swimsuits and sandy feet tag along after a dip in the ocean. Portions run large so feel free to share a few items amongst the family.
Accommodation Recommendations
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
For families that want added luxury just steps from Santa Monica beach, the iconic Fairmont Miramar offers spacious guestrooms and suites, some featuring private bungalows with a home away from home feel.
Shutters on the Beach
Travelers craving sun, sand and upscale pampering flock to Shutters on the Beach overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway right on Santa Monica Beach. Designed with couples and families in mind, the one-bedroom suites boast expansive living rooms, gorgeous furnishings and oversized soaking tubs.
Packing Essentials for a Family Beach Day
Sun Protection
Don’t underestimate the southern California sun when planning beach days with the family. Lather up frequently with waterproof sunscreens to avoid painful burns, especially for delicate children’s skin.
Beach Gear
Ensure your family makes the most of Santa Monica beach days by packing must-have gear like beach towels, blankets, chairs and pop-up tents. Look for compact and lightweight options to transport through soft sand with ease.
Snacks and Hydration
The combination of sun, swimming and active beach play leads to quick hunger and thirst for energetic kids. Come prepared with a cooler packed with cold water bottles, juice boxes, fresh fruits and veggies, sandwiches and nutrient-dense snacks like trail mix and protein bars. Ziplock bags allow for grabbing food easily while keeping belongings sand-free.
Conclusion
Santa Monica provides an authentic Southern California beach experience since it features numerous kid-friendly beaches and ocean attractions together with seaside resources designed especially for children. Children and their parents share the same enjoyment from beach activities followed by delicious meals after spending time in the sun.
Visiting the famous pier along with enjoying seaside snacks in this beachfront town will produce unforgettable memories. Every beach day in Santa Monica provides opportunities for building magnificent sand structures as well as watching dolphins glide across the ocean surface and assures the entire family will relax and bond together. Guests should select one of the family-oriented hotels near the ocean to continue their beachfront adventures across multiple days.