Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a beach city on the Westside of Los Angeles County, known for its pier, Palisades Park on the bluffs, a walkable downtown and the end of Route 66. Here's what to know whether you're visiting or thinking of moving, with full drives so you can see the streets for yourself.
Last updated November 2026 · Sources
At a glance
- Part of
- Its own city in LA County, separate from Los Angeles
- Incorporated
- November 30, 1886
- Population
- About 90,700 (2024 estimate)
- Size
- About 8.4 square miles
- ZIP codes
- 90401 to 90405
- Rail
- Metro E Line, ending at Downtown Santa Monica
A short history
- A town laid out in 1875
Senator John P. Jones and Colonel Robert Baker laid out the town of Santa Monica, and the first lots sold on July 15, 1875. The city incorporated in 1886.
- The pier
The Municipal Pier opened in September 1909. A separate pleasure pier was added next to it in 1916, and today's pier is the last amusement pier on the bay.
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- Planes and Route 66
Donald Douglas founded Douglas Aircraft here in 1921. In 1936 Route 66 was extended to Santa Monica, and an End of the Trail sign has stood on the pier since 2009.
- The train comes back
The Expo Line, now the E Line, reached Downtown Santa Monica on May 20, 2016, the first passenger rail link to Downtown LA since the Pacific Electric Air Line closed in 1953.
Santa Monica today
- Downtown is built for walking, around the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place and the pier.
- Palisades Park runs along the bluffs above the beach, and the beach bike path heads south to Venice and beyond.
- Main Street, toward the Venice border, has its own stretch of shops, cafes and a farmers market.
- As its own city, Santa Monica runs its own police, schools, libraries and the Big Blue Bus.
From the driver's seat
Our drive shows how quickly Santa Monica shifts from a dense, walkable downtown to the open coast. Expect busy crosswalks, cyclists and wide ocean views before the road carries on south into Venice.
Watch Santa Monica to Venice BeachIf you're visiting
- Santa Monica Pier
The 1909 pier with the Pacific Park rides and Ferris wheel, an aquarium beneath it and the Route 66 End of the Trail sign. Entry is free.
- Third Street Promenade
Three blocks of car-free shopping, dining and street performers in downtown.
- Palisades Park
The bluff-top park above the beach, the classic spot for sunset.
- The beach bike path
Rent a bike and ride the flat path along the sand south to Venice and Marina del Rey.
- Original Muscle Beach
The outdoor rings and bars just south of the pier where the fitness craze began in the 1930s.
- Main Street
A laid-back strip of shops and cafes near the Venice border, with a Sunday farmers market.
- Wednesday Farmers Market
One of the best-known farmers markets in California, on Arizona Avenue downtown.
▶ Tap a highlighted name to watch that spot in one of our drives.
- Take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica; the station is a short walk from the pier and the Promenade.
- The ocean here is cold most of the year, even when the air is warm.
- Summer weekends are packed. Weekday mornings are the calmest time on the pier and the beach.
Getting there: The E Line ends two blocks from the Promenade, and the Big Blue Bus covers the whole city. City parking structures downtown are the easiest option if you drive.
Preview it: Santa Monica to Venice BeachHours, prices and seasons change, so check before you go.
Tours and tickets
- Bike rentals and beach bike toursGetYourGuideViator
Ride the beach path from the pier toward Venice.
- Pacific Park on the pierGetYourGuideViator
Ride passes for the Ferris wheel and coaster.
- Malibu day tripsGetYourGuideViator
Coastal tours north along Pacific Coast Highway.
- Santa Monica food and walking toursGetYourGuideViator
Small-group tastings around Main Street and downtown.
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If you're moving here
Cost snapshot
Figures are area-wide estimates from listing sites and change monthly. Check current listings before you decide.
Getting around
Santa Monica is one of the easiest places in LA County to live with less driving. The E Line reaches Downtown LA in under an hour, the Big Blue Bus covers the city, and the 10 freeway begins here. Traffic on the 10 and the 405 at rush hour is the main trade-off.
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Watch it: drives through Santa Monica
1 drive
Jump straight to it
Find a landmark- 3:04California Incline in Santa Monica to Venice BeachPlay
- 4:15Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica to Venice BeachPlay
- 4:50Ocean Avenue - Santa Monica in Santa Monica to Venice BeachPlay
- 6:07Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica to Venice BeachPlay
Short drives nearby
All shortsNext door
Quick answers
Where is Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is a beach city on the Westside of Los Angeles County, known for its pier, Palisades Park on the bluffs, a walkable downtown and the end of Route 66.
What is the population of Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has a population of about 90,700 (2024 estimate).
What is there to do in Santa Monica?
Top things to see include Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, The beach bike path and Original Muscle Beach.
How do you get around Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is one of the easiest places in LA County to live with less driving. The E Line reaches Downtown LA in under an hour, the Big Blue Bus covers the city, and the 10 freeway begins here. Traffic on the 10 and the 405 at rush hour is the main trade-off.
How much does it cost to live in Santa Monica?
Typical home value: $1.67M (Zillow Home Value Index, January 2026). Typical asking rent: $3,567/mo (Zillow Observed Rent Index, January 2026).
Can I see what Santa Monica looks like before I visit or move?
Yes. Somewhere Drive has a full 4K drive through Santa Monica with no narration, including Santa Monica to Venice Beach.
Sources
- History of Santa Monica (Wikipedia)
- Santa Monica history (Santa Monica Travel and Tourism)
- Santa Monica population (Census Reporter, ACS 2024)
- Expo Line to Santa Monica (Metro Magazine)
- Santa Monica housing data (City-Stats)
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