Santa Monica Beach stretches along the Santa Monica Bay, anchored by the famous pier and its Pacific Park amusement rides. Lifeguarded year-round; low tide creates a broad sandy flat, while high tide brings the water close to the pier pilings.
The 4–5 ft Pacific tidal range narrows the beach considerably at high tide near the pier pilings; low tide exposes a broad sandy flat that's ideal for a long walk or family play. Swimming is most comfortable at mid to low tide; there's no significant surf break here; fishing off the Santa Monica Pier is productive at any tide; shelling and tide pools are minimal on this sandy urban beach. Local note: paid parking structures flank the pier; a paved bike path connects Santa Monica to Venice and continues south to Torrance Beach.
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