The best family beaches in Santa Monica are Santa Monica State Beach by the pier, the Annenberg Community Beach House, Will Rogers State Beach and Ocean Park Beach, and with toddlers the Annenberg is the easiest. Its playground and splash pad are free and sit right beside the sand, and the historic pool is a separate paid ticket. The State Beach by the pier is the classic day, with restrooms, showers and a playground, Will Rogers to the north is quieter with volleyball courts for older kids, and Ocean Park is the local stretch south of the pier. LA County lifeguards staff towers along the whole shore.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica State Beach | Playground | View Details → |
| Will Rogers State Beach | Volleyball Courts | View Details → |
| Annenberg Community Beach House | Splash Pad | View Details → |
| Ocean Park Beach | Bike Path | View Details → |
Santa Monica State Beach
This is the iconic SoCal spot that keeps things simple with wide shores and direct pier access. It is the perfect choice for families who want to combine a swim with a classic boardwalk experience.
- Before you swim: This is open Pacific surf. Swim only in front of a staffed lifeguard tower, and on a big-surf day keep small children at the water’s edge.
- Key Amenities: Features convenient restrooms, showers, and a nearby playground.
- Tip: Park in the lots closest to the pier to shorten the walk with your gear.
Good to know: Parking rates jump on summer weekends, so come early.
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Will Rogers State Beach
Just north of the busy stretch, Will Rogers is quieter, with soft sand and smaller crowds.
- The Beach: Soft sand for sandcastles and beach games.
- Key Amenities: Includes lifeguards, clean restrooms, and volleyball courts for older kids.
- Tip: Use the Pacific Coast Highway lots for quick, flat-rate parking.
Good to know: There is less food nearby, so pack your own snacks.
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Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg is a historic beach club turned public, with a pool, a splash pad and a playground right by the sand, which makes a day with small kids much easier.
- The Beach: A well-kept stretch beside the club, with the free splash pad and playground a few steps away.
- Key Amenities: Access to a historic pool, splash pad, and playground facilities.
- Tip: Book pool passes online ahead of time.
Good to know: The lot fills fast on sunny weekend mornings.
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Ocean Park Beach
Ocean Park is the quieter local stretch south of the pier, by the bike path.
- The Beach: Open Pacific surf like the rest of Santa Monica, so swim in front of a staffed tower.
- Key Amenities: Direct access to the bike path and standard restroom facilities.
- Tip: Skip the street parking hunt and go straight to a public parking structure.
Good to know: Street parking is very limited, so check the structure maps before you drive.
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Santa Monica is the town where our seasonal pricing pays off most, averaging 70 degrees in August and 68 in October at about $78 less a night. That comparison and six more towns are in our California beach towns roundup.
FAQs About Family Beaches in Santa Monica
Are there lifeguards at all these beaches?
Yes. LA County lifeguards staff towers on both sides of the Santa Monica Pier, though staffing varies by tower and season. Check the posted conditions before anyone goes in.
Which beach is best for toddlers?
The Annenberg Community Beach House, because its playground and splash pad are free and sit right beside the sand. The splash pad is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to March, though access can change between September and mid-June, and the pool is a separate paid admission (City of Santa Monica).
How do I avoid heavy beach traffic?
The best way to avoid traffic is to arrive before 9:30 AM or visit on a weekday morning. Utilizing public parking structures instead of hunting for street parking will also save you significant stress.
Helpful Local Resources
Before you go, these official Santa Monica, CA sites are worth a bookmark. They have current hours, beach conditions, and event calendars straight from the people who know the area best.
- Santa Monica Travel & Tourism for official visitor information, events, and trip planning help
- Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
- Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (Heal the Bay)
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