Best Santa Monica State Beach Day Trips & Things to Do

The sunny three-mile-long beach along Pacific Coast Highway epitomizes Southern California. Santa Monica State Beach has a picnic area, beach volleyball nets, basketball courts, a walking and running trail as well as shopping and dining options. It's iconic The U.S. National Historic Landmark Santa Monica Pier has the Pacific Park amusement area with an antique carousel and solar-powered Ferris Wheel in addition to the Heal the Bay Aquarium. The state beach also has the famed original Muscle Beach with rings, balance bars and parallel bars.