Santa Monica and Venice Beach are two of Los Angeles’ most iconic coastal destinations, where visitors can soak up the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and experience the city’s famously laid‑back, free‑spirited vibe. This post focuses on Santa Monica Pier, the end point of Route 66, Venice Beach Skatepark, and the Venice Canals to showcase the unique charm of LA’s west side.
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Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the closest beach city to the center of Los Angeles. It is known for its beautiful stretch of white sand that runs for more than 10 km (6.2 mi) along the Pacific, making it perfect for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and all kinds of water activities.
Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park
The biggest attraction here is undoubtedly the Santa Monica Pier. It is home to an amusement park, an aquarium, and various entertainment facilities, making it a fantastic destination to visit with children.
Specifically, Pacific Park, the amusement park on the pier, features 12 different rides, including a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. The Ferris wheel is solar-powered, adding a nice eco-friendly touch to the fun.
As expected in the US—a paradise for cars—there is a large parking lot available, making it easy to access by driving. The parking fee is a flat rate of $15 USD for the whole day.
The pier divides the coast: to the north lies Santa Monica Beach, and to the south is Venice Beach. Both directions boast endless stretches of sand as far as the eye can see.
You’ll also see quite a few people fishing here, as fishing from the pier is allowed without a license. There is even a shop at the end of the pier where you can rent fishing rods and equipment.
Route 66
Santa Monica marks a significant page in American history as the official End of the Trail for Route 66, one of the great symbols of American road trip culture. Route 66 was the first transcontinental highway in the United States, running 2,448 miles (3,945 km) from Chicago all the way to the edge of the Pacific.
Crossing farmland and wide plains, cutting through deserts, and crossing the Colorado River before reaching California, Route 66 is a road that evokes deep nostalgia for the era of westward expansion in the American imagination.
On the pier you will find the famous sign “End of the Trail” sign. It is such a popular photo spot that you often have to wait in line to take your turn snapping a proof shot right in front of the sign.
Venice Beach
Heading south from Santa Monica Pier, you reach Venice Beach. Venice Beach is known for its free‑spirited, artistic, and slightly bohemian atmosphere.
After visiting countless beaches while traveling, this might be one of the widest stretches of sand around. The sheer width of the sandy shore is one of Venice Beach’s most striking features.
The beach serves as a kind of mini‑community for young artists and bohemians. On weekends, you can watch street performances by bands, acrobats, and mime artists. Around the beachfront you will find rows of trendy, “hip” shops, along with plenty of tattoo parlors.
The famous Muscle Beach is also here. Every now and then you will see seriously built guys working out on the outdoor equipment, so if you are into fitness, it is worth stopping by.
There is also a long pedestrian path known as the Boardwalk, which stretches along the beach. Walking here feels like stepping straight into a scene from an LA‑set TV drama, with that quintessential West Coast vibe all around you.
Right beside the beach there is a well‑maintained coastal bike path, so you might wonder why people choose odd little contraptions instead of just riding a regular bike. Still, there are plenty of unique cycle‑type vehicles you can rent and pedal right on the beach, and that is part of the fun.
Venice Beach is great for swimming and hanging out by the water, and on the vast, almost overwhelmingly wide sand you can enjoy everything from working out and cycling to playing beach volleyball. If you visit Santa Monica, it is highly recommended to walk or bike right over to neighboring Venice Beach as well.
Venice Beach Skatepark
Venice Beach has another special spot: the Venice Beach Skatepark, which opened in 2009. The park is instantly recognizable for its two large bowls. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and a golden sandy beach, this skatepark is more than just a place to exercise. It is a hub of freedom, creativity, and community.
With courses suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros, the park attracts a large number of skateboarders. The overall skill level is impressively high, so it is easy to lose track of time just watching them ride.
Watching in person, one of the most striking impressions is how welcoming the atmosphere is, regardless of age, nationality, or skill level. There are especially many young kids skating, and you can clearly feel the more experienced riders giving them tips and cheering them on.
Los Angeles is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and this is one of the best places to appreciate them. Here, you can watch people skate while the sun slowly sinks beyond the endless horizon of the Pacific.
This skatepark felt, in a very good way, like the single most “LA‑like” place in all of Los Angeles. If you are planning a trip to LA, be sure to stop by and soak up its unique atmosphere.
Venice Canal Historical District
The Venice Canals in Los Angeles are a unique attraction inspired by Venice, Italy. They were created in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, who set out to build “the Venice of America” by constructing about 16 miles of canals here. Today, only six canals remain.
These remaining canals offer a quiet, peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Lining the waterways are homes in a variety of architectural styles, making the area perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxed photo walk.
It appears to be a very wealthy neighborhood; most of the houses around the canals have beautifully maintained gardens, and you will see many private docks and small boats. Because this is a real residential area where people actually live, remember to be mindful of basic etiquette if you visit.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica and Venice Beach are more than simple tourist spots. Together, they are places where you can truly feel the free, easygoing lifestyle and culture that define the American West Coast. With endless beaches, lively streets, the historic end of Route 66, a world‑famous skatepark, and tranquil canals all in one area, this part of Los Angeles is full of diverse experiences—well worth adding to any LA itinerary.
HDND travel
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