Santa Monica vs Venice Beach: Where Should I go?

Views of Santa Monica's mountains and beach with palm trees lining a parking lot.

Santa Monica vs Venice Beach, although only 3.4 miles apart, these two beaches are completely different from each other. Santa Monica is family friendly with higher end shopping and dining options while Venice beach is eclectic and hippy; catering to a younger crowd. There aren’t as many shopping options, but it is still worth visiting. Below we will go over all there is to do and we will compare Santa Monica vs Venice Beach!

Who It’s For: Santa Monica

Santa Monica is for everyone, especially visitors who have children. There’s many activities at the Pier and as well as within Santa Monica. Making it easier on parents who want to visit a beach in SoCal that’s kid friendly. Police presence in Santa Monica is heavy at all times of the day, making it feel safe for solo travelers and families.

Santa Monica Beach with beachgoers in the ocean and birds flying overhead.

Who It’s For: Venice Beach

Venice beach is for solo travelers or groups of friends. It can definitely be checked out by families, however, it doesn’t offer the variety of activities Santa Monica does. Venice has seen a rise in homelessness along the boardwalk, hence my hesitation to let parents take their young children. It caters to an adventurous, young crowd looking for a unique atmosphere.

What To Do: Santa Monica

There are a variety of things to do in each, Santa Monica caters to people who have more money in their budget. I would say this is due to the fact that more tourists frequent Santa Monica vs Venice Beach. Any place frequented by tourists will be more expensive, however, I also think the beach, views and Santa Monica overall is more scenic and beautiful.

11 Things To Do In Santa Monica vs Venice Beach:

Ferris wheel in Santa Monica's Pacific Park.
  1. Visit the Santa Monica Pier & ride the roller coaster at Pacific Park
  2. Play at the arcade on Santa Monica Pier (Playland)
  3. Rent bikes or scooters to use on the boardwalk
  4. Take a surf lesson
  5. Stroll the Farmer’s Market on Sundays (8:30am-1:30pm)
  6. Watch street performers at the 3rd St. Promenade
  7. Stroll Ocean Avenue and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean
  8. Hike the Santa Monica Mountains
  9. Explore Tongva park, a scenic park that many locals don’t even know about!
  10. Visit the Annenberg Beach House, a recreational space open to the public offering:
    – Pool, Splash pad, Playground, Volleyball & Soccer courts, wifi and other things!
  11. And of course, lay on the sand and go for a dip!
Intersection of Ocean Ave and Broadway in Santa Monica.

What To Do: Venice Beach

Venice beach doesn’t have the array of activities compared to Santa Monica, but there’s still some pretty unique things to see and do. If you’re on a budget, then visiting Venice Beach will have to make your LA itinerary.

A large patch of grass with palm trees and the Venice beach boardwalk.

7 Things To Do in Venice Beach:

  1. Watch the skaters at the Venice Beach Skatepark Park
  2. Stroll through the unique and picturesque Venice Canals
  3. Visit the Mosaic Tile House (Saturdays only 12:00-3:00pm Only- Reservations required)
  4. Have a drink and watch the sunset at the High Rooftop Lounge
  5. Take a photo in front of the iconic Venice sign
  6. Stroll the mile long street of Abbot Kinney Blvd
  7. And obviously, Go for a swim!
Venice canals in Venice beach, CA.
Skater at the Venice beach skate park.
Waves crashing on rocks at Venice beach.

Where To Eat & Shop: Santa Monica

Dining options are endless in Santa Monica, there’s restaurants for every budget. From fine dining to fast food, you are not limited at all. Some of the best known restaurants in LA can be found on Ocean Ave, like The Ivy and BOA Steakhouse.

Cheaper dinning options can be found at the food court in the mall, Santa Monica Place. Chain restaurants and unique cafes can also be found in and around Main Street, the 3rd St. Promenade and on the outskirts of all the tourists areas.

Shopping in Santa Monica is available on every street, with the various vendors and stores. But if you’re looking to shop for premier brands, then make your way to the 3rd St. Promenade where dozens of stores line up the street.

Shoppers line the streets of the 3rd St. Promenade.

The mall, Santa Monica Place has three levels of stores, with luxury stores like, Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton. For more unique pieces and items, shop at the small boutiques on Main St. You can find souvenir kiosks at the pier!

Outdoor shops at the Santa Monica Place mall.

Where To Eat & Shop: Venice Beach

For luxury shopping and premier stores, the mile long street of Abbot Kinney will be your place. Stores like Adidas, Cuyana and Away can be found as you stroll through the boulevard. The options are limited, but still worth taking a look at.

Mom and pop shops line the boardwalk with more affordable boutiques, you can also negotiate which is nice vs Santa Monica where there are set prices.

NOTE: Every first Friday of the month, Abbot Kinney turns the street into a festival with live music, food trucks and vendors at night!

Palm trees, shops and cars line the streets of Abbot Kinney in Venice beach.
Entry to the Venice beach boardwalk on Pacific Ave.

Parking in Santa Monica vs Venice Beach:

Parking in Santa Monica is quite convenient. There are lots everywhere. Some restaurants also offer valet. Use this site to see what lot is close to your destination and how much you will have to pay. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Lots: Click Here to find one near you Meter Parking in Santa Monica: $2.50/hr 

Beach & Pier Parking Lot 3 North: 
1150 Pacific Coast Highway Santa Monica, CA 90403
Summer & Winter rates differ, click here to check.

Promenade & Santa Monica Place Parking Lot: 
Structure 7
320 Broadway Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Parking in Venice Beach:

Meter Parking in Venice Beach: $1.50/hr 

Venice Pier Parking Lot 
South City Parking Lot
3100 Washington Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291

Lot Near Venice Canals & Venice Skate Park 
2100 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291

*Always read street signs and arrive early to get a good parking spot

Roundup: Venice Beach vs Santa Monica

Overall, both beach cities offer different activities and it depends on you and what you would like to do. It is possible to explore Venice beach and Santa Monica on the same day. You will just need to plan ahead and have an itinerary ready. If you have a weekend available, even better. You can do one entire day at each beach. 

Santa Monica offers a sophisticated yet chill atmosphere while Venice beach is more bohemian and free spirited. Plan your trip ahead and enjoy your time in California!

Palm Trees along Ocean Ave.

FAQ’s 

  1. Best time to go? 

The best but most crowded time to visit Santa Monica and Venice are in the summer months, from the end of June to the first week of September. Tourists and Angeleno’s come out to enjoy the sun and the ocean waves. 

The least crowded time to visit would be in the Fall and Winter months. The weather is in the low 70’s but you can still lay out and enjoy the sun. 

  1. Can you see both Venice beach and Santa Monica in one day? 

Absolutely, just plan ahead and get there early! 

  1. Is the beach water warmer at Santa Monica or Venice beach?

Both are pretty cold with an average of 58°F.  

  1. Can you swim at both beaches? 

You can swim and surf at both beaches!

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Filed Under: Southern California, Travel

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