Plan Ahead

Research a business or activity you’re interested in doing before you go. Call the business directly or check their websites and social media channels to find out if their operations are different.

If you want to go to a certain restaurant or museum, try making a reservation ahead of time or going during off-peak times. If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting one of Santa Monica’s eight neighborhoods, which provide a variety of dining and retail options to both visitors and locals.

If you still have questions please call our Visitor Center at 310-319-6263 or text 424-443-8830 seven days a week from 9am – 5pm, or stop in at 2427 Main Street, open Monday – Friday, 9am to 5:30pm; Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 5pm. We’re happy to help answer any questions you have about visiting Santa Monica right now.

Set Expectations for Your Visit

We ask that you be patient and allow for some flexibility in your travel and activity plans. The Santa Monica community welcomes visitors with kindness and appreciates it when visitors return the favor. Show generosity to local businesses and do your part to preserve the long-term prosperity of the locations you visit.

While the beach and pier are must-visits on your vacation, there are many other unique neighborhoods in Santa Monica to explore which may be less crowded. Check out the numerous street art murals on Pico Boulevard with a self-guided walking tour, splurge at the boutique shops and cafes on Montana Avenue, dine alfresco at one of the many restaurants on Main Street, stop by a gallery or two in Mid-City’s thriving arts district, buy fresh seasonal produce at one of Downtown Santa Monica’s farmers markets or shop for treasures in the Ocean Park Boulevard/Santa Monica Airport Area.

Go Car-Free

Going car-free is easy within Santa Monica’s 8.3 square miles which offer pedestrian friendly sidewalks, miles and miles of bike lanes, a light rail connecting Santa Monica to downtown L.A., rideshare services, plus electric scooters. View all of Santa Monica’s public transportation options and review safety information for getting around the city.

If you must bring a vehicle, please read our parking page for more information.

Help Keep Santa Monica Clean

Maintain the highest respect for everyone and everything you meet while in Santa Monica. This includes the environment in which we live. To keep our beachside city shining, please pick up after yourself and dispose of any trash in designated receptacles available along the beach and throughout the city or carry it out with you. We all share in the responsibility of protecting Santa Monica.

Support Local Businesses & Celebrate Culture

Attending local events, dining at local restaurants, and shopping at local stores all contribute to the local community’s well-being and economy. Immersion in the many local cultures and traditions of Santa Monica contributes to the city’s growth as a distinct beachside destination for future generations to visit and enjoy.

Did you know that for every $10 spent at a Santa Monica business, as much as $7 stays in the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures? With each purchase made in Santa Monica during your visit close you make an investment in our local economy, save time and reduce your carbon footprint.

Stay Healthy

As of March 31, 2023, the local, regional, state and federal COVID-19 emergency declarations have concluded. While masking is no longer required in public places, on mass transportation and upon entry and exit into the US, Santa Monica continues to encourage responsible travel and overall wellness for its local community and travelers to the destination. Part of protecting yourself and others is getting tested if you are experiencing symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. The best tool to prevent and protect yourself from the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted. You can get a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine.