Free Things to Do in Santa Monica
Over 30 completely free activities — from free beaches and free parks to sunset viewpoints, outdoor workouts, and live events. Plus a full $0 one-day itinerary and a $50 Santa Monica day. Updated August 2026.
Santa Monica is one of the few coastal cities where the best experiences cost nothing. All 3.5 miles of beach are free. The parks are free. The Pier is free to walk. The sunset is free. This guide covers every free thing to do in Santa Monica, organized by category — plus practical advice on parking and transit so your "free" day doesn't turn into a $40 parking bill.
For broader money-saving tips including cheap eats and budget hotels, see our Santa Monica on a Budget guide. This page focuses specifically on free activities and low-cost options under $25.
Best Free Things to Do in Santa Monica
The 12 most essential free experiences, ranked by visitor value.
Walk the Santa Monica Pier
Free 24/7. Walk end to end, watch fishermen, see the solar Ferris wheel.
Santa Monica State Beach
3.5 miles of free sand. Swim, sunbathe, or walk. All day.
Palisades Park
26-acre blufftop park. Ocean views, walking paths, restrooms. Free 24/7.
Tongva Park
Modern park with splash pad, sculptures, ocean decks. Free.
California Incline
1,400-ft oceanfront walkway. Free. 5 min down, 10 min up.
Muscle Beach
Free outdoor gymnastics equipment. Watch or participate.
Beach Volleyball
40+ free public courts. Best at Ocean Park North Beach.
Farmers Market Browse
Wed & Sat Downtown, Sun Main Street. Free entry, free music.
Third Street Promenade
Car-free street with free street performers. Free to wander.
Santa Monica Stairs
Free outdoor stair workout. 4th & Adelaide. 30-60 min.
Sunset from the Pier
Walk to the end of the Pier at golden hour. Free.
Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
Historic landmark on the Pier. Free photo op. 5 min.
The $0 Santa Monica Itinerary
A full day in Santa Monica that costs absolutely nothing. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Total cost: $0.
Sunrise beach walk
Start at the Pier and walk north along the sand. Free. The beach is quietest in the early morning.
Palisades Park stroll
Walk the blufftop path for panoramic ocean views. Free. Restrooms and benches available.
California Incline descent
Walk down the 1,400-foot oceanfront incline to the beach. Free. Great photo spot.
Farmers Market browse
Wednesday or Saturday on Arizona Ave. Free to browse, free live music, free samples.
Tongva Park & splash pad
Explore the modern park, sculptures, and ocean observation decks. Free.
Walk the Third Street Promenade
Car-free shopping street with street performers. Free to wander and watch.
Santa Monica Pier walk
Walk the Pier end to end. Watch fishermen, see the solar Ferris wheel. Free.
Muscle Beach & beach volleyball
Watch acrobats at Original Muscle Beach. Free. Try the rings or join a pickup volleyball game.
Sunset from Palisades Park
Return to the bluffs for the best free sunset in Santa Monica. Arrive 20 min early.
The $50 Santa Monica Day
A full day with a few paid highlights — bike rental, Ferris wheel, aquarium, and two meals. Total: ~$50 per person.
Bike rental & Marvin Braude Trail
Rent a beach cruiser and ride the 22-mile coastal path. 1-2 hours.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Small aquarium under the Pier. Touch tanks and local marine life. 45 min.
Street performers & Promenade
Free live music and entertainment on the Third Street Promenade.
Free Beach Activities
All 3.5 miles of Santa Monica State Beach are free and open to the public. No admission fees, no gates. The beach is the city's biggest free attraction and offers far more than just sunbathing.
Walk the Santa Monica Pier
Stroll the entire length of the Pier, watch fishermen, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Free 24/7.
Swim & Sunbathe
3.5 miles of free public sand. North Beach is quieter; South Beach is near the Pier.
Beach Volleyball
40+ free public courts. Best at Ocean Park North Beach. Bring a ball or join a pickup game.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
22-mile coastal path (The Strand). Free to walk or run. Bike rentals ~$15/day if you don't bring your own.
Original Muscle Beach
Outdoor gymnastics equipment on the sand. Free to use. Watch acrobats or try the rings yourself.
California Incline Walk
1,400-foot oceanfront walkway from Palisades Park to the beach. Free. 5 min down, 10 min up.
Free Things to Do With Kids
Santa Monica is one of the most family-friendly cities in California, and many of the best kid activities are completely free. From splash pads to street performers, here's what to do with children without spending a dime.
Tongva Park Splash Pad
Free water play area for toddlers and young kids. Open daily. 6.2-acre park with sculptures.
Pier Carousel
Historic 1922 carousel on the Pier. $2 per ride — nearly free and a classic kid favorite.
Beach Sandcastles
Free sand, free waves. Bring a bucket and shovel. North Beach has more space for families.
Street Performers on the Promenade
Magicians, musicians, and dancers perform for tips. Free to watch on the Third Street Promenade.
Annenberg Beach House (Free Areas)
The beach, splash pad, and gallery are free. Only the historic pool costs money.
Free Parks in Santa Monica
Santa Monica's parks are free, well-maintained, and offer everything from ocean views to playgrounds. Palisades Park and Tongva Park are the two most visited.
Palisades Park
26-acre blufftop park with panoramic ocean views. 24 hours. Free. Benches, walking paths, restrooms.
Tongva Park
6.2-acre modern park with native gardens, sculptures, and ocean observation decks. Free. Splash pad for kids.
Douglas Park
Neighborhood park with chess tables, dog park, and tennis courts. Free. Wilshire & 25th.
Ocean View Park
Small blufftop park at the end of Pacific Street. Ocean views, grass area, benches. Free.
Free Sunset Spots
Santa Monica faces west, making it one of the best places in Los Angeles to watch the sunset. Every spot below is free. Arrive 20-30 minutes before sunset time for the best position.
Palisades Park Bluffs
The best free sunset spot in Santa Monica. Arrive 20-30 min before sunset. Benches along Ocean Avenue.
End of the Santa Monica Pier
Free. Walk to the end of the Pier and watch the sun drop behind the Pacific. Less crowded than the Ferris wheel area.
California Incline
Walk the pedestrian path at golden hour for dramatic coastline views. Free.
Tongva Park Observation Deck
Elevated ocean-view deck. Free. Quieter than Palisades Park.
South Beach Sand
Sit on the sand south of the Pier. Free. The Pier lights up behind you as the sun sets.
Free Fitness Activities
Santa Monica's outdoor fitness culture is legendary. From the famous Santa Monica Stairs to beach volleyball and outdoor gymnastics, you can get a full workout for free.
Santa Monica Stairs
Popular outdoor stair workout. Free. 4th Street & Adelaide Drive. 30-60 min.
Muscle Beach Gymnastics
Free outdoor rings, bars, and ropes on the sand. Watch or participate.
Beach Volleyball
40+ free courts. Ocean Park North Beach is the best area for pickup games.
Beach Yoga
Free and donation-based yoga classes on the sand near the Pier. Bring a towel.
Marvin Braude Trail Run
Run the 22-mile coastal path. Free. Start at the Pier and head north toward Will Rogers.
Palisades Park Walk/Run
Paved path along the bluffs. Free. ~1.5 miles end to end. Flat and well-lit.
Free Events in Santa Monica
Santa Monica hosts free events year-round. The full events calendar has more, but here are the recurring free events you can plan around.
Twilight Concert Series
Free concerts on the Pier every Thursday in July & August. 7pm. Arrive early.
Live Music at the Promenade
Street performers most weekends on the Third Street Promenade. Free.
Farmers Markets
Wed & Sat Downtown, Sun Main Street. Free to browse, live music, chef demos.
Fourth of July Parade
Annual Main Street parade. Free to watch. Morning of July 4th.
Summer Soulstice
June festival on Main Street with music and art. Free to attend.
Free Markets to Browse
Santa Monica's three weekly farmers markets are free to attend. You don't need to buy anything to enjoy the live music, chef demonstrations, and vibrant community atmosphere. The Wednesday Downtown market is the largest and most celebrated.
Wednesday Downtown Market
Arizona Ave, 8:30am–1:30pm. Free entry. Live music, chef demos, 80+ vendors.
Saturday Downtown Market
Arizona Ave, 8am–1pm. Free entry. Smaller than Wednesday but equally vibrant.
Sunday Main Street Market
Main St & Bay St, 9:30am–1pm. Free entry. Relaxed, bohemian Ocean Park vibe.
Free Attractions Near the Pier
Everything below is within a 10-minute walk of the Santa Monica Pier and costs $0 to enjoy.
Walk the Pier end to end
Free 24/7. Watch fishermen, see the solar Ferris wheel, feel the ocean breeze.
Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
Historic marker on the Pier. Free photo op. 5 min.
Neon Yacht Harbor Sign
Iconic neon sign visible from the Pier. Free to photograph.
Muscle Beach
Free outdoor gymnastics area just south of the Pier. Watch or participate.
Chess Park
Free outdoor chess tables on the sand near the Pier. Bring your own pieces or borrow a set.
Palisades Park
0.3 mi from the Pier. 26-acre blufftop park. Free. 5-minute walk up Ocean Avenue.
Free Things to Do at Night
Santa Monica after dark doesn't have to mean expensive bars and clubs. Here are the best free nighttime activities. For budget nightlife options, see our Santa Monica nightlife guide.
Walk the Pier After Dark
The Pier lights up at night. Free to walk. Pacific Wheel glows with LED light shows.
Sunset from Palisades Park
Free. Best sunset spot in the city. Stay after dark for city-light views.
Street Performers on the Promenade
Free live music and entertainment most Friday and Saturday evenings.
Stargazing on the Beach
Sit on the sand after dark. Free. Bring a jacket — it gets cool.
Cheap Things to Do Under $10
Not everything is free, but these activities cost less than $10 per person — less than a fancy coffee.
Pacific Wheel (Single Ride)
$8-$12 for one ride on the solar-powered Ferris wheel. Best at sunset.
Pier Carousel
$2 per ride on the historic 1922 carousel. A classic kid favorite.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
$8 kids, $12 adults. Small aquarium under the Pier. 45 min visit.
Coffee & a Beach Walk
$5 coffee from a beachfront cart + free sand. The perfect $10 morning.
Big Blue Bus Day Pass
$1.25 per ride or $5 day pass. Explore Santa Monica without parking fees.
Cheap Things to Do Under $25
For under $25, you can rent a bike, eat a great meal, or ride the Ferris wheel. These are the best low-cost activities in Santa Monica.
Bike Rental for the Day
~$15/day for a beach cruiser. Ride the 22-mile Marvin Braude Trail.
Lunch at Tacos Por Favor
$10-$15 for filling authentic Mexican food. Local institution.
Pacific Park Wristband (Off-Peak)
~$20-$25 for an all-day ride wristband during weekday promotions.
Surfboard Rental
~$20/day board rental. Surf South Beach near the Pier.
Farmers Market Lunch
Browse for free, buy prepared foods and fresh produce. $10-$25.
Parking & Transportation Advice
Parking can turn a "free" day into a $40 expense. Here's how to minimize or eliminate parking costs in Santa Monica.
Free & Cheap Parking
Downtown Structures 2, 4, and 6 offer the first 90 minutes free — perfect for a quick Pier or Promenade visit. After 90 minutes, rates are ~$5/hour. The Santa Monica Public Library underground lot has affordable rates. Non-permitted residential street parking exists east of Lincoln Boulevard — but always read signs for sweeping and permit restrictions. A $60 parking ticket ruins any budget.
Big Blue Bus ($1.25/ride)
Santa Monica's own bus system is clean, reliable, and costs just $1.25 per ride or $5 for a day pass. Routes cover the entire city and connect to West LA, Century City, and Venice. This is the cheapest way to get around without walking.
Metro E Line ($1.75/ride)
The Metro E Line (Expo) connects Downtown LA to the Downtown Santa Monica Station in about 45 minutes for $1.75. The station is a 10-minute walk to the Pier and 3 minutes to the Promenade. This is the best option if you're coming from elsewhere in LA — no parking, no traffic.
Bike & Scooter Share
Lyft and Veo electric bikes and scooters are available throughout Santa Monica. ~$1 to unlock + $0.30-$0.40/min. A 20-minute ride costs about $7. Cheaper than parking, faster than walking, and fun on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
Free Things to Do in Santa Monica — FAQ
Is Santa Monica beach free?
Yes. All 3.5 miles of Santa Monica State Beach are free and open to the public. There is no admission fee to access the sand, the boardwalk, or the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. The only costs are parking (if you drive) and optional rentals like bikes or umbrellas.
What is completely free to do in Santa Monica?
Walking the Pier, exploring Palisades Park, visiting Tongva Park, browsing the Farmers Markets, watching street performers on the Third Street Promenade, using the Muscle Beach gymnastics equipment, playing beach volleyball, and hiking the California Incline are all 100% free.
Can you visit the Santa Monica Pier for free?
Yes, walking onto the Santa Monica Pier is free. You only pay for rides at Pacific Park, arcade games, and food. The historic carousel costs $2 per ride. Watching the sunset from the end of the Pier is free.
Is parking free anywhere in Santa Monica?
Downtown city parking structures (Structures 2, 4, and 6) offer the first 90 minutes free. Non-permitted residential street parking exists east of Lincoln Boulevard but check signs carefully for sweeping and permit restrictions. The Big Blue Bus ($1.25/ride) is the cheapest way to avoid parking entirely.
What can you do in Santa Monica for $50 a day?
Plenty. Walk the beach and Pier for free, ride the Pacific Wheel ($8-$12), grab lunch at a budget spot like Joe's Pizza or Tacos Por Favor ($10-$15), browse the Farmers Market, and watch sunset from Palisades Park. Add a bike rental ($15/day) and you've had a full Santa Monica day for under $50.
Are Santa Monica farmers markets free to attend?
Yes, all three weekly farmers markets (Wednesday and Saturday Downtown, Sunday on Main Street) are free to browse. You only pay for what you buy. Live music and street performances at the markets are free to watch.
Is Santa Monica expensive to visit?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. While luxury hotels and fine dining are expensive, the city's best attractions—the beach, parks, pier walking, and sunset views—are completely free. With budget-friendly hotels, the Big Blue Bus, and affordable eateries, a Santa Monica trip can cost far less than most visitors expect.
On a Tight Budget?
See our complete Santa Monica on a Budget guide for cheap eats, budget hotels, and money-saving tips.
View Budget GuideFree Activities by Category
Getting Around for Less
- Big Blue Bus: $1.25/ride
- Metro E Line: $1.75/ride
- Downtown parking: First 90 min free
- Bike rental: ~$15/day
- Walking: Always free
Learn about our editorial standards and how we select recommendations.
Local Tips & Editorial Notes
Local Insider Tips
- →The $0 Santa Monica day is totally doable: walk the Pier, explore Palisades Park, browse the Farmers Market, and watch sunset from the bluffs. Parking at Downtown structures (first 90 min free) keeps even that cost at zero.
- →The $50 day adds a Ferris wheel ride, a budget lunch, and a bike rental — still an incredible value for a full day in Santa Monica.
- →Free doesn't mean boring — Santa Monica's best attractions (the beach, the Pier walking, the parks, the sunset) are all free.
How Long to Spend
Full day (either the $0 or $50 itinerary)
Plan My Santa Monica Trip
Tell us your dates, interests, and group size — we'll build a personalized itinerary and email it to you.