Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach stretches for several kilometers, from the north toward Will Rogers State Beach to the south in the direction of Venice Beach, forming a vast strip of sand that has become one of California’s most iconic images. What’s less well known is that this beach isn’t entirely natural. Originally, the coastline was much rockier, with cliffs close to the water, but over the course of the 20th century the city gradually brought in enormous quantities of sand to create the wide beach we know today, in order to support tourism and seaside activities. Little by little, Santa Monica established itself as a must-visit destination thanks to its sunny climate, its proximity to Los Angeles and its facilities set directly on the sand. In recent years, some areas have also been left more natural to allow the return of small dunes and local plants. These spaces help protect the coastline from erosion and help restore a more natural feel to certain sections. Between the ocean, sports activities, long walks and views of the Santa Monica Pier, this beach alone sums up much of the image we associate with life in California.