Getting Around Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a great place to explore with its mix of beachside vibes and urban attractions. Here are a few tips for getting around the area:

1. Walking

Santa Monica is highly walkable, especially near the beach and downtown. The Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Pier, and beachfront pathways make it easy to explore on foot.

2. Biking

There are numerous bike rental spots throughout the city, including Breeze Bike Share stations and shops offering rentals for the day. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (commonly known as The Strand) runs along the coast, making for a scenic ride from Santa Monica down to Venice Beach and beyond.

3. Public Transportation

Santa Monica has excellent public transit options:

Big Blue Bus: a public transit agency that provides public bus services for the city of Santa Monica and the greater Westside region of Los Angeles County, California
Metro Expo Line: The Exposition Transit Corridor is a 15.2 mile-long light rail transit system (LRT) between downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California, US.

4. Scooters & E-Bikes

Shared electric scooters and bikes from companies like Bird, Lime, and Lyft are popular and easy to rent through mobile apps. They’re a quick way to get around, especially along the beachfront or between nearby attractions.

5. Car

While parking can be a challenge in busy areas, there are plenty of parking structures downtown, especially near the Promenade and Pier. If you're driving, try using the city's ParkMe app to find available spaces.

6. Rideshare & Taxis

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Santa Monica. They’re a convenient option if you prefer not to deal with parking or want a quick trip to neighboring areas like Venice or Malibu.

Santa Monica’s compact, laid-back atmosphere makes it a pleasant area to navigate, whether you’re strolling along the beach or cruising on a bike!