Destination Guides: Santa Monica, United States - City Information

Population:                  84,084

Elevation:                    101 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   8.3 square miles

Location:                     Located in southern California on the Pacific Ocean, bordered on the north by Malibu and the south by Venice Beach.  Santa Monica is located 8 miles/13 km from Los Angles International Airport, 13 miles/21 km to downtown Los Angeles

Time Zone:                  Pacific Time Zone (when it’s noon in Santa Monica, it’s 3pm in New York City and 2pm in Chicago).  Santa Monica observes Daylight Saving Time from April - October

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

Summer is the busiest time of the year as visitors from around the world come to enjoy all that southern California has to offer.  Santa Monica is privileged to experience ideal weather and climate year round.  With the humidity rarely over 55% and a gentle breeze blowing from the nearby Pacific Ocean, the city offers its visitors plentiful opportunities to enjoy a host of outdoor activities, including its world famous beach

How to Get There:

By Air

Los Angeles International Airport

1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045

310-646-5252

The nearest airport serving major commercial carriers is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is only 8 miles south (13km) of Santa Monica. The airport is served by most of the national and international airlines as well as a host of local, regional and charter airlines.

Santa Monica Municipal Airport

3223 Donald Douglas Loop South
Santa Monica, CA 90405

310-458-8591

The Santa Monica Municipal Airport is a small airfield that accommodates private aircraft.

Ground Transportation:

All of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus service are available at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).  Limited availability at Santa Monica Municipal Airport.

By Car

Visitors can reach Santa Monica by car from the north, south or east. Pacific Coast Highway (California 1), The Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10), Historic Route 66 (Santa Monica Boulevard) and Wilshire Boulevard run right through the city.

By Train

Amtrak

The nearest Amtrak station is located at Union Station, Los Angeles, 800 N. Alameda Avenue. To reach Santa Monica from the depot, visitors will find taxis at the stations. Buses operated by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) can bring visitors to Santa Monica as well or they can arrange a shuttle in advance.

For additional information, call:

800-872-7245

By Bus

Greyhound

800- 229-9424.

Greyhound offers bus transportation to Los Angeles from most cities in the United States. If visitors are arriving by bus, the Greyhound Bus Station is at 1716 E. 7th Street in downtown Los Angeles. From the station, Greyhound offers one shuttle to Santa Monica daily - it arrives at 10:30am (A return shuttle takes passengers back to the Los Angeles station.)

How to Get Around:

Due to the multitude of things to see and do both in and near the city, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car.  For activities at the beach, walking is suggested.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day, Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day, 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day, last Mon. in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve, Dec. 31