Santa Monica sits right on the Pacific, packed with things to do, and a surprising number of them won’t cost you a dime. Whether you’re visiting LA for the first time or just looking for a low-key day by the coast, there are plenty of free things to do in Santa Monica that go well beyond the usual pier photo. From street art and ocean views to hidden parks and live music, this part of the city rewards anyone willing to explore on foot.
At Another Side Tours, we’ve spent years guiding visitors through Los Angeles, Santa Monica included, and we know which spots are worth your time and which ones you can skip. Our local guides have walked, biked, and driven nearly every block of this city. That firsthand experience is exactly what shaped this list: 12 free activities that locals actually enjoy, organized so you can build a full day out of them or pick a few that match your vibe.
Below, you’ll find beaches that aren’t overrun, public art worth stopping for, and viewpoints most visitors walk right past. If you want to see Santa Monica with real context and local knowledge, this is your starting point, and if you want to go deeper, our guided LA tours can take you even further.
1. Walk the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognized landmarks on the entire West Coast, and the good news is that simply walking it costs you nothing. The pier stretches over 1,000 feet out over the Pacific Ocean, giving you a perspective of the coastline and the Santa Monica Mountains that you simply cannot get from the beach alone. It’s one of the most rewarding free things to do in Santa Monica, especially if you time your visit right.
What you can do for free
Most of the pier’s best experiences don’t require a ticket or a purchase. You can walk the full length of the deck, watch fishermen cast lines from the south side, and take in the ocean views without spending anything. The iconic Route 66 end point sign is here too, and it’s a legitimate photo stop that most visitors rush past without actually reading.
Free activities on the pier include:
- Walking the full deck from shore to the far end
- Watching street performers near the entrance
- Reading the historic plaques that trace the pier’s history back to 1909
- Watching surfers and kayakers from the railing
Best time to go for views and photos
Early morning, between 7 and 9 AM, gives you the clearest air and the fewest crowds. The light hits the water at a low angle during those hours, and the mountains behind Malibu are usually visible on days without marine layer. Sunset is also worth planning around, but arrive at least 30 minutes early because the west-facing end of the pier fills up quickly.
Midday visits during summer weekends are noticeably more crowded and the light is harsher, so morning or late afternoon will give you a much better experience.
Know before you go
Parking near the pier gets expensive fast, so consider riding the Metro Expo Line to the Downtown Santa Monica station and walking the short distance to the waterfront. Restrooms are available on the pier at no cost. The amusement rides and arcade games on the pier are not free, but you can walk right past them and still have a full experience without touching your wallet.
2. Spend a beach day at Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach runs for miles along the coastline, making it one of the most accessible and enjoyable free things to do in Santa Monica for any type of visitor. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or simply sit and watch the waves, the beach delivers a full day of activity without spending anything.
Best free spots to set up and relax
The stretch north of the pier toward Bay Street tends to be quieter than the area directly in front of the pier, and it’s a solid choice if you want more space to lay out. South of the pier, near the volleyball courts at Muscle Beach, brings more energy and people-watching, which some visitors prefer.
Arriving before 10 AM on weekends gives you the best chance of finding an open spot without feeling cramped.
Free things to do on the sand
Beyond lying in the sun, the beach offers several activities that cost nothing. You can join a pickup volleyball game near the permanent nets, walk the shoreline, or watch the surfers work the break just south of the pier. Bodyboarding in the shallows is another option if you bring your own gear.
Know before you go
Parking lots along Ocean Avenue charge by the hour and add up quickly, so the Metro Expo Line remains the most cost-effective way to arrive. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available at multiple points along the beach. Bringing your own food and water saves you from the beachside vendors, which charge tourist prices.
3. Bike or walk the Marvin Braude Bike Trail
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs 22 miles along the coast, connecting Santa Monica to Torrance along one of the most scenic paved paths in Southern California. Walking or riding any stretch of it ranks among the best free things to do in Santa Monica, whether you have an hour or a full afternoon to spare.
The most scenic Santa Monica segment
Between the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, you’ll find the most concentrated scenery for the distance covered. You’ll pass beach volleyball courts, the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and street performers as you head south. The views stay open the entire way, with the ocean on one side and the boardwalk activity on the other.
The roughly 2-mile stretch between the pier and Venice Beach gives you a strong sample of the trail without requiring a full-day commitment.
Easy out-and-back routes from the Pier
Starting at the pier, you can pick a direction based on how much time you have:
- South toward Venice Beach: roughly 4 miles round trip, with the most activity
- North toward Will Rogers State Beach: quieter, less crowded stretch that rewards anyone looking for more open space
Both routes stay flat and paved, which makes them manageable even for casual walkers.
Know before you go
Bike rentals are available near the pier if you don’t have your own, but walking the trail costs absolutely nothing. The path gets busiest on weekend afternoons, so a morning visit gives you a much smoother experience. Keep to your designated lane since the trail separates cyclists and pedestrians at several points.
4. Stroll the Third Street Promenade
The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only street that runs three blocks through the heart of downtown Santa Monica, and it ranks among the most lively free things to do in Santa Monica at any hour of the day. You don’t need to spend anything to enjoy the atmosphere here, and the street delivers a full experience whether you’re passing through for 20 minutes or spending an entire afternoon.
What to see beyond the shops
Beyond the retail stores and restaurants that line both sides, the real draw is everything happening between them. You’ll find topiary dinosaur sculptures placed at regular intervals along the street, public seating areas, and a steady flow of people that makes it one of the best spots for people-watching in the city. The architecture along the route also mixes older building facades with modern storefronts, giving you plenty to look at beyond the commercial signage.
Where to find street performers
Street performers set up along the Promenade throughout the day, with the heaviest concentration between Broadway and Arizona Avenue. You’ll typically find musicians, comedians, dancers, and visual artists working their craft at different points along those three blocks. The quality varies, but some performers are genuinely skilled and worth stopping for.
Weekend evenings bring out the most talent, so timing your visit between 6 and 9 PM on a Friday or Saturday gives you the best show.
Know before you go
Walking the Promenade is completely free year-round, and public restrooms are available in the nearby parking structures. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter if you prefer a more relaxed pace without the weekend foot traffic.
5. Watch the Sunset from Palisades Park
Palisades Park runs along a bluff above the Pacific, and it consistently delivers some of the best sunsets in all of Los Angeles. The park sits above the Pacific Coast Highway on a narrow elevated strip, giving you an unobstructed ocean view that most visitors miss entirely. As one of the more underrated free things to do in Santa Monica, it rewards anyone willing to arrive a little early and stay until the light fades completely.
Best Overlooks and Photo Points
The park stretches roughly 14 blocks along Ocean Avenue, and almost any point along the western edge gives you a strong view. The area near Ocean Avenue and Montana Avenue tends to be quieter and less crowded than the sections closer to the pier. Benches line the bluff edge throughout, so you can settle in comfortably rather than standing the entire time.
Arriving 20 to 30 minutes before sunset gives you time to find a bench and watch the color shift before the sun drops below the horizon.
Short Scenic Walk Plan
Walking from Wilshire Boulevard south to Colorado Avenue covers the most rewarding stretch of the park and takes about 20 to 25 minutes at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you’ll pass mature Moreton Bay fig trees, flowering plants, and a handful of historical markers that add real context to what you’re seeing.
Know Before You Go
The park is open daily from sunrise to 11 PM and free to enter at any access point along its length. Street parking on Ocean Avenue fills up fast on evenings with clear skies, so arriving early or taking the Metro Expo Line keeps the experience stress-free.
6. Explore Tongva Park
Tongva Park sits at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue, making it one of the most accessible free things to do in Santa Monica for anyone already visiting the pier or Palisades Park. The park was designed by James Corner Field Operations, the same team behind New York’s High Line, and the result is a thoughtfully landscaped space with native plants, elevated walkways, and partial ocean views that feel far more rewarding than a standard city park.
What to see in 30 to 60 minutes
The park covers about 6 acres and includes several distinct areas worth walking through. You’ll find a circular overlook tower that gives you views over the surrounding landscape and toward the water, along with a central lawn, shallow water features, and winding paths lined with California native plantings that attract local wildlife.
Spending 30 minutes here gives you a solid feel for the space, but 60 minutes lets you explore every level and find the quieter corners away from the main paths.
Best areas for kids and families
The children’s play area sits toward the northern section of the park and includes age-appropriate equipment at no cost. Families also gravitate toward the open lawn areas for picnics and relaxed afternoon time, which stay partially shaded in the later hours of the day.
Know before you go
The park is open daily and free to enter during daylight hours. Restrooms are available on site, and the Metro Expo Line station at Downtown Santa Monica is just a short walk away, making this an easy stop without dealing with parking.
7. Visit Annenberg Community Beach House Grounds
The Annenberg Community Beach House sits on a historic oceanfront property in Santa Monica, and its grounds offer one of the more relaxed free things to do in Santa Monica that most visitors overlook. The site was originally part of the Marion Davies estate, and the preserved architecture alongside the open coastal setting makes it worth a stop even before you consider what’s inside.
What’s free vs what costs extra
Walking the grounds and outdoor areas costs nothing, but certain facilities inside require payment. The pool access and fitness classes carry fees, as does parking in their lot. You can access the beachfront areas and open public spaces without paying anything, which gives you a genuinely satisfying visit on a zero budget.
Best free areas to enjoy ocean views
The ocean-facing terrace and open lawn areas give you a clear view of the Pacific, and the restored guest house facade provides a strong backdrop for photos. Spending 20 to 30 minutes walking the perimeter gives you a full feel for the property without any cost.
The terrace area in the late afternoon catches excellent light and stays noticeably less crowded than the beach areas directly to the south.
Know before you go
The Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway and is open to the public during scheduled hours, which vary by season. Check the City of Santa Monica’s official website before you go to confirm current hours and any events that might affect access to the public grounds.
8. Browse the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market
The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market runs year-round and draws both locals and visitors to one of the best open-air markets on the California coast. Shopping here is completely optional, making it one of the most accessible free things to do in Santa Monica for anyone who wants a genuine slice of local life without spending a dollar.
Best days and what to expect
Multiple market days run each week, but the Wednesday and Saturday markets on Arizona Avenue are the largest and most vibrant. Wednesday draws a strong crowd of restaurant chefs sourcing ingredients directly from farmers, while Saturday brings out families, locals, and a wider variety of vendors covering produce, flowers, and prepared foods.
Arriving between 8 and 10 AM on a Wednesday or Saturday gives you the freshest selection and the easiest navigation before the midday crowd fills the aisles.
Free ways to enjoy it without buying food
You can walk every aisle, watch vendors arrange their displays, and take in the seasonal colors without purchasing a thing. Live music often plays near the center of the market, and the vendor conversations alone give you a strong sense of what is currently in season across Southern California farms.
Know before you go
The Wednesday market runs from 8 AM to 1 PM, and the Saturday market keeps the same hours. Both take place on Arizona Avenue between Second and Fourth Streets. Street parking in the surrounding blocks offers free limited-period spots, and the Metro Expo Line stop nearby keeps the trip straightforward without any parking costs.
9. Explore Art at Bergamot Station Arts Center
Bergamot Station is a former trolley stop turned arts complex that houses dozens of galleries under one roof, and walking in costs you nothing. It stands as one of the more culturally rich free things to do in Santa Monica for anyone with even a passing interest in contemporary art, and you can fill a solid two to three hours here without touching your wallet.
How to See a Lot in One Visit
The complex spans a large industrial campus with several connected buildings, so arriving with a loose strategy helps you cover the most ground efficiently. Move through building by building rather than wandering at random, and you can work through a strong cross-section of the galleries in a single afternoon without backtracking.
Visiting on a Saturday afternoon gives you the best chance of catching an opening reception, where galleries sometimes show new work alongside free refreshments for attendees.
What Kinds of Galleries You’ll Find
Most of the galleries focus on contemporary and modern work, covering photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, all within walking distance of each other. Shows rotate on a regular schedule, typically every four to six weeks, so visitors who return after a month will frequently find entirely new work on display.
Know Before You Go
Located at 2525 Michigan Avenue, Bergamot Station is generally open Tuesday through Saturday. Individual gallery hours vary by space, so checking the Bergamot Station website before your visit helps you avoid arriving when specific galleries have already closed for the day. Street parking near the complex is typically free and easy to find on weekdays.
10. Do a self-guided street art and public art walk
Santa Monica has a dense collection of murals, sculptures, and public installations spread across its streets and neighborhoods, making an art walk one of the most rewarding free things to do in Santa Monica for anyone with a few hours on foot. You don’t need a printed guide or a paid tour to enjoy it, just a starting point and a direction.
A simple route that fits most schedules
Starting at Main Street in Ocean Park and walking north toward downtown gives you a natural flow through the neighborhoods with the heaviest concentration of outdoor work. The route covers roughly 1.5 to 2 miles and passes several rotating murals alongside permanent public sculptures commissioned through the City of Santa Monica’s public art program.
Allowing 90 minutes for this walk gives you enough time to stop, look closely, and photograph each piece without feeling rushed.
Murals and installations to look for
The Lincoln Boulevard corridor holds a strong collection of large-format murals painted by both local and visiting artists. Downtown near Santa Monica Place, you’ll also find permanent sculptures and mosaic installations placed throughout the surrounding plazas and pedestrian areas.
Know before you go
Wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential since the route covers pavement and occasional uneven sidewalks throughout the area. Most of the public art along this walk sits outdoors and fully accessible at any hour, so you can start as early or as late as your schedule allows without worrying about opening times.
11. Spend time at the Santa Monica Main Library
The Santa Monica Main Library on Santa Monica Boulevard offers more than books, making it one of the quieter free things to do in Santa Monica that locals rely on year-round. The building itself is worth a visit, with its modern design, natural light, and thoughtfully organized public spaces that invite you to slow down and spend real time inside.
Free things to do inside beyond reading
Beyond browsing the shelves, the library gives you access to free public computers and Wi-Fi, which makes it a practical stop during a full day of exploring the city. The library also holds a rotating collection of local art displayed throughout its floors, giving you a genuine cultural experience without any cost or obligation.
Events and programs worth checking
The library runs a regular schedule of free public events covering author talks, film screenings, and community workshops throughout the year. Checking the Santa Monica Public Library’s official website before your visit helps you land on a day with programming that matches your interests and schedule.
Arriving on an event day turns a simple library stop into a full experience that adds real depth to your time in the city.
Know before you go
The library is located at 601 Santa Monica Boulevard and is open Tuesday through Sunday, with hours that vary by day of the week. No library card is required to enter, browse, or attend most free public events, so you can walk in without any advance preparation or reservation.
12. Tour the Getty Villa for Free
The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades sits just a short drive from Santa Monica and stands as one of the most genuinely remarkable free things to do in Santa Monica’s broader coastal area. The museum houses over 44,000 ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts, all displayed inside a stunning recreation of a first-century Roman country house surrounded by formal gardens.
How free entry works and what you’ll see
General admission to the Getty Villa is always free, but you need to reserve a timed entry ticket in advance through the Getty’s official website. Once inside, you get access to the full permanent collection across multiple galleries, the outdoor gardens, and rotating special exhibitions. The grounds alone justify the visit, with reflecting pools, manicured hedges, and ocean-facing terraces that feel completely removed from the surrounding city.
Reserving your ticket at least a few days ahead is essential, especially during summer, since timed slots fill up quickly.
Reservation and timing tips
Booking a morning entry slot between 10 and 11 AM gives you the freshest crowds and the best natural light inside the galleries. The Getty’s official reservation system is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Know before you go
The Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, and free parking is available on site with a reservation, which makes this one of the few coastal attractions where driving doesn’t cost you extra. Confirm current hours on the Getty’s official website before you go.
Quick Recap and Next Steps
Santa Monica gives you a full day of genuine experiences without spending a dime. From the pier and the beach to public art and world-class museum galleries, the free things to do in Santa Monica cover every type of visitor, whether you want an active morning on the bike trail or a quiet afternoon in Tongva Park. Each spot on this list offers something distinct, and mixing three or four of them into a single itinerary is easier than it sounds.
If you want to take your LA experience further and see the city through the eyes of a local expert, our guides are ready to show you things you won’t find on any free walking route. Private and small-group options give you flexibility, local context, and a level of depth that’s hard to replicate on your own. Check out our Los Angeles sightseeing tours and start planning your next day in the city.
