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California
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California State Parks

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USA Parks
California
Southern California Region
Santa Monica Beach State Park
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Santa Monica Beach State Park Highway to the Beach © Rainer Quesada
The 10 Fwy transitioning into the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Beach State Park Ferris Wheel © Rainer Quesada
A shot of one of the many colors that the ferris wheel changes into during the evening.
Santa Monica Beach State Park Gander © Anna Lee Simpson
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SANTA MONICA BEACH STATE PARK
This beach is two miles long, has a picnic area, shops and pier. Visitor activities include volleyball, basketball and a running strip along the beach.
History of the Area
This beachfront park was established as a state recreational area in 1955. It spans over three miles along the Pacific Ocean coastline.

The land originally belonged to Native American tribes before Spanish settlers arrived during the late 18th century. After Mexico's independence from Spain, it became part of Mexican territory until ceded to America following the Mexican-American War.

In its early years post-establishment, development included building infrastructure like parking lots and restrooms for visitors' convenience. The iconic Santa Monica Pier with an amusement park also forms part of this popular destination.

Over time, efforts have been made towards conservation and maintaining ecological balance within its boundaries while providing leisure activities such as swimming or sunbathing on sandy beaches.

Today it continues being one of Southern California's most visited parks due to its stunning views and numerous amenities including picnic areas, playgrounds & volleyball courts among others.



Trails
- Backbone Trail: A challenging 67-mile trail that stretches across the Santa Monica Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and diverse terrains.

- Temescal Canyon Loop Trail: This moderate 2.6-mile loop features a waterfall, ocean vistas, interesting rock formations and seasonal wildflowers.

- Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook: Approximately seven miles round trip with stunning coastal views from an elevation of about 1,500 feet above sea level.

- Solstice Canyon Trails: Comprises several trails ranging in length from two to six miles; highlights include ruins of old homesteads and waterfalls.

- Zuma Ridge Motorway - Edison Road Loop : An approximately ten mile long hike featuring beautiful wild flowers located near Malibu

-Santa Ynez Falls via East Topanga Fire Road :A moderately trafficked out-and-back trail spanning around three miles showcasing a river view along its path.

-Ocean View & Paseo Miramar Trails:A roughly five mile heavily trafficked out-and-back route known for scenic surroundings including wildlife sightings

-Murphy Ranch Park Hike:The Murphy Ranch is a four mile trek through Rustic canyon filled with history dating back to WWII era.

-Corral Canyon Cave Nature Preserve:Hiking this area includes exploring caves on Corral Beach which spans over one kilometer

-Tuna Canyon Park:A lightly-trafficked hiking spot stretching up-to four kilometers providing bird watching opportunities

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Area Campgrounds
Dockweiler Beach RV Park
12001 Vista Del Mar
Playa Del Rey, CA
800-950-7275
Malibu Beach RV Park
25801 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA
Plasse's Resort
30001 Plasse Road
Silver Lake, CA
209-258-8814
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The beach is located along Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica.

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California
70

California State Parks

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