From airports to bike rentals — everything you need to arrive, get around, and explore the California coast.
Three airports serve the greater Los Angeles area — each with different advantages depending on where you're flying from. Here's everything you need to know about each one and how to get from the terminal to the beach.
Los Angeles International is where most visitors land. Here are all your options for getting from the terminal to your hotel — from the budget-friendly bus to door-to-door luxury transfers.
Santa Monica is one of the most walkable beach cities in California. For most visitors, a combination of walking, biking, and the occasional rideshare is all you need.
The Promenade, Pier, beach, and most restaurants and hotels are within a 20-minute walk. Santa Monica is extraordinarily walkable compared to the rest of LA.
Free · Best for downtownRent a cruiser or e-bike and ride The Strand — 22 miles of dedicated coastal path from Malibu to Palos Verdes. Bike rentals available all along the beach.
From $15/hr · The StrandSanta Monica's local transit system is clean, affordable, and connects to LA Metro. Line 1 runs along Lincoln Blvd; Line 2 along Wilshire to Westwood and UCLA.
$1.25/ride · Connects to MetroNot needed for SM itself, but essential for Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, or the San Fernando Valley. Parking in downtown SM is paid and can be expensive.
For day trips · Book aheadUbiquitous in Santa Monica. Wait times are typically 3–7 minutes. Use for dinner reservations, late nights, or getting to and from the Metro Expo Line station.
$8–18 most trips · ReliableHere's the honest truth: you don't need a car to enjoy Santa Monica itself. The beach, the Pier, the Promenade, most hotels, and the best restaurants are all within comfortable walking or biking distance. The Metro Expo Line connects the city to the rest of LA efficiently and cheaply.
But if you want to explore beyond — and you should — a car unlocks everything California does best. PCH north to Malibu is one of the great drives in the world. The Santa Monica Mountains, Getty Villa, Topanga Canyon, Zuma Beach, and the vineyards of Malibu wine country are all within 45 minutes.
Rent your car at LAX if possible — the rates are better than downtown pickup, and you can return it when you fly home. If you're staying downtown and want a car for day trips only, several agencies have locations within a short walk of Ocean Ave.
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