Swimming in Santa Monica

Santa Monica offers 7 open water swimming locations across Ocean environments. Whether you are a beginner looking for a calm, sheltered swim or an experienced open water swimmer seeking a challenge, there are options for every level.

Before heading out to any swim spot in Santa Monica, check current water conditions on SwimPass. Our SwimScore combines real-time weather, marine data, tides, and water quality into a single 0-100 rating so you can make an informed decision in seconds.

Ocean swimmers in Santa Monica should pay attention to tide schedules and swell forecasts. Swimming around slack tide typically offers the calmest conditions. Check our guide to reading water conditions for tips on interpreting local marine forecasts.

New to open water swimming? Start with our safety guide and first swim guide before heading to any new spot.