Hi Everyone!

Does anyone know if there are any beaches at Santa Monica, which are not crowded?

Love the beach! Hate the crowds!

Thanks for anything you can tell me!

swoops

It's kind of hard to answer this question. The beaches at Santa monica are not really crowded at all, because they are so very wide. There is a wide cement walkway for biking, rollerbalding, and another for walkers. That is the first part of the beach. Next there is the part of the beach where people play volleyball, or playgrounds. Finally, past the walkways and playgrounds and sports areas, there is an extremely wide area of beach leading to the water. The beach is so wide that it never really gets crowded. If there are alot of people on the walkway/bikeway (and there are on the weekends) then you can just take your chairs and go down towards the water or walk along the water and fidn a spot alone. It never feels scrowded to me. But if you are looking for seclusion, go elsewhere. There will be people around, but you can certainly avoid them and find a spot (a large spot) of your own.

Well, the S.M. beaches may not be "crowded" by emd's definition, but in the summer months the traffic and parking are just horrendous, particularly in the areas immediately around the pier. The farther away from the pier you go, the fewer the cars and people. Avoid weekends if possible; mid-week days aren't as bad.

Drive a few miles north up to Paradise Cove, there is a $15 parking fee so the beach is not crowded at all.

Thanks to all of you for your help!

Clarkgriswold, when you say that Paradise Cove is a few miles up north, how many miles are we talking about?

The reason I ask is that I'd like to spend as much of my time as possible without relying on a car and having to deal with the hassles of traffic.

Regards,
swoops

Paradise Cove is 16 miles from Santa Monica Pier.