Santa Monica Beach Santa Monica Open Water Swimming

Long sand beach popular with Open Water Swimmers and triathletes. Access via Ocean Avenue with paid parking lots. Excellent bicycle access via Marvin Braude Trail (beach bike path) with numerous bike racks. Big Blue Bus routes 1, 7, and 8 serve the beach. Beach amenities include restrooms, showers, and cafes. Swimming routes: Tower 26 swim group meets weekday mornings (6:30AM). Popular training route between towers 26 and 20 (1 mile) with multiple exit points. Best swimming before 8AM. Safety: Lifeguards on duty 24/7. Watch for poor water quality after rains and strong rip currents near pier. Water quality updates through LA County Health Department. Afternoon winds common. Connect with local swimmers and coaches for recurring training swim, coaching and events via the Tower 26 group (that meets at Tower 26).