The Santa Monica Beach stretches 3.5 miles (5.6 k), connected by a bike path with Will Rogers State Park to the north and Venice Beach to the South. Its historic pier - the official end of Route 66 - is in the middle of the beach and a destination in its own right with amusement park, aquarium and restaurants. Just south of the pier is the original Muscle Beach, the International Chess Park and the Carousel Park. The far northern section is separated by an ocean bluff and accessible by walkways, bridges and stairs. In the summer particularly, you'll find the broad soft-sand beach crowded with sun-worshippers, volleyball players, surfers and paddle boarders.

smgov.net