Getting Around

All of Santa Monica is concentrated into just 8.3 square miles (13.5 km). From the soft sand of its three-mile beach, the seaside city stretches inland only 30 blocks and is laid out on an easyto- navigate, pedestrian-friendly grid. Most of the hotels, attractions, and primary shopping and dining districts are clustered near one another— many within easy walking distance.

Tide Ride

The environmentally-friendly Tide Ride (310.451.5444), operates seven days a week every day of the year, picking up riders every 15 minutes from noon–10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday; and from noon–8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday. The fare is just 50 cents for children and adults, 25 cents for seniors. The Tide Ride serves 22 stops throughout the city, including Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, the beach, Santa Monica Pier, Main Street, and the downtown and Civic Center areas. The Tide Ride is part of the Big Blue Bus' "Mini Blue" service, which includes smaller shuttle-type buses for short trips around town.

Big Blue Bus

With 12 local bus lines, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus; 310.451.5444, www.bigbluebus.com, serves Santa Monica, the west side of Los Angeles, LAX, and 10 neighboring communities with more than 1,000 bus stops. Fares for regular service range from 25 cents to $1.25. Fare cards are available for purchase at all Santa Monica Visitor Information centers. The Big Blue Bus also operates an express line that connects downtown Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles, serving all the major business venues in addition to visitor attractions including MOCA, Disney Concert Hall, and Staples Center. Big Blue Bus is also available for charters (comfortable, 52-person luxury coaches equipped with TV monitors, air conditioning, and onboard bathrooms) and offers monthly group “Getaways,” traffic- and hassle-free one-day “escape” trips to Southern California attractions including the Rose Bowl, La Jolla, and the Oxnard Strawberry Festival. Contact Big Blue Bus for charter and “Getaway” rates.

Metro Rapid and Metro Bus

Transfers to both the Metro Rapid—a high-speed, limited-stop bus going from Santa Monica to downtown LA, Hollywood, and Woodland Hills—and the Metro Bus are inexpensive and easy. Call Metro Rapid and Metro Bus toll-free nationwide 800.266.6883, or visit www.mta.net on the web. Metrolink, the commuter light rail line, serves a wide area in greater Los Angeles County. Round-trip fares begin at $5.25. For more information, call toll-free 800.371.LINK or visit www.metrolinktrains.com.