Pacific Park, Santa Monica State Beach, California, United States  Sep. 5, 2025

When the sun clocks out in streaks of orange, pink and purple, Santa Monica, in California, United States, goes from laid-back to lit up. Literally. With almost 5 kilometres of sand, a historic pier and the Pacific Coast Highway keeping things scenic, this beach is more than just a pretty shoreline. Let"s start with the sand. Wide, clean and ready for volleyball or just flopping down with a good book, it"s ideal for sunbathers and sandcastle architects alike. And yes, "Baywatch" was filmed along Santa Monica Bay. Feel free to run in slow motion.

© EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/Getty Images

fShare Share pSave tPost