Picolo recommends · Hotel in Santa Monica, California
Shutters on the Beach
White shutters, a veranda over the Pacific and the beach path to Venice starting at the bottom of the garden steps.
Step out of the lobby and you are on the sand. Shutters is built like a grand beach house, all white shutters and verandas, and the best rooms look straight across the beach to the Pacific.
Santa Monica Pier is a short walk up the promenade. Rent a bike and follow the path south to Venice, with its skaters and canals, and you have the classic Los Angeles beach day without ever needing the car.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Shutters on the Beach
We picked Shutters for families because nothing stands between the room and the beach. Children can go from breakfast to the sand in a minute, and the house feels relaxed while still being properly looked after.
It is not cheap, and parking adds to the bill. Rooms on the street side are a letdown next to the ocean views, so make the sea-facing room part of the booking rather than hoping for an upgrade.
What you get
- Directly on Santa Monica beach
- Rooms with views over the Pacific
- Bikes for the beach path to Venice
- Verandas facing the sunset
- Parking available at extra cost
A day at Shutters on the Beach
- Morning
- A walk on the promenade before the crowds arrive.
- Midday
- Bikes along the beach path down to Venice.
- Afternoon
- A swim, then an hour on the sand right below the hotel.
- Evening
- The sun going down over the Pacific from your veranda.
Location
Santa Monica, Los Angeles, USA
Open in MapsQuestions about Shutters on the Beach
Is Shutters on the Beach right on the beach?
Yes. The hotel stands on the sand in Santa Monica, and the beach path runs past the front. Ask for an ocean-view room to make the most of it.
Is Shutters on the Beach good for families?
It is our family choice in Los Angeles. The beach is outside the door, the mood is easy-going, and the pier and bike path give children plenty to do.
Can you walk to Santa Monica Pier from Shutters on the Beach?
Yes, the pier is a few minutes north along the promenade. Venice is further, but an easy ride by bike.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
How Picolo chooses
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