1 / 3Santa Monica Swim Center
📍 Sunset Park, CA
Santa Monica Swim Center operates two outdoor pools with multi-lane lap swimming, learn-to-swim programs for toddlers through adults, water aerobics, and lifeguard training. Online lane reservations available.
Best place to swim if you are a serious swimmer. Two pools. Lots of lanes. Highly motivated swimmers. Great atmosphere at 5.30 a.m. right through the day until the evening. For me, the serious swimmers inspire the edge on my own serious devotion. State swimmers and Olypians train there with their coaches so it's a fantastic atmosphere at certain times of the day. Also, a great pool for a relaxing swim or to take children. There is a grass verge and tables and chairs and a sun deck. Staff are professional and friendly. Facilities are clean. All round great investment of time and energy for wellbeing and happiness. Also, a short bus ride/or car drive to the ocean and lots of great places to eat on Main Street or in the lower numbers of Santa Monica. Yes, I'm a loyal fan of swimming and Santa Monica! CHECK pool opening times due to Santa Monica College schedule. The pool is NOT open to the public from 5.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. every day.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children enrolled in swim lessons, or parents who want serious lap swimming alongside recreational family sessions. Rarely crowded with multiple lanes usually available. The pool is quite shallow throughout — not suited for water exercise routines requiring depth.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →367 Google reviews
Leah Kotkes
6 years ago
“Best place to swim if you are a serious swimmer. Two pools. Lots of lanes. Highly motivated swimmers. Great atmosphere at 5.30 a.m. right through the day until the evening. For me, the serious swimmers inspire the edge on my own serious devotion. State swimmers and Olypians train there with their coaches so it's a fantastic atmosphere at certain times of the day. Also, a great pool for a relaxing swim or to take children. There is a grass verge and tables and chairs and a sun deck. Staff are professional and friendly. Facilities are clean. All round great investment of time and energy for wellbeing and happiness. Also, a short bus ride/or car drive to the ocean and lots of great places to eat on Main Street or in the lower numbers of Santa Monica. Yes, I'm a loyal fan of swimming and Santa Monica! CHECK pool opening times due to Santa Monica College schedule. The pool is NOT open to the public from 5.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. every day.”
David Hansen
7 years ago
“What a great community resource. We did lap swimming when 17 lanes were open. Didn't need to share a lane. Water was clean and not too cold. Maybe 80 degrees or slightly higher.”
Con Nicholas
9 months ago
“New member from Sarasota, FL who’s in LA 3-4 times a year. Great facility and lots of swimmers using it. The swimmers share lanes well and are very nice. Glad I joined.”
Kiyomi V
2 years ago
“Amazing swimming facility. You can find great classes, parking is convenient and the staff really great. Coming back all summer. 🏊🏻♂️✨”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Santa Monica Swim Center is a city-operated facility with two outdoor pools running comprehensive learn-to-swim programs from toddler level through adult, water aerobics, lap swimming with online lane reservations, and lifeguard training. Water temperature holds around 80°F. Changing rooms, convenient on-site parking, and a cafe are available. Schedule varies when Santa Monica College uses the facility.
