Lifeguard Tower 26: A Santa Monica Icon
Iconic lifeguard tower on Santa Monica Beach, symbolizing safety, recreation, and the laid-back Southern California lifestyle.
Lifeguard Tower 26, situated on Santa Monica State Beach, is more than just a lifeguard station; it's a symbol of Southern California's beach culture. Recognizable from its bright colors and classic design, the tower represents safety, recreation, and the quintessential laid-back lifestyle of the region.
A brief summary to Lifeguard Tower 26
- 2600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, California, 90405, US
- +1310-394-3261
- Visit website
Local tips
- Tower 26 is a popular spot for beginner surfers due to the shallow waves, making it easy to stand up.
- The area around Tower 26 offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.
- Lifeguard Tower 26 is easily recognizable and serves as a great meeting point on Santa Monica State Beach.
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of Ocean Park Boulevard and Main Street, walk west toward the beach. Continue on Ocean Park Boulevard until you reach Ocean Front Walk. Turn left (south) onto Ocean Front Walk. Lifeguard Tower 26 will be a short walk south, easily visible on the beach side of the path. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and offers views of the beach and surrounding area.
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Public Transport
Take the Big Blue Bus to the Ocean Park Boulevard and Main Street stop. From there, walk west towards the beach on Ocean Park Boulevard until you reach Ocean Front Walk. Turn left (south) onto Ocean Front Walk. Lifeguard Tower 26 will be a short walk south. Big Blue Bus single ride fare is $1.25 for regular riders. Seniors/Disabled/Medicare fare is $0.50. A day pass is $4.00 for regular riders and $1.50 for S/D/M riders.
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Parking
Several parking options are available near Lifeguard Tower 26. There is a short-term parking lot (Lot 5 South) near the class meeting spot at Ocean Park Blvd. & Barnard Way for $1 per hour (2-hour max). A larger city beach parking lot south of the 2-hour lot offers all-day parking for a rate between $7 and $18 per day, depending on the season. Metered parking can also be found along Ocean Park Blvd near Main St for approximately $2 per hour.
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