Getting around Santa Monica without a car
Shutters on the Beach sits directly on Santa Monica State Beach, so you can reach the Santa Monica Pier, Main Street and nearby shopping on foot or by bike. For longer trips, the Metro E Line terminus is a 10–13 minute walk and Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus stops very close to the hotel.
In this guide
Where you are and why a car isn’t necessary
Shutters on the Beach is at 1 Pico Blvd, directly on Santa Monica State Beach. The hotel is about a 5-minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier and a short stroll to Main Street and Third Street Promenade.
Because many attractions, restaurants and the beach path are within walking or bicycling distance, most guests can get around Santa Monica without renting a car.
- Santa Monica Pier — roughly a 5-minute walk
- Main Street — about a 7-minute walk
- Third Street Promenade & Santa Monica Place — about a 10-minute walk
- 22-mile oceanfront bike path (The Strand) accessible from the hotel
Walking around downtown and the pier
Sidewalks and the beachfront promenade connect the hotel to the pier, Pacific Park, Heal the Bay Aquarium and nearby shops. Walk times listed on the hotel site and its materials put the pier at about five minutes away.
Staying on foot is convenient for evening dining at 1 Pico, browsing Third Street Promenade, or spending time on the sand — you can leave a car parked if you need it for longer day trips.
- 1 Pico and Coast Beach Café & Bar are oceanfront and comfortably reachable on foot from the hotel lobby.
- The Living Room and Terrace is in the hotel lobby if you prefer to stay on property for drinks or light bites.
- Bring comfortable shoes for the mix of sand, boardwalk and city sidewalks.
Bikes and the oceanfront bike path
Shutters offers seasonal bike rentals through the Beach Concierge. The 22-mile paved oceanfront path (The Strand) runs past the hotel and is flat and easy for casual rides.
Biking is often faster than walking for reaching Venice Beach, Muscle Beach, and the shops on Abbot Kinney; it’s also a practical way to cover more of the shoreline without a car.
- Complimentary seasonal bike rentals available via Beach Concierge (subject to season/availability).
- The Strand is a continuous paved path for bikes, walkers and runners — follow posted local rules and watch for pedestrians.
- Bring or rent a bike lock if you plan to leave bikes unattended near shops or cafes.
Public transit: Metro E Line and Big Blue Bus
The Metro E Line light rail connects Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles; the Downtown Santa Monica terminus station is a roughly 10–13 minute walk from the hotel. The E Line is a common option for guests who want to travel into central LA without driving.
Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus operates local routes; the hotel is close to the Ocean & Pico bus stop, making short local trips simple without a car.
- Metro E Line terminus (Downtown Santa Monica) — about a 10–13 minute walk from the hotel
- Big Blue Bus local routes stop near Ocean & Pico (check current schedules and routes before travel)
- Use transit apps or the operators’ websites for real-time schedules and route updates
| Mode | Where to catch it | Typical walk time from hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Metro E Line (light rail) | Downtown Santa Monica terminus (Colorado & 4th) | 10–13 minutes |
| Big Blue Bus (local) | Ocean & Pico bus stop near the hotel | steps from the property |
| Hotel-arranged shuttle / rideshare | Concierge or curbside at 1 Pico Blvd | immediate |
Taxis, rideshares and hotel transport
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in Santa Monica; the hotel concierge can advise where to wait or call a car for you. Shuttles and private transfers can also be arranged through Guest Services.
Shutters offers a 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge (details and pricing vary) and some suite rates include complimentary town-car transfers to/from certain area airports; check directly with the hotel or your booking channel for current availability.
- Ask Guest Services or the Beach Concierge to arrange airport transfers or local shuttles.
- Rideshares are convenient for destinations outside walkable Santa Monica (Getty Villa, Malibu, or longer trips).
- If you plan many day trips, compare the cost of a rental versus multiple rideshares or a local car service.
Practical tips while staying at Shutters
If you plan to leave a car on site, the hotel publishes overnight valet parking and visitor parking information; valet rates and event/visitor fees can vary and are listed by the hotel. The property also has an electric vehicle charging station.
Pack layers for the beach: mornings and evenings can be cooler (June Gloom is common in early summer). For on-property services, the fitness center is open 24 hours and ONE Spa runs Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM (noon); contact the hotel at least 24 hours before arrival with your arrival details.
- Beach towels, umbrellas and seasonal complimentary bike rentals are provided through the Beach Concierge; pool seating is for registered guests only.
- If you’re bringing a pet, confirm the one-time pet fee and any size limits with the hotel in advance.
