Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck
Watch planes take off and land while enjoying panoramic views of the coast and Hollywood Hills. Free and family-friendly!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Steady aircraft activity
Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck
Best Time
Steady aircraft activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Watch planes take off and land while enjoying panoramic views of the coast and Hollywood Hills. Free and family-friendly!
"A wonderful treasure with spectacular views and the exciting enjoyment of air travel into the historic airport."
Free Parking & Restrooms
Enjoy the deck without worry! Free parking and clean restrooms are available. 🅿️ 🚽
Bring Binoculars!
Enhance your plane spotting experience with a closer look at the aircraft. :binoculars:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 48 reviews
Type
Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Air Traffic Radio
Observation Deck
Tune into the airport tower's communications for a real-time aviation experience.
Panoramic Views
Observation Deck
Enjoy stunning vistas from the Hollywood Hills to the Pacific Ocean.
Aircraft Watching
Observation Deck
Witness mid-size jets and smaller aircraft take off and land.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Plane Spotting
Embrace the Aviation Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What interesting things do you know about Santa Monica Airport?
I don’t know too much about the Santa Monica airport besides the general history of when and why it opened and I’m curious what kind of more obscure or interesting information, stories, etc. others have about it. Even though I’ve lived in Santa Monica for many years, and…
Free Parking & Restrooms
Enjoy the deck without worry! Free parking and clean restrooms are available. 🅿️ 🚽
Bring Binoculars!
Enhance your plane spotting experience with a closer look at the aircraft. :binoculars:
Santa Monica Airport is pretty- observation deck is open to the public dawn til dusk, 365 days a year.
I do a lot of flying out of SMO, can confirm that the observation deck is pretty awesome! I believe they also pipe the Tower over a loudspeaker, so you can hear what's going on. I always try and wave to whoever is standing there when I can.
Kid-Friendly Aviation Fun
A fantastic spot to introduce children to aviation and watch planes. :child: ✈️
Historic & Relaxing Vibe
Soak in the historic atmosphere and enjoy the relaxing jet noise. :relaxed:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Parking & Restrooms
Enjoy the deck without worry! Free parking and clean restrooms are available. 🅿️ 🚽
Bring Binoculars!
Enhance your plane spotting experience with a closer look at the aircraft. :binoculars:
Kid-Friendly Aviation Fun
A fantastic spot to introduce children to aviation and watch planes. :child: ✈️
Historic & Relaxing Vibe
Soak in the historic atmosphere and enjoy the relaxing jet noise. :relaxed:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck for its free admission, stunning panoramic views, and the exciting experience of watching planes with live air traffic radio. It's highlighted as a relaxing and educational spot, especially for families and aviation enthusiasts. Some express concern over potential airport closure impacting the area.
"Great airport. Great viewing area. Too small for a 747 but big enough for mid size jets and perfect for a cirrus. Would give 6 stars but you're not allowed to buzz the tower.
If you get lucky you may catch a maverick sighting."
Rembrandt S
"Came here to watch my son fly a Cessna but noticed other families drop by at the observation deck just to watch the planes come and go at the airport. It's got a great view and anyone can just stop by and take pictures and watch pilots fly. Parking is free and there is a restroom available, at the first level there are some benches where you could sit and enjoy the planes too."
Estefane Fialloss
"ITS HISTORIC AND EVEN WITH THE JET NOISE EHICH I LOVE, ITS STILL VERY RELAXING JUST TO BE THERE. CITY COUNCIL IS SO CORRUPT FOR PLANNING ON CLOSING THIS AIRPORT. THE CLOSURE OF THIS AIRPORT WILL CREATE A BOOM IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS, SINCE THERE WOULDN'T BE AN AIRFIELD RESTRICTION AGAINST IT. THATLL MEAN WAY MORE TRAFFIC AND A LOWER QUALITY OF LIFE. #ANONYMOUS"
Evan Rodriguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The observation deck is located at the Santa Monica Airport. Free parking is available on-site, making it easily accessible for visitors driving to the location. Public transportation options may vary, so checking local transit schedules is recommended.
Yes, free parking is available at the Santa Monica Airport, which is convenient for visitors heading to the observation deck.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck is completely free. It's a public space for enjoying the airport's activities.
The observation deck is generally accessible during daylight hours when the airport is active. It's best to visit when there's sufficient light for viewing and photography.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can watch various aircraft, from mid-size jets to smaller planes, take off and land. The deck also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Hollywood Hills and the Pacific Ocean.
Yes, there are benches available on the first level where you can sit and enjoy watching the planes.
Absolutely! The airport provides bleacher seating with live air traffic radio communications from the tower to the aircraft, offering an immersive experience.
Yes, it's a great place to bring kids to learn about aviation and enjoy watching planes.
Clean public restrooms are available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are nearby restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat after enjoying the observation deck.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best lighting for photography. Weekday mornings can be particularly good for capturing a variety of aircraft movements.
You can capture planes in flight, on the tarmac, and the scenic views of the Los Angeles area. It's a great spot for aviation photography and landscape shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit