Santa Monica History Museum 1350 Seventh Street Santa Monica, California 90401
1 / 10

Santa Monica History Museum

4.5
·65 reviews·Santa Monica, United States

Discover Santa Monica's rich past through artifacts, photos, and interactive exhibits in this compact museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursdays & Fridays

Museum is open

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Santa Monica History Museum 1350 Seventh Street Santa Monica, California 90401

Santa Monica History Museum

Best Time

Thursdays & Fridays

Museum is open

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Santa Monica's rich past through artifacts, photos, and interactive exhibits in this compact museum.

4.5
(65 reviews)

"A quick, affordable, and informative stop to understand Santa Monica's fascinating history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Verify Hours Before You Go

Museum hours can be limited and change without notice. Double-check before making the trip! :calendar:

Combine with Library Visit

The museum is inside the public library. Explore both for a richer experience! :books:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Then and Now Map

Interactive Then and Now Map

Main exhibit area

See Santa Monica transform through time with this engaging, side-by-side historical map.

Shirley Temple's Clothing

Shirley Temple's Clothing

Hollywood and Entertainment exhibit

A glimpse into the childhood of a legendary star, showcasing iconic outfits.

Foundational Black Americans Exhibit

Foundational Black Americans Exhibit

Dedicated exhibit space

Discover the significant contributions of Black Americans to Santa Monica's development, including their own beach.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Days & Hours

The Santa Monica History Museum has unusual opening days, often only open on Thursdays and Fridays. Always verify current hours before your visit to avoid disappointment, as some visitors have found it unexpectedly closed.Reddit

Getting There & Parking

Located within the Santa Monica Public Library, the museum is accessible via the Metro Rail and Santa Monica Blue Bus. Parking can be found nearby, but consider public transport to avoid hassle.Reddit

Best Times

When
Thursdays & Fridays
Why
Museum is open
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Verify Hours Before You Go

Museum hours can be limited and change without notice. Double-check before making the trip! :calendar: Reddit

Combine with Library Visit

The museum is inside the public library. Explore both for a richer experience! :books: Reddit

Affordable Admission

Entry is very affordable, with free admission for residents and seniors. :dollar: Reddit

Public Transport Friendly

Easily accessible by Santa Monica Blue Bus and Metro Rail. :bus: Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Verify Hours Before You Go

Museum hours can be limited and change without notice. Double-check before making the trip! :calendar: Reddit

Combine with Library Visit

The museum is inside the public library. Explore both for a richer experience! :books: Reddit

Affordable Admission

Entry is very affordable, with free admission for residents and seniors. :dollar: Reddit

Public Transport Friendly

Easily accessible by Santa Monica Blue Bus and Metro Rail. :bus: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(65 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Santa Monica History Museum to be a charming and informative small museum, offering a quick yet insightful look into the city's past. While its compact size means a visit is typically around 30 minutes, the exhibits, including an interactive map and historical artifacts, are well-regarded. The affordable admission and friendly staff add to its appeal, though potential visitors should be aware of its limited and sometimes unpredictable opening hours.

"Small museum, about 30 minutes to see everything. Cost 5 dollars. Receptionist was very friendly. She opened the door for me, maybe its kept locked due to many homeless in area/surronding area. Favorite part was interactive Then and Now map, reading a page from a girls diary who worked on airplaines, and seeing Shirley Temple's clothing. I took Santa Monica Blue bus to get there. Also close to Metro Rail station. After I went to Trader Joes to get a snack to eat. It is also close by."

Diana Galvez

"A really cool museum of the area. A short walk up from the 3rd st promenade. Free for residents and seniors. Lots of rooms to explore going back to the native people, through the Spanish, rancho era, to the early land speculation. Great artifacts to look at. The staff was very informative in answering questions."

Gary Standke

"Great museum I had no Idea a black man designed a lot of the buildings in Santa Monica. Foundational Black Americans also had their own beach too."

Money Green

What People Like

Informative exhibits
Interactive map
Affordable admission

What People Dislike

Limited hours
Unexpected closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located within the Santa Monica Public Library. It's easily accessible via public transportation, including the Santa Monica Blue Bus and the Metro Rail. Many visitors find these options convenient and cost-effective.Reddit

Yes, there are parking options available near the Santa Monica Public Library. However, given the museum's location and accessibility via public transit, many visitors opt for the bus or train to avoid parking challenges.Reddit

As the museum is housed within the public library, it generally adheres to accessibility standards. It's recommended to contact the library directly for specific accessibility details.

Yes, the Santa Monica History Museum is a short walk from the 3rd Street Promenade, making it easy to combine a visit with shopping and dining in the area.Reddit

The main entrance is on 6th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard. Some visitors have reported issues with Google Maps directions to a back entrance, so confirm the main library entrance.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, with a small fee of $5. Residents and seniors often receive free admission, making it an accessible cultural experience.Reddit

The museum has limited and sometimes unusual hours, often only open on Thursdays and Fridays. It's crucial to check the official Santa Monica Public Library website or call ahead, as hours can change without notice.Reddit

Typically, advance booking is not required for general admission. However, due to the limited hours, it's always a good idea to confirm if any special events or group visits might affect walk-in access.

The museum is generally open on Thursdays and Fridays. It's essential to verify the exact days and times directly with the museum or library, as these can vary.Reddit

Yes, residents and seniors often enjoy free admission to the Santa Monica History Museum, making it a great local perk.Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that the museum can be seen in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick stop or addition to a day exploring Santa Monica.Reddit

Highlights include the interactive 'Then and Now' map, a page from a local girl's diary, and Shirley Temple's clothing. The exhibits on foundational Black Americans and early Santa Monica history are also highly recommended.Reddit+1

The interactive map and historical artifacts can be engaging for older children. The museum offers a concise look at local history that can spark curiosity.

You'll find a variety of artifacts spanning Santa Monica's history, from its native peoples and rancho era to land speculation and early 20th-century development. This includes personal items and historical documents.Reddit

Visitors often report that the staff is friendly and informative, happy to answer questions about the exhibits and Santa Monica's past.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any posted signs or ask a staff member. Flash photography might be restricted to protect artifacts.

The 'Then and Now' interactive map offers a unique visual. Exhibits featuring historical clothing or significant artifacts can also make for interesting shots.

While not explicitly stated, it's common museum practice to prohibit tripods or professional photography without prior arrangement. Always be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Santa Monica History Museum can be a brief but engaging stop for families. The interactive 'Then and Now' map is a visual treat that can spark conversations about how cities change. While not a large children's museum, the historical artifacts, like Shirley Temple's clothing, can capture a child's imagination and offer a glimpse into different eras.Reddit

It's a good idea to prepare children for a shorter visit, as the museum is quite small and can be explored in about 30 minutes.Reddit This makes it perfect for families who want a quick educational experience without overwhelming younger attention spans. The museum's location within the public library also offers opportunities for further exploration or quiet time if needed.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Santa Monica History Museum is an excellent choice. With an admission fee of just $5, and often free entry for residents and seniors, it offers significant historical insight for minimal cost.Reddit

Furthermore, its accessibility via affordable public transportation like the Santa Monica Blue Bus and Metro Rail means you can save on transportation expenses.Reddit Combining a visit with exploring the nearby 3rd Street Promenade or the beach, which are free attractions, makes for a very economical day out in Santa Monica.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Santa Monica's Past

The Santa Monica History Museum offers a compact yet insightful journey through the city's rich heritage. Exhibits cover the area's origins, from its indigenous roots and the Spanish rancho era to the rapid development and land speculation that shaped modern Santa Monica.Reddit You can delve into the stories of early settlers, influential figures, and the evolution of its iconic coastline.

A particularly fascinating aspect highlighted is the history of Foundational Black Americans in Santa Monica, including the story of their own beach and their significant contributions to the city's growth.Reddit The museum also touches upon the entertainment industry's impact, with displays like Shirley Temple's childhood clothing offering a touch of Hollywood glamour. The interactive 'Then and Now' map is a standout feature, allowing visitors to visually compare historical streetscapes with contemporary views, providing a tangible sense of change over time.Reddit

While small, the museum packs a punch with its carefully curated artifacts and personal narratives. It provides a valuable context for understanding Santa Monica beyond its beaches and bustling promenade, revealing layers of history that are often overlooked. The friendly and informative staff enhance the experience, making it a worthwhile stop for history buffs and curious visitors alike.Reddit

Navigating Your Visit

Planning your visit to the Santa Monica History Museum requires a bit of attention to its operating schedule. The museum is known for its limited hours, often only opening its doors on Thursdays and Fridays.Reddit This means it's essential to verify the current opening days and times directly with the Santa Monica Public Library before making travel plans, as unexpected closures have been reported.Reddit

Getting to the museum is straightforward, especially if you utilize public transportation. It's conveniently located within the Santa Monica Public Library and is easily accessible via the Santa Monica Blue Bus and the Metro Rail system.Reddit This makes it a great option for those looking to avoid parking hassles. For those driving, parking is available in the vicinity, but public transit is often recommended for ease and cost-effectiveness.Reddit

Once inside, the museum is quite compact, with most visitors spending around 30 minutes to explore its exhibits.Reddit This makes it an ideal destination for a quick cultural stop, perhaps before or after exploring the nearby 3rd Street Promenade or enjoying the beach. The admission fee is minimal, and residents and seniors often get in for free, adding to its appeal as an accessible local attraction.Reddit

You may also like