Santa Monica Airport is a viewing deck open to the public and situated at 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S, Santa Monica, CA. The building stands on a deck outside, at the historic Santa Monica Municipal Airport, where the Douglas Aircraft Company had an aviation hub in WWII and the XB-19 bomber was created and tested. It provides a clear, ground-level view of the runway and has seating sections as well as a higher deck called the Sky-deck. Its main action includes the landing and takeoff of various sizes of aircraft (small Cessnas up to mid-size jets), which is a dream activity for aviation enthusiasts as well as families, particularly during the weekend when there is a lot of traffic. The visitors enjoy the panoramic views which extend to the Hollywood Hills, and the Pacific Ocean, listen to the live air traffic control communications on the outdoor speakers, picnic tables and benches offered. This deck has restrooms and is wheelchair and elevator-friendly, so that visitors enjoy a relaxing and educational experience with free parking on the premises.
What Can You See & Do at the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck?
Here are the six best things to see and do at the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck:
- Watch Aircraft Take Off and Land: On the observation deck, visitors enjoy the excitement of watching planes of all sizes come in and out within a few hundred feet. The small private aircraft, business jets and sometimes larger business jets make things really interesting and a constantly changing scene. The proximity enables the aviation enthusiasts to appreciate other details such as wing flaps, landing gear and manoeuvres of pilots that would be missed when far away.
- Enjoy Plane Spotting & Photography: The deck is a paradise for photographers and plane spotters. Having clear views of the runways, visitors take action shots, close-ups and even dramatic sunset or sunrise backgrounds with planes flying. Taxiing aircraft taken from the birds-eye are also really good video or time-lapse photography.
- Learn About Aviation History: Santa Monica Airport is quite old, with a rich history that stretches back to the early 20th century, and the observation deck is usually covered with informational plaques and offers guided talks. The visitors get informed of the airport’s contribution to the development of aviation during World War II, commercial flights, and aerospace innovation.
- Visit the Nearby Aviation-themed Play Area: Families with children have an exclusive playground that is aviation-themed with aeroplane-shaped climbing jungle gym, interactive displays, and flight-related activities. This renders the deck a family-oriented place where children have imaginary play and adults take in the scenic views.
- Explore Local Public Art Installations: The airport grounds are surrounded by different public art installations, such as flight and aviation history sculptures and murals. These offer a cultural and aesthetic fulfilment of the technical interest of plane spotting.
- Walk Around Airport Park & Viewing Areas: The park surrounding the airport has walking tracks, shaded seating and small green areas where people rest or have a picnic. There is a chance to explore the areas more in a leisurely manner, which brings about the feeling of being part, parcel of the aviation setting and the natural environment of Santa Monica.
How to Get to the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck?
Here are the five best ways to go to the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck:
- By Car: The location of the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck is easily accessible by driving, and parking spaces are available. Begin at downtown Santa Monica and go south of Lincoln Boulevard, and follow the airport signs.
- By Public Transport: The airport has the Metro buses or the Big Blue Buses of Santa Monica. The closest ones are within a short walking distance to the observation deck, making it accessible to people using public transportation.
- By Bike: Santa Monica is a bike-friendly area, and the airport has bike racks where people park their bikes. Riding on the beach or the city bike paths is a scenic and environmentally friendly method of getting to the deck.
- By Rideshare/Taxi: The services as Uber, Lyft, or even local taxis, drop you off at the entrance of the observation deck. It is a convenient solution to avoid driving or parking.
- By Limo Service: For a more luxurious visit or group visit, the limousine service Los Angeles is organised to pick you up from the airport. Visitors arrive comfortably and enjoy the surrounding scenery on their way.
What Are the Best Times to Visit the Observation Deck?
The most appropriate times to visit the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck are the morning hours and late afternoon hours. Mornings have clear skies, especially in the period between 8 AM and 11 AM, with calmer weather and a good probability of a steady stream of aircraft taking off. The later afternoons (between 3 0 PM and sunset) are ideal to shoot because the lighting is dramatic and the silhouetted planes are contrasted with colored skies, and the use of longer shadows makes the experience more enjoyable. The weekdays are not so busy, but the weekends are busy because of more families and aviation enthusiasts. The best time of the year is during early spring and fall because the weather tends to be pleasant, the skies are clear, and visibility is excellent with regard to plane spotting and photography.
Where to Eat & Drink Near Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck?
Here are the four best eating places near the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck:
- The Cloverfield Restaurant: The Cloverfield Restaurant is a few minutes away from the Santa Monica Airport. It’s a family-friendly and casual restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu contains a wide range of fresh, locally produced, delicious sandwiches and salads, as well as breakfast sandwiches. Their brunch menu has avocado toast and fancy omelettes. The restaurant offers various refreshing drinks and freshly squeezed juices as well. It is a nice place to have a casual lunch and at the same time be nearer to the observation deck to do some more plane spotting.
- Spitfire Grill: Spitfire Grill is a casual restaurant, which is named as a tribute to the history of aviation. It serves grilled and burger meals, as well as seafood. The decor makes a slight nod to aviation, and it is a good place to visit for aviation lovers. They have cooked burgers, fresh fish tacos, and seasonal sides on their menu, which are made using locally sourced ingredients. The welcoming atmosphere and comfortable seats make it a good place to have a relaxing lunch or dinner.
- Art’s Table (on nearby Ocean Park Blvd): Art’s Table restaurant is a modern restaurant that serves a blend of contemporary American cuisines with emphasis on more artisanal and seasonal ingredients. Tourists enjoy savouring fine seafood, salads, and innovative fare in a chic atmosphere. The cocktail menu is also amazing, as they have craft cocktails, local wines, and speciality mocktails. It is a good place to dine on a quality meal prior to or after visiting the observation deck.
- Dogtown Coffee: Dogtown Coffee is a small and cosy coffee shop owned by local people that is an ideal place to go if you need to have a snack or just coffee. They provide speciality coffee and espresso beverages, a selection of pastries and sandwiches. The small outdoor tables and the pleasant inside set of the cafe give a sense of intimacy where a visitor enjoys a cappuccino or latte, sipping on the table while looking at the planes in the distance. It is a good place to go, have a quick bite, and the friendly baristas make it a place worth staying, both to locals and to tourists.
What Other Attractions Are Near Santa Monica Airport?
The Santa Monica Airport is surrounded by a number of attractions, which makes the location an ideal place to have a combination of both aviation and other leisure activities. A very short walk takes you to the Palisades Park, where you enjoy beautiful walks and see the ocean, picnic areas. The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic place that has an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants and stores, ideal for families and tourists. Bergamot Station Arts Centre is an art stage featuring contemporary art galleries and exhibitions, and is available to art lovers. Outdoor lovers have miles of sandy beaches on the Santa Monica Beach and Bike Path to walk, run, or ride. Moreover, the surrounding cafes, boutique shops, and even outdoor art exhibitions along the Ocean Park Boulevard provide more cultural flavours and light entertainment to the area. Visitors spend a nice day not only viewing aviation but also the coastal aspects of Santa Monica.
Is the Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck Worth Visiting?
The Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck is certainly a site worth seeing, particularly among aviation lovers or photographers, families or any person who wants to get an exclusive outdoor experience. As visitors observe the small planes, business jets, and light aircraft taking off and landing so closely and at the same time experience the panoramic view and a quiet and relaxed ambience. It is a free, family-friendly, educational place as it provides insight into the rich aviation history of the airport, and provides entertaining and informative experiences. The surrounding picnic spots, outdoor art, and plane spotting and photo playgrounds are further enhanced by proximity to picnic spots, outdoor artwork, and the best picnic spots and photo spots are in the mornings and afternoons. The airport accommodates mostly smaller aeroplanes, not large commercial jets, and the deck get sunny or even noisy on some occasions, the airport is still a beautiful, convenient and interesting place to have an outing or take a photo.
