Good morning.
We've just returned from a 5 day trip to Santa Monica CA.
It took us about 5 1/2 hours to drive from Vegas. There is a lot of traffic in  the LA area, and we had to go around downtown to get to our destination.  But the traffic was well worth it. Santa Monica is very nice. Stayed about 3 miles from the beach, as everything is quite expensive. But it was an easy bus ride down to the beach and the pier. We actually walked down to the beach the first day. But took the bus each day after that.    :-)
They have a huge expansive beach!

We had clouds every morning that would burn off later in the afternoon. Temps were only in the upper 60's which is normal for them this time of year.
The beach stretches from Pacific Palisades just north of Santa Monica all the way down to Venice.
And of course, one of the highlights of Santa Monica is the pier....

Built. I think, around 1906. It has an amusement park on the pier along with restaurants, shops and bars.
And also great views of the beach!

I'll post more when I get a chance......