When the sun clocks out in streaks of orange, pink and purple, Santa Monica, in the United States, goes from laid-back to lit up.

Literally.

With over 5 kilometres of sand, a historic pier and the Pacific Coast Highway keeping things scenic, this Californian beach is more than just a pretty shoreline.

Let's start with the sand.

Wide, clean and ready for volleyball or just flopping down with a good book, it's ideal for sunbathers and sandcastle architects alike.

And yes, 'Baywatch' was filmed along Santa Monica Bay.

Feel free to run in slow motion.