Santa Monica Pier | Santa Monica, Los Angeles | Attractions - Lonely Planet (2024)
Once the very end of the legendary Route 66 and still the object of a tourist love affair, this much-photographed pier dates back to 1908 and is the city’s most compelling landmark. It’s dominated by Pacific Park amusem*nt park with arcades, carnival games, a Ferris wheel and roller coaster. Nearby is a vintage carousel and an aquarium. The pier is most photogenic when framed by California sunsets and when it comes alive with free concerts and outdoor movies in the summertime.
The pier extends almost a quarter-mile over the Pacific, so you can stroll to the edge, hangout among the motley anglers and lose yourself in the rolling, blue-green sea.
Kids and kids at heart will get their kicks on Santa Monica Pier at this small, classic Americana amusem*nt park, with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, tame roller coaster, family-friendly rides, midway games and food stands. The cost is a fraction of what you’d pay at Disneyland and Universal studios, and the views of the city and sea from the tops of the rides are unparalleled. This is family fun at its most wholesome.
Santa Monica Pier Carousel
A National Historic Landmark at the beginning of the pier, the classic carousel dating from 1922, features 44 hand-carved animals; 42 horses, one rabbit and one goat – that race around and around to the tune of Calliope under a classic Hippodrome. The cost is separate from admission to Pacific Park.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Peer under the pier – just below the carousel – for this small aquarium. Kid-friendly touch tanks crawl with critters and crustaceans scooped from local waters, sponsored by the environmental group Heal the Bay.
South of the pier is theOriginal Muscle Beach, where the Southern California exercise craze began in the mid-20th century. New equipment now draws a fresh generation of fitness fanatics. Close by, the search for the next Bobby Fischer is on at theInternational Chess Park. Anyone can join in. Following theSouth Bay Bicycle Trail, a paved bike and walking path, south for about 1.5 miles takes you straight to Venice Beach (or about 20 miles all the way to LA'sSouth Baybeaches). Bikes or in-line skates are available to rent on the pier and at beachside kiosks.
Where to stay near Santa Monica Pier
For budget friendly, check out HI Los Angeles, this hostel with an enviable location is less than a mile from the pier. It has modern, clean and safe single-sex dorm beds as well as private rooms. Rates include breakfast and the hostel runs a host of activities as well.
A more mid-range (for Santa Monica standards) option is the Georgian Hotel, just across from Palisades Park,this eye-catching, 1933 art deco landmark has a snug ocean-view veranda for breakfast and sunset lounging. The 84 rooms, in soothing sand and sky tones, are surprisingly modern, and we love the parlor-like bath tiles. Upper floors tend to be quieter and have better views.
And for pure up-scale Santa Monica head straight to Shutters on the Beach.Bringing classic Cape Cod charm to the Pacific coast, the 198 rooms here have a beach-cottage feel with marble baths, wood floors and spectacular ocean views from tiny balconies with white-washed shutters. This is as up-scale as Santa Monica gets.
Where to eat on Santa Monica Pier
There are typical food stands that you’d find at any amusem*nt park and a few tried and true tourist chains that dot the pier, but for our money we like to stop at the Blue Plate Oysterette. Just across from the ocean, this seafood shack offers a delectable raw bar, including a ceviche of the day as well as standout lobster rolls and fish tacos.
For an early breakfast or a coffee break head just a few blocks to Dogtown Coffee. Housed in the old Zephyr surf-shop headquarters where skateboarding was invented in the 70's. It brews great coffee and makes a mean breakfast burrito.
Parking near Santa Monica Pier
Parking can get expensive, if you’re staying near the pier most of the hotels offer parking for a fee, but expect to pay around $18 for the day if you can find a spot. You may find free parking inland if you don’t mind walking a ways. Alternatively, if you aren’t staying in Santa Monica, you can take the metro. The Expo Line connects DTLA, West LA, Long Beach and all points in between.
Many beachgoers say the Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit spot and fun to see. Travelers recommend riding the Ferris wheel. Visitors can also zip around on a roller coaster, catch lively street performances, play carnival games and grab a bite to eat from one of the food vendors or at a sit-down restaurant.
The Santa Monica Pier offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family. Enjoy the rides like the West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, carnival games, and food at Pacific Park.
The Santa Monica Pier is a large pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, United States. It contains a small amusem*nt park, concession stands, and areas for views and fishing.
Although Santa Monica was eclipsed as a port by San Pedro, the city prospered as a residential and vacation centre; it is particularly noted for its pier (1909), which includes restaurants, shops, an aquarium, and a classic carousel. Also popular are the city's fine beaches, art galleries, and theatres.
Venice Beach vs Santa Monica Beach—Both Are Winners
Venice Beach is a vibrant beach locale that's perfect during the day, whereas the larger Santa Monica provides a wider range of things to do and a much more happening nightlife.
Late afternoon is a great time to head out to the Santa Monica Pier, with no shortage of things to do or see. Take the time to watch a street performer, or see how the pros fish at the end of the pier. Grab a drink and an appetizer at one of the many restaurants as you ease into the evening in Santa Monica.
– With its blend of California chic and laid-back vibes, Santa Monica has long been a favored hotspot, getaway and hideaway for celebrities, scenesters and dealmakers.
If you're looking to take a stroll down this beachside landmark, you can do so any time since the area never technically closes. However, Pacific Park, which includes the midway games and rides, is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.
People have died by jumping off piers. They are about 20–30 feet off the water and if you don't enter the water properly, you could knock yourself out and drown. 2. The water can be really rough underneath the pier and if you have ever been under you know that there are tons of pillars and girders holding up the pier.
Although there is no Santa Monica Pier entrance fee, the tickets to attractions and events differ. The Santa Monica Pier rides prices differ from ride to ride. Also, the Santa Monica Pier Amusem*nt Park Entry fee ranges between $5 and $10 per ride.
After your tour through the canals head west toward the ocean until you end up on Ocean Front Walk. This is the path that continues along the beach through Venice, and into Santa Monica.
Yes, you can definitely swim at Santa Monica Beach as well as enjoy other water activities like surfing or paddle boarding. Even with 280 days of Santa Monica sunshine, the Pacific Ocean tends to be a little cold, so you may want to consider swimming during warmer months.
Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. Actress Leslie Mann and her husband Judd Apatow opted to purchase a Santa Monica penthouse rather than the traditional hilltop mansion. This celebrity penthouse is perched on top of an iconic 1960s classic Santa Monica high-rise designed by the legendary A.
It's no surprise that the first solar-powered Ferris wheel is located on the Santa Monica Pier at Pacific Park. The wheel made its debut spin in 1996 and has since been redesigned to feature 174,000 LED lights. The ride is so green that it even goes dark every year to celebrate Earth Hour.
The Huntley Hotel, perched near the iconic Santa Monica Beach, has become a magnet for celebrity sightings, drawing luminaries such as Ben Affleck, Larry David, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the dynamic duo Luke and Owen Wilson.
Visiting the Santa Monica Pier can be a half day or whole day activity. It depends on your mood and how much you enjoy people-watching. We would definitely recommend at least two hours for the Pier and surrounding area. On a beautiful day, maybe even longer and plan to have some lunch there.
A beachgoer's paradise and so much more. No proper seaside escape is complete without a sandy beach, and Santa Monica's brand of laid back luxury wouldn't exist without Santa Monica State Beach. The crashing waves, breathtaking views and endless recreation are just the beginning of the experience.
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