
Santa Monica Pier is the perfect place for a romantic walk with your partner, fun times with friends, or an active day with little ones. Offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, it is also ideal for a solo visit as you can relax with a drink and soak in the salty breeze. A ride on the giant Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park is also a must when you are here.
And if you are lucky, you might catch a music festival, film screening, or a fashion shoot. Whether you wish to click Instagram-worthy photos of the iconic pier, participate in carnival games, shop for knickknacks made of seashells, or dig into a sweet or savory treat, there is much to do here.
Background on Santa Monica Pier
In 1909, Santa Monica Pier was a 1600-foot affair with a pipeline under it for sewage disposal. However, as the first concrete pier on the West Coast, it was inaugurated with boating, swimming, and running events. The place quickly emerged as a popular fishing spot, and post-1915, it began transforming into an amusement zone. A carousel, roller coaster, picnic pavilion, and a building for bowling and billiards were soon added.
Though Santa Monica Pier experienced a collapse in 1919, it was rebuilt more sturdily right after with wood. Since then, it has come a long way and even overcome the Great Depression. Over the years, the pier has been associated with the famous cartoon character Popeye (inspired by Olaf C. Olsen, who contributed immensely to the place), yachts, paddleboard clubs, Word War II, artists, activists, and vicious storms.
After many challenges, the pier’s restoration kicked off in 1983, and Pacific Park was eventually added as an amusement zone. Since 1996, fun-loving people have been making the most of this place.
Where is Santa Monica Pier, and how do you get there?
Situated at 200 Santa Monica Pier, at the intersection of Colorado and Ocean, the place is easy to reach in different ways. If you live somewhere in Santa Monica Place, Downtown Santa Monica, or Third Street Promenade, walk towards the water until you hit Ocean Avenue. The pier and Ferris Wheel will be visible. You can also cycle along the southern California coast. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is the most convenient.
Alternatively, take Bus 8 Downtown Santa Monica/UCLA and get off at Ocean and Colorado stop. Buses 2 Wilshire Blvd, 9 Pacific Palisades/Downtown Santa Monica, and 5 Culver City/Downtown Santa Monica can drop you off at the Civic Center stop. Or, get on Metro Bus 534 Downtown Santa Monica/Trancas Canyon and get off at Colorado and Ocean. You can also catch Metro Rapid 720 on 4th Street to reach Downtown LA via Wilshire.
If arriving by train, take the Metro Expo Line from 7th/Metro Center in Downtown LA and leave at Downtown Santa Monica Station on 4th and Colorado Ave. Then, walk west along Colorado Avenue, cross Ocean Avenue, and take a trip down the pier bridge.
Are you opting for rideshare? Set 1550 Appian Way as your destination and get off near the beach. From there, you can reach the pier deck via stairs or ramps.
If you arrive by road alone, you will find parking space at the Beach Parking Lot at 1550 Appian Way. Or, consider the Santa Monica Pier Deck, open from 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Thursday.
What to expect when you visit?
The pier is open from 6 am to 10 pm on all days. Shops, restaurants, amusements, and other businesses might have different hours, so contact them directly if interested. The famous merry-go-round is open from Thursday to Sunday and on Mondays. On Mondays and Thursdays, you can take a ride between 11 am and 5 pm, while on Fridays to Sundays, rides are offered till 7 pm. The beach is also open, and you can enjoy yummy food at one of Perry’s Café & Beach Rentals’ 9 locations.
You can fish at Santa Monica Pier, rent bikes, and even take your canine friends along for a visit. However, dogs must be on a leash and aren’t allowed on the beach. Remember that there is no smoking on the pier as it is all wood.
The pier has wheelchair-accessible ramps on the eastern side. You can also find accessible parking at Beach Lot 1 North near the elevator at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Lot 1-S 1640 Appian Way.
What else can you do when you visit?
Pacific Park offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping rides to enjoy with friends and family. Playland Arcade is the perfect entertainment zone for kids or adults who love skeeball. Check out the Trapeze School at the venue if you want to work out and have fun at the same time.
You can shop for bait and tackle, hats and beanies, and novel souvenirs like license plates, keychains, magnets, and vintage beach signs. Retail carts on the pier sell beach mats, sunscreens, and towels, so you can have a comfy day even if you forget to bring essentials.
Also, check into the small store at the end of Route 66 for American-made products. Visit the Oatman Rockshop (since 1965) to buy 60s merchandise, crystals, shells, and other souvenirs.
The place gets super crowded, especially on weekends or holidays. So, if you plan to participate in specific activities or attend special events, buy the tickets in advance.
FAQs
Can I visit Santa Monica Pier for free?
Yes, the entrance to the pier is free of charge. However, you must usually buy tickets to different events, activities, and attractions.
Is it safe to visit Santa Monica Pier?
The pier is safe to visit. However, as it gets crowded quickly, be cautious about pickpockets and petty thefts. If you lose something, contact the Police Substation (310-458-8450) or Harbor Guards (310-458-8695).
Can I visit Santa Monica Pier with big bags or luggage?
You can, but you will need to take care of them yourself. There are no lockers available on the pier.
Santa Monica Pier is not just about cool rides, amazing views, or beach shopping. You can also visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium under the pier to admire marine creatures up close and learn secrets of the deep. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 4 pm. On a windy day, you can shop for colorful kites and travel back to when you were a carefree kid.
Apart from the Pacific Park Food Court, there are also many kiosks, food carts, and cafes on the pier to satisfy your gourmet needs.
You can also take surf or yoga lessons, catch a magic show or live concert, watch a play, or sign up for a unique photo walking tour. Make sure your phone is charged, wear a hat, and carry water for a beautiful time exploring one of L.A.’s iconic landmarks.