The Santa Monica Pier is a well-known and double-jointed pier at the end of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, west of downtown Los Angeles. It was opened in 1909 as a municipal sanitation pier, but after that, it became a popular fishing and recreational destination, having a “pleasure pier” designed by Charles Looff in 1916. The pier building transformed into a busy landmark, home to the kid-friendly Pacific Park, which also has a solar-powered Ferris wheel and roller coaster, as well as the National Historic Landmark Looff Hippodrome carousel. The tourists can do many activities here, such as visiting restaurants, shops, fishing at the west end, visiting the Heal the Bay Aquarium, seeing street performers, and taking pictures of the well-known Route 66 sign at the end of the trail.
What Can You See & Do at Santa Monica Pier?
Here are the eight best things to see and do at Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles:
- Experience Pacific Park Amusement Rides: Pacific Park is an amusement park located on Santa Monica Pier that has traditional rides such as the sole solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, and the West Coaster roller coaster. It also has halfway games and cuisines. The park is not gated and thus there is no entry charge to get into the park, but the rides, games and attractions are charged separately.
- Walk the Pier & Enjoy Scenic Ocean Views: The pier is a wonderful site to just take a walk around it and have a view of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors take a walk on the boardwalk and listen to the waves or have some seating to relax and enjoy the energetic, spirited environment. It has numerous photo opportunities, particularly at sunset. The official western terminus of Route 66 is also the pier, which has a great photo backdrop.
- Visit the Santa Monica Aquarium: The Santa Monica Pier has the Heal the Bay Aquarium, which was previously known as the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. This is a small, interesting aquarium that concentrates on local marine life, where more than 100 species of Southern California marine life are found. It has touch tanks where children get to interact with underwater animals such as sharks, rays, sea stars and learning exhibits and practical work. Admission is quite cheap, and children below 12 years are free with a paying adult.
- Ride the Historic Carousel: Sail over the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel housed within the Looff Hippodrome, which is a National Historic Landmark. It was constructed in 1922, has 44 wooden horses that are hand-carved and painted. Its building is constructed in the California-Byzantine-Moorish style.
- Watch Street Performers & Live Entertainment: There is a variety of street performers and live entertainment all day at the pier. The party scene is usually vibrant with artists and musicians performing their skills. It has many entertainment places in the neighbourhood, such as Harvelle and Illusion Magic Lounge, which hosts different shows.
- Explore Souvenir Shops & Local Vendors: Explore the souvenir shops and local vendors of the pier to get special souvenirs. There are several stores, such as the Beachcomber and Pier Gear, which sell diverse gifts, clothes, and other items with a beach theme. They also offer themed stores such as 66-to-Cali, which is on the historic Route 66. The Santa Monica Place provide an array of retail stores with different brands.
- Fish Off the Pier: Fishing on the pier is an easy task and does not require a license to fish in the public piers in California. It has mackerel, croakers and sea bass. The family-owned Santa Monica Pier Bait and Tackle shop rents poles and sells bait and other supplies in case you do not have your own equipment.
- Play Arcade Games at Playland Arcade: Compete against a friend or family member at Playland Arcade, which has been operating on the pier since 1954. The arcade has more than 200 vintage and advanced games, such as skeeball, pinball and video games. It is an excellent place to have a little competition and a nostalgic presentation of some vintage tokens and memorabilia.
How to Get to Santa Monica Pier?
Here are the five best ways to go to the Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles:
- By Metro: Use the E Line (Expo Line) taking the LA Metro eastwards or westwards, which links to Downtown Los Angeles and get off at the Downtown Santa Monica station. The fare that is bought as a reusable TAP Card costs $1.75, which grants you two hours of free transfer.
- By Bus: The Big Blue Bus service in Santa Monica serves the Pier, including the Bus 8 that stops at Ocean and Colorado. Other buses, such as DASH buses, and the closest ones are the Civic Centre stops on Bus 9, 2, and 5, also serve this area.
- By Limo Service: In order to have a more luxurious experience, a pre-reserved limousine service Los Angeles or a ride-sharing service (such as Uber or Lyft) is available.
- By Car: go to the corner of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue and drive down onto the Pier. There are nearby garages where parking is available.
- By Bike or Scooter: To have a more active adventure, a bicycle or an electric scooter is used. This area has bike rental facilities and walking paths.
What are the Best Times to Visit Santa Monica Pier?
The best time to enjoy at Santa Monica Pier is the summer between June and August. The fall season is between September and November, and those who want to experience warm weather with fewer tourists and possibly better accommodation deals visit during the fall shoulder season. To have the least number of crowds, the cheapest prices (not including holidays), the winter period between December and February is best to visit the city, but the weather is much colder. To have a visual treat, come in late afternoon and see the pier during the daylight, dine during the sunset by the ocean and have the neon lights during the twilight.
Where to Eat at Santa Monica Pier? (Cost, Ambience, Menu, Staff)?
Here are the five best eating places at Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles:
- The Albright: The Albright is a luxury-casual seafood restaurant on the Santa Monica Pier. Its atmosphere is laid back and informal, providing community tables, indoor and outdoor seats with views of the ocean. The menu has fresh seafood and offers steamed lobster, lobster rolls, fresh oysters, shrimp tacos, and traditional clam chowder. The cost is between $20 and $30. The service is hospitable, and orders are taken at the counter.
- Pier Burger: Pier Burger is a casual and counter-service restaurant, and its interior is like a vintage cafe with the outdoor, upbeat feel on the pier-side seating. Its menu has hot dogs, juicy burgers, fries, shakes, floats, and frozen custard. It is regarded as one of the cheapest places to eat on the pier, with the entrees priced between $10 and $20. The employees are cordial and fast in service delivery.
- Seaside on the Pier: Seaside on the Pier is a fish restaurant in a navy and white coastal style and in an open-air design. It has a wide range of seating, such as a rooftop bar with excellent beach and pier views. It has seafood, burgers, and other dishes, such as fish and chips, crab cakes, fish tacos, and a vegan burger. The entree fee is $20-$30.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. chain restaurant has a casual and family-oriented environment and is based on the Forrest Gump movie. It has Forrest Gump products and interactive Run, Forrest, Run and Stop, Forrest, Stop signs to be served. Its menu is focused on seafood, on shrimp, with such specialities as Shrimper’s Net Catch, Jambalaya, and Forrest Feast. The entrance costs between $20 and $30. The staff is very active and friendly.
- Snacks & Treats Stands: The Snacks & Treats Stands on the pier have a quick and easy solution to have a bite when you are walking around. It is a relaxed and busy environment with the background of the arcade and the ocean. The booths offer snacks as funnel cakes, churros, ice cream, cotton candy, and popcorn. They are affordable and low-priced as fast food. The interaction between the staff and the customers is short, as these stands are made to serve on the go.
Is Santa Monica Pier Worth Visiting?
Visitors should visit the Santa Monica Pier because it has iconic landmarks, attractions that are family-friendly, and beautiful views of the ocean. It provides a historic pier with an amusement park, which includes the Pacific Wheel and the West Coaster roller coaster, several restaurants, carnival games, street entertainers, and is near other attractions such as the Third Street Promenade. It is one of the most popular sights of Santa Monica that has a history of more than a century and has a refreshing ambience as a tourist destination and a home where locals feel quite at home.
