[2024 Santa Monica Attraction] Travel Guide for Santa Monica Pier (Updated Dec)
No.2 of Best Things to Do in Santa Monica
Historic buildings
Address:
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Opening times:
Open today at 06:00-22:00Opening Soon
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
+1-310-458-8900
California's Santa Monica Pier — A Dreamy Combination of Ocean Views, Beaches, and Sunsets.
❤️ Today's Recommendation: Santa Monica Pier, California ❤️
💞 Recommended Reasons:
If you want to enjoy the sunshine and beach charm of California, Santa Monica Pier is definitely a destination you can't miss.🔥
Not only does it offer spectacular ocean views, but it's also an excellent spot to watch the sunset, allowing you to experience the unique charm of California.🫶🏻
🌟 Spectacular Ocean Views and Beaches
Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles, extending into the Pacific Ocean and offering unparalleled ocean views. Here, you can stroll along the beach, enjoy the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and feel the refreshing sea breeze. The beach also has many recreational facilities, allowing you to fully enjoy the sunshine.
🌆 Dreamy Sunset Experience
When the sun sets, Santa Monica Pier becomes even more picturesque. You can find a comfortable spot on the pier's beach and quietly admire the magnificent scene of the sun gradually sinking into the horizon, which is truly mesmerizing.
💯 Bustling Entertainment Activities
In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, Santa Monica Pier also offers a variety of entertainment facilities, including a Ferris wheel, amusement park, and various dining options. Whether you want to enjoy thrilling rides or taste local delicacies, this place has something for everyone. The pier's atmosphere is lively and joyful, allowing every visitor to feel the vibrant energy of California.
WooWooisMe
Trip to Santa Monica 🇺🇸
It was a summer trip with my partner to Santa Monica 🇺🇸 After checked in, we explored the Santa Monica Pier. Iconic pier with an amusement park, aquarium, and family-friendly restaurants. We took the Ferris Wheel and roller coaster 🎢 rides at Pacific Park. We also visited the Heal the Bay Aquarium, enjoyed street performances and panoramic ocean views. 💯
📍200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
💰Rides and attractions range from $5-$10 each.
We also walked around Santa Monica Beach🏝️ One of California's most famous beaches with golden sands and vibrant atmosphere. We were relaxing on the beach and rent a bike to ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail 🚲
📍Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
💰 Rentals from $10-$20 per hour.
If you are looking for a good place for dinner, I would suggest you to try The Lobster🦞 We ordered Grilled Maine Lobster Cioppino and Clam Chowder. The Lobster was really fresh and delicious ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰Main courses range from $30-$75.
📍 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
We also spent sometime to walk around Third Street Promenade. It is popular for outdoor shopping and dining area. We shop at a variety of stores from high-end brands to local boutiques. We also enjoyed street performances and people-watching.
📍Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
We also explored the Santa Monica Farmers Market. A vibrant market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties. We bought some fresh fruits, baked goods, and local products.
📍Arizona Ave & 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
We also visited the Bergamot Station Arts Center. A Contemporary art gallery complex in a former rail station. We explored various galleries featuring modern and contemporary art and also attended art talks and exhibitions.
📍 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
#summerdate
#trip
#Vacation
Arrow_
You Have To Visit Santa Monica when visiting LA!
#seascapes
📍Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles, California
Visited the Santa Monica Pier for a couple of times and it never ceased to amaze me! The pier was well renovated and built with plenty of restaurants and food souvenir stalls. There is also a mini theme park at the pier! We visited during evening and the view was amazing, long stretch of beach, the sea waves the breeze! Everything was romantic and perfect! We love it here!
#100waysoftravel
Milowei
From Sunset to Night at Santa Monica Pier in LA 🇺🇸
Los Angeles is the perfect summer destination ~ save this guide for your next trip to the USA! ☀️🇺🇸
This pier symbolises the heart of Santa Monica and is actually one of the most photographed locations in the world! 📸
It’s a place for everyone to come together to enjoy the incredible views, thrilling rides and family friendly activities. 🎢
As the sun sets over Santa Monica, the gorgeous golden lights reflect on the pier and give a beautiful glow to the ocean. It’s a wonderful sight to see, especially when the vibrant neon lights begin to be turned on and the pier comes to life! There are so many great photo opportunities here, so don’t forget your camera!
#summerdestinations #usatrip #losangeles #usatravel #losangelestrip #losangelestravel #mytravelhacks #localguides #familytrip #unitedstates #santamonica
louloulou
Glowing Lights of Santa Monica Pier 🎡🎢
You might have seen the iconic Santa Monica pier in numerous movies, TV shows and music videos. I found my visit to Santa Monica Pier at night to be a mesmerizing experience.
To get here, I took the Metro E Line to the final stop, Downtown Santa Monic, from downtown Los Angeles. It is quite a long ride, considering you ride more than half the length of the entire line, but it is comfortable and convenient. From there metro station, it is then just a short walk over the pier.
Approaching it from afar for the first time, I saw how the pier was a vibrant hub of activity and lights. Strolling along the wooden planks, I was captivated by the theme park rides on the pier, particularly the colourful Ferris wheel which casted a magical glow against the dark sky as it spun. The sound of kids laughing and the happy chatter of people around filled the air, blending with the rhythmic crashing of waves below. At the end of the pier, I could see the dark and vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit destination when visiting Los Angeles as it is a gem on the Southern California coastline.
#WinHKFlight
#winhkflight
As an avid photographer, I'm drawn to Hong Kong for its vibrant and varying sceneries and cit scapes. I'm eager to capture the city's dynamic skyline, bustling street markets, and picturesque landscapes, including The Peak, Man Mo Temple and Tsim Sha Tsui.
porkyhei
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Santa Monica is one of the attraction place in Los Angeles, California. It have iconic beaches in the Greater Los Angeles area. The pier inside is always teeming with activity and people.
Hence, a stop at Santa Monica Pier and Beach#santamonica to explore the famous boardwalk and shop along the Street Promenade. There is a Ferris wheel there and some shops to purchase souvenirs and food stalls. This is one of the reason that you will explore why it is so beautiful.
Yee11
🎡 An iconic place in Los Angeles
🏖️ It's very crowded and full of activities during summer. Don't be fool by the hot weather as the water temperature is pretty cold.
🇺🇸There are many country flags along the beach for some photo opportunities. Of course, not to forget the colour ferris wheel which is Santa Monica's icons in most LA's tourism materials.
A visit to Santa Monica can just be a walk along the Broadwalk and go to Santa Monica Pier. There are some rides or games in the arcade. There are also many food stores, seafood restaurants or some Mexican stalls selling fruit.
If you have time, stay till sunset where you can see the sun descending with the skyline and the vast ocean. What a beautiful view not to be missed!
#meetlosangeles
winter167
Amazing views & Route 66, Santa Monica Pier
#meetlosangeles
Visitors worldwide enjoy the classic California beach life and admire the road-trip legendary Route 66, end stop at the Santa Monica Pier.
On most clear sky days, the beach is full of ocean lovers; surfing, picnicking, fishing, and sunbathing. Family and friends enjoy their day out for its eateries, shops, arcade, roller coaster, giant Ferris wheel and other rides. The famous 1922 fair carousel, it’s a National Historic Monument now. Those unique attractions attract people from anywhere to spend their days here.
Access to the pier is free. For the aquarium, Rides at Pacific Park tickets are required.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
FabulousKaku
St. Monica
Traffic strategy: self-driving
Shopping guide: The souvenir shop owner on the left hand side at the end is very kind, there are postcards selling a lot of LA scenery, and you can go shopping with California souvenirs.
Seogyehun
Time Flies @ Santa Monica Pier!
Sightseeing and dinner at Santa Monica Pier was awesome! We even managed to catch the sunset there as well!
Once you reach the pier, you will be treated with a great view of the beach, sea and sky with a theme park near by! Rides there looks super fun but we were too cold to try any of them. Instead, we decided to go for dinner and coffee after our phototaking session..
Getting There - Driving there is convenient as there are quite a number of parking spaces near by
Attractions - View of the beautiful beach, sky and a smaller scale theme park!
Food & Restaurants - Lots of food options near by which is mostly serving seafood
Shopping - There are quite a number of souvenir shops nearby
#beachlife #usa #santamonica #pier #nofilter #sunset #skyline #ferriswheel #themepark #seafood #prawns #foodie #cafe #beaches #naturalwonders #wintergetaway #honeymoon
tRARvels
Santa Monica Pier? A must! ❤️
Getting There - Five of us traveled from Pasadena by car during a rush hour, so it took us around anhour and a half to get there, but totally worth it if you have a good crew and a cheery playlist!
Attractions - Sand, sun, water, salt, amusement park... Is there anything more that you need.
Hotels - LA? Bunch of hotels and motels!
Food & Restaurants - Amusement park on Santa Monica Pier has a lot of American food restaurants - a lot of burgers, corndogs, but my favorite is "Funnel cakes"
Shopping - Amusement park? You have everything there❤️
You cannot go to LA and not visit Santa Monica Pier and its sunset!!
#paragliding#beautifulsunsets#culturalattractions#themepark#beaches
Rebeccah
Santa Monica Pier
A great place to see an amazing sunset, enjoy the ocean, get some food or enjoy a bit of street entertainment. The pier was open and the magic show and energy is spectacular! Go for a ride or enjoy the performances! There are trapeze artists too! It was clean and very safe with police patrols. ✨
#summervacation#urbanexplorer
FaithTravels
California Sunset Tour: Best Spots to Capture the Magic!
California sunsets are always so captivating. The soft pink and orange skies are a common sight here, yet they hold a unique place in my heart.
The sunset casts a warm glow over the ocean and streets, sweeping away all the gloom in our hearts and healing every wounded soul.
📸 Recommended photo spots are as follows:
In-N-Out Burger (p2 to p3)
Coordinates: 33°57’14.2”N 118°23‘49.2“W
Not only is it a must-try fast food burger joint on the West Coast, but it's also a super popular spot for social media photos. You can watch planes land up close here, with the sunset casting a glow on the palm trees, perfectly capturing the laid-back California vacation vibe. It's recommended to go to The Parking Spot Sepulveda parking lot, take the elevator to the top floor, and you'll be satisfied with the shooting angle.
Playa Del Rey Coastal Road (p4)
Address: 6931 Vista Del Mar Ln
The shimmering sea under the sunset is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, making every shot particularly eye-catching.
South Palm Drive (p5)
This avenue in Beverly Hills is highly photogenic. Although it's a residential area, avoid disturbing the local residents. Be mindful of parking times to avoid fines.
Hollywood Sign (p6 to p7)
Coordinates: 34.06446° N, 118.32143° W
Whether it's early morning or dusk, this place is a haven for photographers. Just enter the coordinates into Google Maps to find the best shooting location.
Santa Monica Pier (p8 to p10)
Address: 1550 Pacific Coast Highway Santa Monica
At sunset, Santa Monica Pier is an unmissable spot. Every corner around the Route 66 sign is a perfect representation of California's scenery, making every casual shot a beautiful one.
礼安那国际
The Iconic Santa Monica Pier 🌊🎡
A visit to Santa Monica Pier is a must for anyone in LA! 🎢 With its historic Ferris wheel, colorful amusement park, and beautiful ocean views, this is the ultimate beachside destination. 🌴🌅 Whether you're enjoying the vibrant street performers, strolling along the beach, or indulging in tasty treats, there's always something to keep you entertained. 🍦🎤
Take a ride on the Pacific Park roller coaster for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or hop on the Aquarium for a glimpse of local marine life. 🦑🐠 For a truly magical experience, catch the sunset over the water—there’s no better way to end the day! 🌞
A perfect blend of fun, food, and seaside charm, Santa Monica Pier is the place to be! 🏖️
#voyagevibes
Traveling Fate
Super Fun Night Carnival
Visiting Santa Monica Pier didn’t disappoint! Fun for everyone with amazing food both meals & deserts as well as rides, games & shopping. What more could you want! All with the famous Santa Monica Beach backdrop, famous for its movies & tv show scenes (such as baywatch). #travel #beachlife #santamonicapier #thingstodo #familytravel #localfood #seascapes #santamonicabeach
Tamara Willett
The end of the road
The western terminus of America’s iconic route 66, is not actually drivable and found jutting out into the Pacific Ocean along the Santa Monica pier.
The pier itself is a classic tourist attraction with souvenir stalls, the usual food or hot dogs and donuts and a funfair at its end. The pier is arguably one of the best examples of Americana in the sprawling city of Los Angeles and can be a wonderful, slightly childish escape from the often materialistic scene witnessed in the rest of the metropolis. #voyagevibes
Alexander.Hannay
Santa Monica Pier: Where Summer Dreams Come True
#100WaysOfTravel
As the sun sets over the Pacific, Santa Monica Pier comes alive with a magic that's hard to resist. The twinkling lights, the sound of laughter and screams of excitement, and the sweet scent of funnel cakes and cotton candy create an irresistible atmosphere.
I spent a summer evening at the pier, and it was like being a kid again. The historic Ferris wheel offered breathtaking views, while the beachside amusement park, Pacific Park, delivered non-stop thrills. And as the night wore on, the pier transformed into a romantic getaway, with couples strolling hand-in-hand under the stars.
Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a dose of nostalgia, Santa Monica Pier in summer is the perfect destination. It's a place where memories are made, and summer dreams come true.
Zaclin29
Pier-fect Summer Nights: Santa Monica Magic
#100WaysOfTravel
Summer at Santa Monica Pier is a classic California experience! The iconic pier twinkles like a diamond at night, and the beachside amusement park, Pacific Park, is a thrill-seeker's paradise. I rode the historic Ferris wheel, played games, and indulged in sweet treats like funnel cakes and cotton candy. As the sun dipped into the ocean, the pier transformed into a romantic haven, with couples strolling hand-in-hand. The beachside concerts and fireworks displays added to the summer magic. Whether you're a kid or a kid-at-heart, Santa Monica Pier in summer is a must-visit destination – it's the epitome of summer fun and sun-kissed memories!
Zaclin29
Los Angeles | Check in at the Route 66 sign on Santa Monica Beach
| Check in at the Route 66 sign on Santa Monica Beach.
🔶🔶🔶Santa Monica Beach is one of Los Angeles' vacation beaches. It is the end point of Route 66 in the United States, and many tourists line up here to check in, including us.
🏝️Beach activities:
◾️The Route 66 sign is located at the Santa Monica Pier, which is a symbol of Santa Monica. Built between 1909 and 1916, it is the oldest pier on the West Coast.
◾️You can walk on the beach, sunbathe, and enjoy the sunrise and sunset by the sea.
◾️The amusement park has rides such as a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. Children and thrill-seeking tourists can have a great time.
◾️There are many street performers on the beach. Some singers are really good, but you need to tip them.
◾️For those who enjoy water activities, you can try surfing, kayaking, and other projects.
◾️Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., a restaurant themed after 'Forrest Gump,' specializes in seafood dishes.
🚙Self-driving: There is a parking lot next to the beach, $25 for a day.
TheodoreMcLeod
So Much Fun at Santa Monica Pier in LA 🇺🇸
Los Angeles is the perfect summer destination ~ save this guide for your next trip to the USA! ☀️🇺🇸
The pier goes out into the Pacific Ocean and symbolises the heart of Santa Monica ~ it’s actually one of the most photographed locations in the world! Remember to bring your camera and take photos of these special memories! 📸
It’s a destination where people come together to enjoy local culture and reconnect with the history of the pier. This place has so much to offer; incredible views, thrilling rides, and plenty of family friendly activities! 🎢
#summerdestinations #usatrip #losangeles #usatravel #losangelestrip #losangelestravel #mytravelhacks #localguides #familytrip #unitedstates #santamonica
louloulou
Visit Santa Monica Pier, LA's famous beach
#VisitLosAngeles
Santa Monica Pier is located in Santa Monica, California, United States. It is a famous beachfront pier and amusement park, famous for its Ferris wheel, shops, and restaurants.
🚗 We drove to Santa Monica Pier, it took about 1 hour from Los Angeles. There is paid parking nearby on the roadside.
🏖️ Santa Monica Beach is 3.5 miles long, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. On the pier, there is also Pacific Park, an amusement park with rides, games, and a Ferris wheel for enjoying the view of Santa Monica, the beach, and the Pacific Ocean. 🎡
On the beach and the surrounding streets, there are also a variety of restaurants, including seafood, American, and international cuisine.
Prang.O
Christmas at the pier
Travelled on a solo trip to los angeles for my year end trip which turned into one of THE BEST experience of my life thus far. Never would I have imagined travelling all the way across the globe alone.
This would have been the first time I was alone for Christmas but on that day, I decided I would take a trip down to Santa Monica Pier. As it was very crowded due to the holidays, being a solo traveller really helped smoothen the process. Did not need to wait for others and I could go at my own pace. While I was alone, I met some other Singaporeans who so happened to be there and started a conversation with them. That’s where they helped me snap a couple photos of myself at the pier during the sunset.
In my opinion as well, the best time to visit the pier is just before sunset. You’ll be able to catch a spectacular sunset over the West coast with an unblocked view, and the lively atmosphere of the place is one not to miss, especially with all the food and rides available (though they are costly). I recommend spending roughly 1-2 hours at the pier depending on if you’re interested in the carnival, which is a must try during sunset or just after as you’ll even have a birds eye view on the ferris wheel. All in all a great way to end the day, especially if you are planning to walk/cycle to venice beach as well!
Ezra Ngi
Santa Monica Pier
Our visit to the Santa Monica Pier was filled with fun and excitement. We enjoyed the games, restaurants, and shops that surrounded the pier. We toured the beautiful beach and relished the golden sand and the waves of the Pacific. We tasted delicious food and rode the spinning wheel. We enjoyed the open views of the sea and the city from the pier. The atmosphere and live scenes were vibrant and full of energy. This visit was an interesting and fun experience for family and friends. It is recommended to visit the Santa Monica Pier to enjoy the unforgettable coastline and fun atmosphere of Los Angeles.
Nada Shawky
One of the best thing to do in LA @Santa Monica
If you ever wanna do something relaxing under the sun~ why don’t you come closer by the beach?
The Santa Monica pier is a MUST-VISIT spot for visitors of all ages! It is well known for their mini amusement park which little kids will find themselves loving there a lot!
No worries, adults won’t get bored as well! Along the way, there’s lot of lively street performances and food vendors serving a varieties of food which you won’t feel hungry even you’ve spent a whole day walking + enjoying the show next to the ocean. Take some pictures with the iconic “route 66” sign and trust me, you will truly enjoy the sunny weather of California!!
#santamonica #sunnyday #beachday
_TI***5a
Seafood Dinner at Santa Monica Pier 🇺🇸
#winhkflight
📍The Albright
258 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Visited this restaurant at Santa Monica Pier during our trip to Santa Monica! The view and ambiance was top tier. The restaurant is located at the pier area, so it’s really convenient to have a meal after a day out at the beach! There is plenty of outdoor seatings with stunning view of the pier and the sea, you get to feel the sea breeze as well! We were there during winter times and the fire heater at the side of the outdoor seatings were really cool and kept us real warm! We ordered fish and chips and a fried fish, seafood was served quickly and they were fresh and flavourful. It was indeed a delightful and delicious meal in Santa Monica! Would recommend!
I wish to travel to Hong Kong for their delicious food!
Milowei
Santa Monica Pier
#losangeles Santa Monica Pier is definitely a destination to visit. I have been twice and the second time was better, we decided to get a beach cruiser bike and ride from Venice Beach all the way along to Santa Monica Pier. This was a perfect day and such a beautiful ride, the path is wide and plenty of room for everyone, and just a great way to see more than expected. Once arriving at the pier the atmosphere was busy and lots going on, lots to see. We decided to try a pound cake and sit on a bench seat to soak it all in. Our friends decided to go on the rides and had a great time. There was some entertaining street people doing their best to make a living, a little pushy but cool to watch. There are a few quiet places to sit and enjoy a beer and watch all the interesting people walk by. It was a warm day for winter a lot like home in Queensland Australia, but for me personally coming from Australia and living on the Gold Coast, I have seen so many nicer, cleaner beaches and this is not a destination that I would personally set high on my bucket list but still worth a visit.
KrisAdventure_19
SANTA MKNICA PIER
I went there during sunset. The view was nice and many people and tourist as well. There a lot of restaurant and activities to do in there as well from ferry wheel to roller coaster. the air was fresh and especially the beach was beautiful as well. First i only see in game(GTA) however in real life it is much more beautiful than the in game view.
#2024wish
in 2024, I wish to travel to tokyo.
Mony98
Beautiful Sunset View I have Ever Seen
Beautiful Sunset View I have Ever Seen! Do you like it? #sunset #falltrip
Frankboee
Santa Monica Pier
#Santa Monica Pier #Santa Monica Pier at Los angle
Santa Monica ซานตาโมนิก้า ชายหาดในฝันของชาวแอลเออีกสถานที่เด่นอีกที่ตรงชายหาด คือ Santa Monica Pier เป็นท่าเรือเก่า เป็นแหล่งสีสันร้านอาหาร นั่งเล่น คาเฟ่ต่างๆ พร้อมมีคนมาเบิกร้านหรือแสดงเปิดหมวก เป็นอีกหนึ่งรูปแบบสถานที่ที่น่าเที่ยว ,มีเครื่องเล่นให้เล่นทั้งชิงช้าสวรรค์ รถไฟเหาะ ร้านค้า ของฝาก , เป็น หนึ่งในที่เที่ยวเมื่อมาเยือน เมือง los anglers
Easy life style 007
Santa Monica Pier
#wheretogo The Santa Monica Pier is undeniably photogenic, making it a favorite spot for capturing the quintessential coastal vibes. As someone who's been there, I can attest that this iconic location offers countless opportunities for Instagram-worthy shots.
One of the best ways to enjoy the pier is to grab a gelato and take a leisurely stroll. The gelato adds an extra layer of pleasure to the experience as you explore this vibrant and bustling place. The blend of sweet, creamy gelato with the salty sea breeze is a delightful combination that enhances your visit.
Whether you're people-watching, admiring the ocean views, or simply savoring your gelato, the Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit destination. It's an embodiment of Southern California's laid-back and coastal lifestyle, and it provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
In summary, the Santa Monica Pier's photogenic charm and the simple pleasure of enjoying a gelato while exploring the area make it a top choice for those seeking a relaxed and visually captivating outing. It's a fantastic place to soak in the sun, sea, and the unique atmosphere of this iconic pier.