Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier starts where Colorado Avenue runs out of land. Walk past the entry arch and you're on a hundred-year-old concrete deck extending 1,600 feet over the Pacific — originally built, without romance, to carry sewer pipes beyond the breakers. That unglamorous origin is worth keeping in mind as you pass the Ferris wheel turning against the sky.
What's here now is a layered thing: a 1916 carousel still spinning 44 hand-carved horses inside a Moorish-Byzantine hippodrome, a solar-powered amusement park, an aquarium run by an environmental non-profit, and the western terminus of Route 66 marked by a modest sign most people walk past.
💛 What travellers fall for
Regulars tend to time the carousel over Pacific Park — the Looff Hippodrome is quieter, the horses are the real thing, and the $8 ride ticket is the same price as a single Pacific Park attraction. The aquarium below the pier, run by Heal the Bay, is genuinely worth the $12 if you have any interest in what lives in the water beneath your feet.
The story behind Santa Monica Pier
The Municipal Pier opened on September 9, 1909, built to solve a sewage problem. Seven years later, carousel builder Charles Looff — the man who put Coney Island's first carousel on the Brooklyn waterfront in 1876 — arrived with his son Arthur and constructed the Pleasure Pier alongside it. The Looff Hippodrome went up in 1916; the Philadelphia Toboggan Company installed its carousel inside in 1922, and those 44 horses are still turning.
By the 1970s the pier had decayed enough that the city voted to demolish it. A citizen campaign called Save Santa Monica Bay reversed that decision in 1973. Storms in 1983 caused serious structural damage, but the pier was rebuilt rather than abandoned. Pacific Park opened in 1996, the first amusement operation on the pier since 1930. The Hippodrome is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Good to know
Take the Metro Expo Line from downtown LA to Downtown Santa Monica Station — about 46 minutes for $1.75 — then walk ten minutes to the pier. The pier itself is free and open daily 6 AM to 10 PM. Pacific Park opens at noon on weekday fall and winter afternoons, so arrive earlier if you want the full run of things.
Where is Santa Monica Pier?
Location
- In Los Angeles
- 34.0095, -118.4975
- Open in Google Maps
Rating
4.6 ★ · 134,060 Google reviews
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What travellers say about Santa Monica Pier
We were recently here after completing Route 66. The pier was less busy than usual but still crowded. Going at sunset is a great time to enjoy watching the sun dip into the Ocean. A ride on the ferris wheel ($10) per person is a great way to take everything in and get away from the crowds on the boardwalk.
I absolutely loved my visit to Santa Monica Pier! It was one of the highlights of my trip to Los Angeles. The entire area is beautiful, well maintained, and very well organized. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery. What I really liked is that there is so much to do in one place. There are many great restaurants, cafés, and food options nearby, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities within walking distance. Whether you want to enjoy a meal, do some shopping, take photos, or simply walk along the beach, you’ll find something enjoyable here. Another huge advantage is how convenient the location is. The pier is very close to the Metro station, making it easy to access even if you don’t have a car. Everything feels tourist-friendly and easy to navigate. I spent several hours here and enjoyed every moment. The combination of the beach, ocean views, entertainment, restaurants, and shopping creates a unique experience that captures the best of Southern California. I would highly recommend Santa Monica Pier to anyone visiting Los Angeles. It’s a place that leaves you with wonderful memories and is definitely worth visiting more than once!
Lively, busy, and full of energy. The main entrance is temporarily closed due to construction work. There is an alternative path next to the main entrance that provides access, although it’s easy to walk down and a bit challenging to climb back up. Despite the construction, it’s definitely worth a visit. The atmosphere is vibrant, the area is lively, and it’s a fun place to spend time.
Do you want to spend a lovely time with family or friends? Santa California is definitely a great place to visit. It offers a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, fun games to enjoy, delicious snacks and treats to satisfy your cravings, and best of all, you can experience it all right by the beach. It’s the perfect place to relax, have fun, and create unforgettable memories.
Santa Monica Pier is an iconic destination that truly lives up to its reputation. From the moment you step onto the pier, you are welcomed by a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy, music, and the refreshing ocean breeze. The views of the Pacific Ocean are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset when the sky transforms into a stunning array of warm, glowing colors. The pier offers something for everyone, whether you want to enjoy classic amusement park rides at Pacific Park, take a ride on the historic carousel, watch street performers, or simply stroll along and soak in the scenery. It’s the perfect combination of fun and relaxation. There are also plenty of food options available, ranging from casual snacks to delicious seafood, making it easy to spend several hours enjoying the surroundings. While it can become crowded, that’s part of its charm—it feels lively and full of life. Overall, Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles, offering unforgettable views, entertainment, and a true California coastal experience.
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