Santa Monica Pier: LA’s 100 Year Old Carnival Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles County. As the endpoint for Route 66 and the iconic pier with the Ferris Wheel and rides, it is easy to see why it is so popular. I, for one don’t go very often because of the crowds, but if you have never been, you should go at least once and see it for yourself. Here his all the information so you can do so.

Details

• There is street parking around Ocean Blvd or parking in the lot near the pier for $10-$15 a day, depending on the season.
• The best time for fewer crowds is before 8 AM on the weekend or during the day on weekdays
• Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Getting There

Santa Monica Pier is located at the end of Colorado Ave in Santa Monica. I usually try to park along the street on Ocean Ave as that allows you to avoid some of the traffic and just pay for street parking. From here you can walk to the pier.

The Pier

If you parked on Ocean Ave, then you will want to make your way back down to Colorado, and you can pass under the famous Santa Monica Pier sign and walk down the path that parallels the road to the pier itself.

When you get to the pier, you will be walking on the wooden planks past restaurants and vendors selling everything from shirts to shot glasses.

The pier doesn’t have a lot of rhyme or reason to me; you just need to explore and see what piques your interest. Some of the options they have are as follows.

Pier Burger

Bubba Gump Shrimp

Arcade Building

End of Route 66 Sign

Right in the middle is the End of Route 66 sign, which is popular with people who have completed the drive and tourists as well. I completed Route 66 in June 2019, and you can read about the journey here.

Pacific Park

Walking past the sign, you will be greeted by the small amusement park that sits along the pier.

If you have kids, then I am sure these attractions will be a huge hit for them, but I haven’t ridden any so I can’t report on it. It is fantastic to see at night though, when it is all lit up and reflecting off the water.

Walking out to the end of the pier, you have some more Route 66 memorabilia and the Marisol restaurant.

I haven’t gotten a chance to eat here, but I imagine it would at least have a beautiful view while you eat.

I tend just to continue walking around the pier and looking for fun photo angles when I go, but that is about all that is there.

The Santa Monica Pier is also a great spot to explore at night.

I recommend parking in the lot near the mall and Third Street Promenade and then you can walk around the shops before heading over to the pier.

The pier is usually really busy at night as well and it is fun to take photos of the Ferris wheel and the ocean crashing below.

Also, if you make it to Santa Monica, then be sure to head over to Venice Beach as well as there are a ton of fun options to explore at this beach as well. Let me know what I left off in the comments.