Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPiers & Boardwalks
About
This hundred-year-old wooden pier offers superb views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. Catch the sunset from the fishing platform at the farther end of pier, though be warned, it can get pretty busy at the height of summer. As one of the most famous wharfs in the L.A. area, there are plenty of eateries, souvenir shops, street performers and things to do—don't miss the adjoining amusement park, which features a giant Ferris wheel, a high-tech arcade, and other thrilling rides. You can visit Santa Monica Pier, along with L.A.’s other iconic spots such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood on a guided tour. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a coastal town that maintains a balance as a tourist destination and as an area with a thriving local culture. On the beach, bikers, roller-bladers, runners and walkers move along the famed bike path enjoying the beautiful Los Angeles weather. The solar-powered Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica pier spins high above the water, while park revelers scream with delight riding the roller coaster. Inland from the beach, Third Street Promenade bustles with shoppers and street performers, where every block seems to have a musical or acrobatic act drawing crowds giving Santa Monica both the feeling of a laid-back beach town and a major commercial hub.
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See what travelers are saying
- its5oclocksumwhereDerry, New Hampshire426 contributionsPhoto StopI was here years ago and brought my family this visit. Wow, a lot changed in those years. We were underwhelmed. We paid $15 to park and stayed a total of maybe 30 minutes. I'm thinking timing is everything? We must have gone too early. Nothing was active or hopping and I was disappointed there was no beach access.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 28, 2023
- EdsalldwEllsworth, Maine343 contributionsGone down hill but great dinerMuch dirtier than 30 years ago. The Mexican yellow restaurant at the very end of the pier had the best enchilada and flan and black beans I have ever had. $65 for lunch including tip. Way better than Polly’s Pies by the Nixon Library Not crowded of a foggy dayVisited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2023
- John BChepstow, United Kingdom86 contributionsDisappointing Santa MonicaSlightly disappointed with the Santa Monica experience! Loads of homeless sleeping and lying around the area! Pier is worth a visit. We stayed in hotel near the pier but didn’t feel safe to walk around when dark!Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 25, 2023
- Tammy WKerrville, Texas109 contributionsMust see if in the areaI enjoyed visiting the Pier and the views. We were there on 2 separate days one of which was a weekend. It is much busier and more crowded on the weekend but there was some really cool entertainment there as well. I was a little disappointed in the amount of casual eating options but then again wasn't really looking to eat there.Visited June 2023Written June 5, 2023
- Johnny-Glenda PMount Holly, North Carolina57 contributionsLast Stop on Route 66This was the last stop on our Route 66 trip and it was great! The crowds were not too bad. We rode the Ferris Wheel and had a hot dog! There were so many people to see. The shops were fun and we really enjoyed our time.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 7, 2023
- Marcus Baso3 contributionsFun location for families!Love Santa Monica pier went here with my kids and had a great time lots of activities and food options and the weather was amazing. Recommend bringing a sweater at night. It can get kind of cold.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 24, 2023
- llam56Las Vegas, Nevada3 contributionsLoved Santa Monica PierWe walked to the end of the pier. The weather was fabulous the ocean can be so mesmerizing. We stopped at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and enjoyed cocktails and a snack. Road some of the rides. Walked down on the beach along the water. Picked up some sea shells. Great experience. Would highly recommend.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2023
- Tania S18 contributionsDisappointing and overratedThe Santa Monica Pier is bigged up as a must see location. It isn’t! The pier is large and has several restaurants and eateries, lots of people selling souvenirs etc. as you would expect. The fairground attractions are limited and when we went, there were religious groups “selling” their beliefs loudly to all on the pier. The weather was poor (end June) which didn’t add to the experience. There are good photo opportunities there since it is the end of the famous Route 66 there. In short, if you visit the area and miss the pier, you haven’t missed anything special.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 3, 2023
- CasandraTPSydney, Australia1,096 contributionsFun thing to doIf you go to Santa Monica you have to go to the pier. It is the end of Route 66 full of shops, restaurants and even a small themed park with rides and a Ferris wheel. There are little sign’s telling the history and even Popeye started here. Yes it is a little tacky but all piers are. Plenty of places to get a great photo. The beach on either side is a bit dirty and the water is cold. All in all was, it is worth going to at least once.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 3, 2023
- Andrew FColumbia, Maryland146 contributionsA nice afternoonNice place for a quick visit. My family doesn’t care much for sand but we got a decent lunch on the pier. Visited a few shops and played a bit in the arcade. There was also a small amusement park for kids younger than mine.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
19,309 reviews
Excellent
7,988
Very good
6,984
Average
3,421
Poor
641
Terrible
276
296williamsg
Port Saint Lucie, FL21 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
I only went there because it was the halfway point of my cross country and back road trip and the end of Route 66.
I have traveled all throughout the country, except for the most northern states, and I'm just not fond of California.
The pier is just a pier with restaurants, a few rides and a lot of very overpriced souvenir shops. I get that marijuana is legal for recreational use there, but if no one can smoke cigarettes on the pier, no one should be smoking joints either. I swear I ran into at least a half dozen people smoking joints while I went to the end and back. And then there was some guy dressed as a superhero trying to get in every picture I tried to take of the sign at the beginning of the pier. I just didn't like the whole experience.
I have traveled all throughout the country, except for the most northern states, and I'm just not fond of California.
The pier is just a pier with restaurants, a few rides and a lot of very overpriced souvenir shops. I get that marijuana is legal for recreational use there, but if no one can smoke cigarettes on the pier, no one should be smoking joints either. I swear I ran into at least a half dozen people smoking joints while I went to the end and back. And then there was some guy dressed as a superhero trying to get in every picture I tried to take of the sign at the beginning of the pier. I just didn't like the whole experience.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay H
Jacksonville, FL87 contributions
Jan 2020
My kid's were excited to go so I took them there on our first stop from LAX. My husband and I used to live in LA and never bothered to go as it was a tourist spot, too busy with Rock n Roll on Sunset Strip but I digress. They were so excited and it was nice and quiet as it was Thursday morning. The Sun was shining and a slight breeze and we were off to the end of the pier stopping to see the different venders selling their over priced wears and the entertainers singing off key and slagging off the bums who were also begging for money. the arcade got $20 out of me and that was worth it for the smiles on the kids faces but there were flies everywhere.... GROSS. The rides were extortionate prices so my 2 girls got to choose 1 ride . They'd make buckets more dollars if they gave a better deal on the rides . Glad we did it just to say we did it but had just as much fun swinging on the free swings on the beach.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClaireWithLove
Germantown, MD852 contributions
Feb 2022
Fun, historic stop at the over 100 year old pier with amusement park. Look at the ocean. Listen to music. Watch the fishermen and artists. Dine at restaurants.
You can pay per ride (~$9 - $11/ride) or buy an unlimited pass ($42). The small roller coaster (no loops), Ferris wheel, swinging gondola ride, and chair drop for the adults and even more for small children. Amusement arcade. Artists to get your name printed with pictures.
Fast food, funnel cake, ice cream (outside the amusement park) and sit down restaurants are available.
Parking lot looked small, so it would be better to come during the week day. Pier opens at 6 am but amusement park open at 12 pm during the weekdays.
Located on the beach, so bring your blanket or rent a bike and enjoy your time there.
5 minute walk to the Loews hotel with a really good Happy Hour 5:00 - 6:00 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. Fireplace tables overlooking the beach.
You can pay per ride (~$9 - $11/ride) or buy an unlimited pass ($42). The small roller coaster (no loops), Ferris wheel, swinging gondola ride, and chair drop for the adults and even more for small children. Amusement arcade. Artists to get your name printed with pictures.
Fast food, funnel cake, ice cream (outside the amusement park) and sit down restaurants are available.
Parking lot looked small, so it would be better to come during the week day. Pier opens at 6 am but amusement park open at 12 pm during the weekdays.
Located on the beach, so bring your blanket or rent a bike and enjoy your time there.
5 minute walk to the Loews hotel with a really good Happy Hour 5:00 - 6:00 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. Fireplace tables overlooking the beach.
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lobdoc06
Somers, CT27 contributions
Jan 2022
Got to experience the pier on a recent business trip to southern California. We are from New England so wanted to see what the pier was like. Not much there to necessitate a return visit but it was still worth a quick stop. Lots of street performers requesting pretty large amounts of cash for their acts. Food was lacking as well.We did about a half hour walk through and left.
Written February 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Pro
Seattle, WA2,457 contributions
May 2020 • Family
It's just appear at a public beach what's the typical way too expensive crappy restaurant at the end. It has a few carnival-type rides the Entertainer kids that aren't interested in seeing the natural beauty surrounding them. Stop by once to say you were there and then get out. Walk along the beach where it's enjoyable
Written May 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George
United States25 contributions
Dec 2019
This pier is full of people any time of the year or any time of the day. But you will enjoy the vibe and the atmosphere near the beach with people doing random things on the street. You can find pretty good restaurants with good enough food. Buba shrimp is a favourite. Listen to random music by random street musicians. Breathtaking view of the sunset and the nice breeze of the ocean. Parking Charges are sky high!
Written April 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RichardN28
Bushey, UK519 contributions
Aug 2019
Boy, was this place busy!
We did a walk the full length of the pier, took in the views, ate funnel cake / ice cream and watched some of the street acts.
It is great to say that you have been on SM pier - it has featured in so many TV shows & movies, but we were there for just under 2hrs (including sit down funnel cake eating time!), which is plenty long enough unless you want to go on the rides (we didn't - we'd been to 6Flags and were 'coastered out!).
Worth a visit? Yes, absolutely. Would i go back? Probably not, it's very, very touristy
We did a walk the full length of the pier, took in the views, ate funnel cake / ice cream and watched some of the street acts.
It is great to say that you have been on SM pier - it has featured in so many TV shows & movies, but we were there for just under 2hrs (including sit down funnel cake eating time!), which is plenty long enough unless you want to go on the rides (we didn't - we'd been to 6Flags and were 'coastered out!).
Worth a visit? Yes, absolutely. Would i go back? Probably not, it's very, very touristy
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dyhx
Singapore3,499 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Great sea views, with a small outdoor theme park (Pacific Park, which looks old btw), huge beach (too cold though for beach activities and it doesn’t look very clean with the very many birds, seagulls flying around), little touristy cart stalls along the stretch of the pier, restaurants and many talented buskers from singing to dancing to drawing.
Overall a small place and can be covered in less than an hour if you don't go into the theme park. Could have been even faster if not for the 2 Korean girls taking their time to take countless photos at the Route 66 sign keeping many others like me, rolling our eyes in queue.
Overall a small place and can be covered in less than an hour if you don't go into the theme park. Could have been even faster if not for the 2 Korean girls taking their time to take countless photos at the Route 66 sign keeping many others like me, rolling our eyes in queue.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie B
Arkansas60 contributions
Jan 2020
We had a beautiful December day to visit. We went in the morning and had lunch before we left. It was the perfect time to go as the crowd started arriving around 11. If you have a warmer day I highly suggest going early. Carousel, Ferris Wheel and most eateries open at 11:00. You must stop in and see the carousel. It's simply beautiful. There is an area where you can watch trapeze artists, but none were there when we were. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a visit. You can feel the nostalgia as you walk down the pier.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MCK
3,036 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
My friend and I were staying in downtown LA. We decided to take a morning drive to Santa Monica to go for brunch and catch a ride on the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel. We went on a Monday morning to avoid the major weekend crowds. The pier with Pacific Park is a very typical pier setting, great for families and kids.
The day we went, the sky was clear and hot. I thought riding the ferris wheel would be extremely hot, but once we were on it and it started moving it was nice... with a cool breeze. Maybe the time and day we went, it was not crowded, we got our own cart which has a covered top to help with shade. We also went around serval times which was really nice. The view was wonderful. It was worth the very reasonable price of a ride at only $8. To note: no selfie sticks.
Worth the ride with a view!
The day we went, the sky was clear and hot. I thought riding the ferris wheel would be extremely hot, but once we were on it and it started moving it was nice... with a cool breeze. Maybe the time and day we went, it was not crowded, we got our own cart which has a covered top to help with shade. We also went around serval times which was really nice. The view was wonderful. It was worth the very reasonable price of a ride at only $8. To note: no selfie sticks.
Worth the ride with a view!
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is handicap parking free at the pier?
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,634 contributions
Absolutely, yes. All cars must oay to get in the lots. There are a few spaces marked for the handicapped, but they're most often already taken, so you need to be prepared to walk or use a wheelchair to get to the pier.
Can you sleep on the beach under pier
Chirpy
Los Angeles, CA207 contributions
That's a hard NO. Not only is it unsafe due to the tides, but also LA/Santa Monica's homeless situation has resulted in a lot of beach patrols and monitoring
Passport818471
Cheadle, UK
Hi! Thinking of visiting the Santa Monica Beach area next Summer. Considering hiring bikes and cycling the boardwalk down to Marina Del Rey and back. Question is, is it possible to lock and leave bikes during the trip if we see something we want to explore on foot? Do bike-hire companies hire out chainlocks for the bikes? Cheers!
sunhead
milwaukee355 contributions
Absolutely. Biking is a big thing to do. Found this one rental site: Bicycle Equipment
Each bicycle comes equipped with lights, a basket, a lock and a local map. Helmets are also available upon request.
B F
5 contributions
Current status? Rides open, etc,? Wondering if it’s worth our visit on our way to other points in CA, or not. (3 kids under 11)
NationalTraveler09
Levittown, PA74 contributions
When we were there in June all the rides were open and restrictions have been lifted. Some restrictions may have been reinstated, such as requiring masks in public places. The pier itself is open, but unfortunately, as of 7/21 the rides are closed.
Zuhaib R
Pensacola, FL
is this opened these days during COVID-19? i am planning to visit between 9 December to 11 December. let me know if anyone's have an info
Zuhaib R
Pensacola, FL
is this opened these days during COVID-19? i am planning to visit between 9 December to 11 December. let me know if anyone's have an info
jillparker864
Colorado Springs, CO171 contributions
The pier was open but the rides were not. Limited services.
Kristen S
Aurora, CO20 contributions
Hi I will be taking my teen son to Los Angeles this year and was considering staying near the Santa Monica Pier for our stay. We plan to do touristy things such as the beach, Wall of Fame, Hollywood Tours, Studio Tours. It seems so nice out at the beach how long is the drive into LA to do these things?
I know Disney is quite a ways away, would it be better to move down to Anaheim at the end of the trip? Any advise is welcome, thanks!!
tony l
Vancouver, Canada3,713 contributions
Hi Kristen ,you and your son will love the pier ,so much to do and eat , in Santa Monica , ( PLEASE read my update on LA , Santa Monica , Anaheim , ) are you driving ? how many days you will in La ,there is so many way to get around in California , there is a direct train from L.A union station to Santa Monica also to Anaheim , L A to Santa Monica is under half hours drive ,and under one hours drive to Anaheim , but kristen , do nor forget ,the traffic special the free way so congested ,half hour drive to end up two hours ! stay away from the rush hours from 7 am to 10.am 4 pm to 7 pm ! there is lot of tours buses around ,I like the Star Line Tours ,very professional and not too expensive at all . again you know your budget , I stay in California less two moths a year ,so I know the area and traffic very well .if you need any more information ,you well come ask me or you can follow me at the TripAdvisor ,that way you will get up today for my trip to California , Vegas , so I hope the answer wii help you ! Have Fun
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Claim your listingSanta Monica Pier - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Monica Pier
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Santa Monica Pier:
- Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More (From $99.00)
- Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour (From $49.00)
- The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More (From $99.00)
- Small Group Electric EBike bicycle Tour Santa Monica and Venice (From $89.00)
- Los Angeles and Hollywood Day Small Group Tour from Las Vegas (From $279.99)
- Hotels near Santa Monica Pier:
- (0.34 mi) Shore Hotel
- (0.39 mi) The Georgian Santa Monica
- (0.35 mi) Ocean View Hotel
- (0.38 mi) Le Merigot Santa Monica
- (0.45 mi) Hotel Casa Del Mar
- Restaurants near Santa Monica Pier:
- (0.03 mi) The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- (0.13 mi) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- (0.11 mi) Pier Burger
- (0.07 mi) Mariasol Cocina Mexicana
- (0.08 mi) Japadog at Santa Monica Pier
- Attractions near Santa Monica Pier:
- (0.09 mi) Santa Monica Bay
- (0.05 mi) Pacific Park
- (0.10 mi) Santa Monica Farmers Market
- (0.07 mi) Trapeze School New York, Los Angeles
- (0.10 mi) Route 66 End of the Trail Sign