What It Is
A 1,600-foot wooden pier extending into the Pacific Ocean at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica. It's the oldest pleasure pier on the West Coast, built in 1909, and it's where Route 66 officially ends — there's a sign marking the "End of the Trail" at the pier entrance. Roughly 6 million people visit every year.
The pier has two sections: the original Municipal Pier (1909, built for sewage outflow pipes — glamorous) and the Looff Hippodrome (1916), which houses the famous carousel. Together they form one continuous pier that holds an amusement park, an aquarium, restaurants, street performers, and some of the most photographed views in Los Angeles.
What's on the Pier
Pacific Park
The amusement park on the pier. No admission fee to enter — you pay per ride.
The Pacific Wheel The world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel. 130 feet tall, 174,000 LED lights that display animated patterns after dark. The nighttime light shows are visible from miles away. Single ride is around $15.
The West Coaster A steel roller coaster over the ocean. The only roller coaster on a pier on the West Coast.
Other rides Bumper cars, a scrambler, a sea dragon swing, kiddie rides. Wristband options for unlimited rides (around $30–40, worth it if you're doing more than 3 rides).
Games & Midway Classic carnival games along the pier. Budget $5–10 per game.
The Carousel
$2 per ride · Built 1922
Inside the Looff Hippodrome building at the foot of the pier. A 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel with hand-painted horses. It appeared in The Sting (1973) with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Operates daily, hours vary seasonally.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
~$5 adults · Underneath the pier · Run by Heal the Bay
Underneath the pier (yes, under it). Small but thoughtfully arranged — touch tanks, local marine life exhibits, sea urchins, anemones, shark eggs. Great for kids. Free for kids under 2.
Trapeze School New York
~$50–90 · 2-hour classes · Beginners welcome
An actual flying trapeze on the south side of the pier, overlooking the ocean. You can take a 2-hour class and learn to fly. One of the most unique things you can do in LA.
Fishing
Free to fish · No license needed from the pier
California law exempts public ocean piers from fishing license requirements. People fish for mackerel, perch, halibut, and occasionally bat rays. Bring your own gear or rent from the bait shop near the end of the pier. It's one of the most chill activities on the pier — grab a rod, sit on the railing, watch the sunset.
The Route 66 Sign
Free · Iconic photo stop
At the pier entrance, a "Santa Monica 66 End of the Trail" sign marks the western terminus of Route 66. The city installed the sign in 2009 on the pier's 100th anniversary and it's become the definitive spot.
Street Performers
Free to watch
Jugglers, musicians, magicians, dancers. The pier entrance and the main walkway always have performers, especially on weekends.
Eating on the Pier
The Albright Seafood restaurant at the very end of the pier. Fish and chips, clam chowder, lobster rolls. Outdoor seating over the water. The views are the selling point.
Pier Burger Casual burgers and fries. Quick, affordable, solid.
Soda Jerks Ice cream and shakes. Good for kids.
For better food, walk off the pier. The Third Street Promenade is two blocks east — a pedestrian mall with every type of restaurant. Santa Monica proper has some of the best dining on the Westside.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Pier Deck parking structure Directly adjacent to the pier. Rates vary but expect $5–15 for a few hours, more on weekends and holidays.
Beach lots along PCH Along Pacific Coast Highway north and south of the pier. Rates are similar to the Pier Deck.
Street parking On Ocean Avenue and surrounding streets. Competitive. Meters and time limits apply — read signs carefully.
Big Blue Bus / Metro Big Blue Bus lines stop within walking distance. Metro E Line (Expo) to Downtown Santa Monica station, then a 15-minute walk (0.9 miles) or free shuttle to the pier.
Bike: The Strand The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand) runs right past the pier. Bike parking available. One of the best bike rides in LA.
Best Times to Go
Weekday morning
Emptiest. Locals jogging and fishing. Minimal crowds.
Sunset (any day)
The signature pier experience. The sun drops into the Pacific directly in front of you. The Ferris wheel lights up. The sky turns orange and pink. This is the postcard.
Summer weekends
Maximum chaos. Street performers, families, tourists, crowds. Fun if you want energy; exhausting if you want peace.
Thursday nights in summer
Twilight Concert Series — free outdoor concerts on the pier. Draws big crowds but great atmosphere. Check the pier's website for the lineup.
What Most People Don't Know
- The pier was almost demolished in 1973. Santa Monica voters passed a ballot measure to save it.
- The wooden pilings under the pier host an entire marine ecosystem. The aquarium underneath gives you a window into it.
- Muscle Beach (the original) was at the Santa Monica pier area before moving to Venice in the 1950s.
- The pier is one of the few places in LA where you can face due west and see nothing but open Pacific Ocean. No islands, no land, just water to the horizon.
Make It a WashedUp Plan
The pier at sunset is one of the easiest group plans in LA. Ride the Ferris wheel, grab fish and chips, watch the sun go down over the Pacific. Nobody has to be a "hiker" or an "art person" — it's universally fun. Post a plan on WashedUp and find people to go with.
Sunset at the pier, summer concert, or just a walk along the Pacific. Post a plan on WashedUp.
Last verified: February 2025. Ride prices, parking rates, and seasonal hours change — check pacpark.com and santamonicapier.org for current info.
FAQ
Is the Santa Monica Pier free?
Walking on the pier and enjoying the views is completely free. The amusement park rides and games have individual costs.
What is there to do on the Santa Monica Pier?
The pier offers Pacific Park amusement rides including a solar-powered Ferris wheel, an aquarium, arcade games, street performers, restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
Is the Santa Monica Pier safe at night?
Yes, the pier is generally safe at night and is well-lit with security present. It's a popular evening destination for tourists and locals alike.
Related Guides → Santa Monica Beach: The Complete Beach Guide → Venice Beach: Boardwalk, Canals & Complete Guide
