Attraction
Getty Center
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Santa Monica Pier
Built in 1909 and now a National Historic Landmark, Santa Monica Pier stretches into the Pacific with Pacific Park's rides, food stands, street performers and ocean views.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic pier and amusement park
- Area
- Santa Monica, Los Angeles, United States
- Official site
- santamonicapier.org
Good to know
- Free entry
- Pacific Park rides
- Restaurants
- Free history walking tours
Why we recommend it
Santa Monica Pier pushes out into the Pacific at the foot of Colorado Avenue, where it meets Ocean Avenue. It was built in 1909 as a public utility for the city and is now a National Historic Landmark. Walking onto the pier is free, and it remains one of the most photographed spots on the Los Angeles coast.
The main attraction for many visitors is Pacific Park, the small amusement park on the pier, whose rides include the West Coaster roller coaster and the Pacific Wheel, the Ferris wheel that lights up the pier at night. Around it are carnival games, food stands and vendor carts, and street performers work the boardwalk. Below and beside the pier, the wide beach stretches north and south, and the beach path continues to Venice.
The pier also runs free programmes. A morning history walking tour takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, and a sunset tour runs on Mondays at 7pm, both good ways to learn about the pier's past. Seasonal events such as Locals' Night and weekend wellness sessions appear on the pier's calendar, so check it before you go.
Families and first-time visitors get the most out of the pier, and it works well as part of a beach day rather than a destination on its own. Weekend afternoons in summer are very busy; mornings and weekday evenings are quieter, and sunset is the classic time for photographs. Allow one to two hours, more if you plan to ride several attractions.
There is more to do nearby if you want to make a full day of it. The beach either side of the pier is wide and sandy, with lifeguard towers along its length, and the shared beach path is popular with cyclists and skaters heading towards Venice. Restaurants on and around the pier range from casual seafood stands to sit-down places with ocean views. If you are visiting in the cooler months, a jacket is useful once the sun goes down over the water.
The Downtown Santa Monica station on the Metro E Line is a short walk away, which saves the stress of beach parking. The Third Street Promenade and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Santa Monica are a few blocks inland, and you can hire a bike to ride south along the beach path to Venice Beach.
Santa Monica Pier FAQs
Is it free to walk on Santa Monica Pier?
Yes. Entry to the pier is free; rides at Pacific Park are paid.
When was the pier built?
In 1909, as a public utility for the City of Santa Monica.
What rides are there?
Pacific Park has rides including the West Coaster roller coaster and the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel.
Are there free tours?
Yes. History walking tours run on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, and a sunset tour runs on Mondays at 7pm.
How do you get there by public transport?
Take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica station and walk a few blocks to the pier.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings are quietest; sunset is the most popular time for photographs.
Is the pier good for children?
Yes. The rides, games and beach make it one of the most family-friendly places on the coast.
How can I contact the pier?
The Santa Monica Pier Corporation lists [email protected] for general information.