Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
4
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks
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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
Suggested 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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939 within 3 miles
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216 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
19,202 reviews
Excellent
7,943
Very good
6,951
Average
3,402
Poor
633
Terrible
274
Compatible
Melbourne, Australia30 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
The pier has a theme park, which has about 15 rides. The daily admission for one person is around 60 dollars a day, and for children under 7 is around 40 dollars a day. Unlike other parts of Los Angeles, it has a lot of people at night and has a lot of lighting, too. Near it about 100 meters is a large retail area which you can buy clothing and foods.
Written February 2, 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.
Indah Edlightz
Ontario, Canada3,075 contributions
Oct 2022
Santa Monica Pier is fantastic place to visit both for tourists and locals. I'm sure locals don't come here on a busy weekend evening but our friends who live in Malibu come here quite a bit when its not crowded.
It really is a fun and historic place... from being the last stop on Iconic Route 66 to the food shops available, street food, street performers and fantastic sunsets, this pier is huge with tons of life and activities.. You can easily spend 4 hours here so plan accordingly. The parking can be tricky as the weekends are very very busy but there are many underground nearby parking lots and if you don't mind taking a walk there is lots of parking deeper into Santa Monica away from the beach. The pier is just lots of fun and easily top destination when visiting Southern California. Also, the cost of trinkets and souvenirs is not that high since there is a lot of competition. Overall people are very friendly and patient.. everyone is here to enjoy themselves and eventually wait for the beautiful sunset.. so plan to get your spot on the pier to record an amazing California sunset.
It really is a fun and historic place... from being the last stop on Iconic Route 66 to the food shops available, street food, street performers and fantastic sunsets, this pier is huge with tons of life and activities.. You can easily spend 4 hours here so plan accordingly. The parking can be tricky as the weekends are very very busy but there are many underground nearby parking lots and if you don't mind taking a walk there is lots of parking deeper into Santa Monica away from the beach. The pier is just lots of fun and easily top destination when visiting Southern California. Also, the cost of trinkets and souvenirs is not that high since there is a lot of competition. Overall people are very friendly and patient.. everyone is here to enjoy themselves and eventually wait for the beautiful sunset.. so plan to get your spot on the pier to record an amazing California sunset.
Written December 7, 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.
ClaireWithLove
Germantown, MD670 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, CT26 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.
Chirpy
Los Angeles, CA194 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Every single day is a good day to visit the pier. Parking is tough and traffic around there is busy but you can easily overcome that. Park at the 3rd street Promenade and walk over, take the new Metro Expo line from anywhere east of Santa Monica or take the Blue Bus.
The pier has an amusement park that is fun for all ages and has a nice selection of rides for young kids. The arcade is perfect for teens. Fast Food is plentiful but there is a shortage of places to sit and eat. You're better off walking out to the food trucks and sitting on the lawn on Ocean Ave and enjoying the view.
We take all our out of town guests here. Early mornings are less busy (pier opens at 10am). Evenings are packed.
Take a jacket for the evenings.
Take a hat or sum protection for a day time visit.
The pier has an amusement park that is fun for all ages and has a nice selection of rides for young kids. The arcade is perfect for teens. Fast Food is plentiful but there is a shortage of places to sit and eat. You're better off walking out to the food trucks and sitting on the lawn on Ocean Ave and enjoying the view.
We take all our out of town guests here. Early mornings are less busy (pier opens at 10am). Evenings are packed.
Take a jacket for the evenings.
Take a hat or sum protection for a day time visit.
Written June 18, 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.
Kelly U
Appleton, WI75 contributions
Nov 2022
We had to go, it was our first time to Santa Monica, so we had to go to the pier. We went after dinner, so it was already dark. We walked the pier, lots of good people watching. There were people trying to get handouts or doing things to get money, but no one was pushy or made us uncomfortable, we enjoyed a few that were very talented. Lots of fishermen were down by the water. We went on the Ferris wheel, it was fun, nothing spectacular, more of a "we're here, so let's do it" thing. We played a game, and just took in the atmosphere. As we were leaving the pier, we heard karaoke at Rusty's and decided to stop for a drink which turned in to two and had a great time. Everything closes on the pier at 10, which was fine with us because we probably would've stayed a little longer and enjoyed another drink.
I think it would have been fun to go around sunset to get the views and then still be able to enjoy the traditional fair atmosphere at night. There were a lot of very annoying and rude teenagers all over, guessing most were locals, didn't ruin our time, but they were definitely noticeable all over.
I think it would have been fun to go around sunset to get the views and then still be able to enjoy the traditional fair atmosphere at night. There were a lot of very annoying and rude teenagers all over, guessing most were locals, didn't ruin our time, but they were definitely noticeable all over.
Written December 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.
GaryFleishman
Los Angeles, CA205 contributions
Feb 2022
I have been going to this Pier for many years and it is still energetic, vibrant and a fun zone. The Ferris Wheel is a work of Art that can been seen from far away. Arcade area is buzzing. It is filled with Tourists because you could spend hours or just minutes there and still enjoy. One matter to understand - on weekends it is very crowded and sometimes parking can be difficult, but well worth it.
Written February 12, 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.
Jojolapin
Paris, France42 contributions
Aug 2022
Great, big pier. My teens loved the arcade, lots of great games for them to explore. Lots of shops and restaurants, some reasonably priced. We had fish and chips outside in a restaurant overlooking the beach, in a shaded area. Paid 15 dollars (You have to order your food on a counter and pick it up too.) Ample and clean toilet facilities everywhere on the pier and you do not have to queue long neither. Not enough benches though. Rides are expensive. On the beach front alongside the pier there are mainly, very pricey restaurants. Lots of people on the beach, but it was too busy for us there and we also wanted to explore Venice beach so we took an Uber to go to Venice beach which I thought was more appropriate to relax. There you have shops by the beach to get stuff and more leisure facilities. Spent 12 dollars on an Uber ride, it was worth it and a good alternative to a 40 minute walk in the blazing heat.
Written August 5, 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.
rose m
London, UK120 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Restaurants are on the road which is too far from the beach because the sand area is huge.
So if you want a sea view head to the pier.
Do not buy souvenirs in santa monica or hollywood if you plan to visit san francisco because that will be cheaper there
Santa monica and hollywood are overrated and expensive
So if you want a sea view head to the pier.
Do not buy souvenirs in santa monica or hollywood if you plan to visit san francisco because that will be cheaper there
Santa monica and hollywood are overrated and expensive
Written February 13, 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.
Pat
Round Rock, TX9 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
A picturesque and perfect representation of Los Angeles. A lot of beautiful views, surfers, pot smokers, and people exercising. My son who attends university in LA took me here so we can go riding bikes. It was pleasant and had a better time than I expected. Very crowded between 6-9pm which makes it hard to get around so perhaps go earlier or later in day.
Written May 27, 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.
Scott A
Granite City, IL6 contributions
Can you ride bicycles on the pier?
warrenbruin
Tehachapi, CA109 contributions
It appears only foot traffic is allowed on the pier but I can’t completely confirm that. The bike trails are the best way to utilize the bikes in Santa Monica and Venice.
Can you sleep on the beach under pier
Chirpy
Los Angeles, CA194 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
milwaukee329 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
4 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, CO169 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, Canada3,359 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
Hola! Pienso ir dos días a Los Angeles, pienso hospedarme en Santa Monica, y quería leer recomendaciones de los imperdibles de la ciudad, teniendo en cuenta que estoy sin automóvil... gracias!
Thomas S
Oberndorf, Germany149 contributions
Hola, no hablo español! 😢 Have fun in Santa Monica!
Santa Monica Pier - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Monica Pier
- We recommend booking Santa Monica Pier tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 103 Santa Monica Pier tours on Tripadvisor
- 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 Tour from Las Vegas (From $220.99)
- Hotels near Santa Monica Pier:
- (0.14 mi) Shore Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Sea Blue Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Ocean View Hotel
- (0.24 mi) Le Merigot Santa Monica
- (0.25 mi) The Georgian Santa Monica
- Restaurants near Santa Monica Pier:
- (0.02 mi) Soda Jerks
- (0.03 mi) Tacos Fantasticos
- (0.03 mi) Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
- (0.04 mi) No Cluck Vegan Chicken
- (0.04 mi) OMV - Vegan Burgers & More!
- Attractions near Santa Monica Pier:
- (0.00 mi) Heal the Bay Aquarium
- (0.03 mi) The Surfbug Surf Lessons
- (0.03 mi) The Amazing Santa Monica Race
- (0.03 mi) Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome
- (0.03 mi) Sea Mist Rentals
Santa Monica Pier Information
Excellent Reviews | 7,942 |
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Santa Monica Pier Photos | 16,829 |