Santa Monica Pier
Iconic LA landmark with amusement park, aquarium, shops, and restaurants offering classic seaside fun and ocean vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Santa Monica Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic LA landmark with amusement park, aquarium, shops, and restaurants offering classic seaside fun and ocean vistas.
"The Santa Monica Pier is a classic LA experience, offering fun, food, and fantastic ocean views."
🎯 Skip Pier Parking
Opt for downtown garages or the Metro E Line for cheaper parking.
🎡 Focus on Key Rides
Enjoy the Ferris wheel and atmosphere; not all rides are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pacific Park
Santa Monica Pier
Iconic amusement park with thrilling rides and games, including the famous Ferris wheel offering stunning ocean views.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Santa Monica Pier
A small but engaging aquarium showcasing local marine life, perfect for a quick, educational stop.
The Ferris Wheel
Pacific Park, Santa Monica Pier
Ride the iconic Ferris wheel for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Smarts
Pier Experience Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skip Pier Parking
Opt for downtown garages or the Metro E Line for cheaper parking. +1
🎡 Focus on Key Rides
Enjoy the Ferris wheel and atmosphere; not all rides are essential.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Walk north or south on the beach path for miles of scenic views.
🎣 Pier Fishing Tips
Use sabiki rigs for mackerel; license not needed for public pier fishing. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skip Pier Parking
Opt for downtown garages or the Metro E Line for cheaper parking. +1
🎡 Focus on Key Rides
Enjoy the Ferris wheel and atmosphere; not all rides are essential.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Walk north or south on the beach path for miles of scenic views.
🎣 Pier Fishing Tips
Use sabiki rigs for mackerel; license not needed for public pier fishing. +1
🍻 Open Container Zone
Enjoy drinks from participating restaurants in designated areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the iconic Santa Monica Pier for its classic boardwalk feel, amusement park fun, and stunning ocean views, especially at sunset. While parking can be pricey and some find the rides expensive, the overall vibrant atmosphere and photo opportunities make it a must-visit LA landmark.
"Santa Monica Pier – Fun, Sun, and Classic California Vibes!
Santa Monica Pier is an iconic destination that perfectly captures the spirit of Southern California. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s the kind of place that brings joy the moment you step onto it. With its lively amusement park, street performers, ocean views, and classic arcade games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Riding the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and walking along the pier with an ice cream in hand while listening to the waves is simply relaxing and unforgettable.
It’s great for families, couples, kids, and anyone who loves the beach atmosphere. The pier has a magical charm during the day and turns even more beautiful at sunset when the lights start to glow.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to catch the sunset—it’s the perfect blend of fun and scenic beauty. A must-see in LA!"
Mufasa KC
"Beautiful spot with amazing views!
Santa Monica Pier has a little of everything — lively energy, rides, food, and an ocean view that’s hard to beat. The sunsets are stunning and the pier lights up at night with a fun carnival vibe. Perfect place to walk, relax, and take photos. Parking nearby can get busy, but it’s worth it for the experience. Definitely a must-see in LA!"
Luis
"A nice pier to walk and spend some time. There are a few activities like the small amusement park, food options, and souvenir shops. I especially enjoyed the street entertainers, the ocean views, and the seating areas to relax and take it all in. Overall, a fun spot with a great beach vibe."
Ben Casco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive and park in nearby garages, take public transport like the Metro E Line, or use ride-sharing services. Many visitors recommend avoiding direct pier parking due to cost and crowds. +2
Yes, the Metro E Line (Expo Line) stops conveniently at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, a short walk from the pier. This is a popular and cost-effective choice. +1
Redditors suggest parking in downtown Santa Monica's public garages on 2nd or 4th streets, which often have free parking for the first 90 minutes. +2
Yes, the Expo Line is generally considered safe and is a convenient way to reach the pier, especially from Downtown LA.
Yes, some free parking can be found near Palisades Park, offering a pleasant walk to the pier. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Santa Monica Pier itself is free to enter and walk around. However, attractions like Pacific Park rides and the aquarium have separate admission fees.
Ride tickets and unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased at Pacific Park. Prices vary, and it's often recommended to focus on a few key rides rather than purchasing an all-inclusive pass if on a budget.
For most attractions on the pier, you can purchase tickets on-site. However, checking the official websites for Pacific Park or the aquarium might offer online booking options or special deals.
The pier is generally open 24/7, but individual shops, restaurants, and attractions like Pacific Park have specific operating hours that vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check their individual schedules.
Yes, simply walking the pier, enjoying the ocean views, people-watching, and browsing the shops are all free activities. Street performers often entertain visitors as well.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Pacific Park, especially the Ferris wheel for incredible views, and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The pier itself offers a lively atmosphere with shops and food vendors.
Yes, pier fishing is popular at the Santa Monica Pier. You don't need a license to fish from a public pier in the ocean. Common catches include mackerel. +1
You'll find a variety of casual dining options, from classic pier snacks like churros and ice cream to seafood restaurants and fast-food favorites.
Yes, the pier is a very popular tourist destination with a strong 'safety in numbers' presence. It's generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours.
Santa Monica has approved an open container zone allowing you to purchase beverages from participating restaurants and consume them in designated public areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of the pier entrance sign, the Ferris wheel against the ocean, and panoramic views from the wheel itself. Sunset offers magical lighting.
Sunset provides stunning golden hour light for photos. Weekday mornings can offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in crowded public areas and near airports. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone near the pier.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing wide ocean views and closer details. A wide-angle lens is ideal for the expansive pier and boardwalk.
The 'End of the Trail' Route 66 sign is a classic photo op. Also, capture the vibrant colors of Pacific Park and the bustling activity on the pier.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium provides an engaging, albeit small, educational experience about local marine life. Consider purchasing ride tickets strategically, focusing on a few favorites rather than an all-day pass if budget is a concern. 💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel for panoramic ocean vistas, followed by a stroll along the beach path. Consider enjoying a meal at one of the pier's restaurants or exploring the nearby Third Street Promenade for more dining and entertainment options. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking: The Smart Traveler's Guide
For an even more budget-friendly and convenient option, leverage Los Angeles' public transportation. The Metro E Line (Expo Line) has a station at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, which is a short and pleasant walk to the pier. This eliminates parking hassles altogether and allows you to enjoy the scenic journey.
If you prefer to drive closer, explore parking options near Palisades Park. While not always free, it can be less congested than the pier lot and offers a beautiful walk along the bluffs to reach your destination.
Pier Fishing: What to Know Before You Cast
For those looking to catch larger fish, experienced anglers suggest using mackerel as live bait or cut chunks. This can attract species like sharks or rays.
While pier fishing can be a fun experience, some Redditors note that it might not be the most fruitful for catching a large quantity of fish compared to other locations, with smaller mackerel being the most frequent catch.
Experiencing Santa Monica Pier Safely
Beyond the pier itself, the surrounding beach path offers miles of scenic walking and biking. This area is also well-trafficked and generally safe, especially during daylight hours.
For those concerned about navigating the area, taking the Metro E Line to the 4th Street and Colorado Avenue station is a recommended safe and efficient way to reach the pier, bypassing potential parking issues and traffic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit