Santa Monica Pier
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPiers & Boardwalks
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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 amusem*nt 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
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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 travellers are saying
Batch
Wallasey, United Kingdom135 contributions
Santa Monica walk a mile :)
We visited last year 2022, put your walking trainers on because it is a walk to the pier. It was a fantastic sunny day at the pier, the views are amazing. The shops are exspencive but it's santa monica. There was a lot to see and alot to do. So many Places to eat seemed nice . 👍 looked very packed . We seen a few acts on the pier wich were entertaining. All and all a great day out . There are people who will take you along the pier on bikes . You can rent a bike , or rent a surf board. Remember to rest and enjoy.
Visited August 2022
Travelled as a couple
Written
11 April 2023
its5oclocksumwhere
Derry, New Hampshire426 contributions
Photo Stop
I 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 2023
Travelled with family
Written
28 April 2023
Edsalldw
Ellsworth, Maine343 contributions
Gone down hill but great diner
Much 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 day
Visited May 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written
4 May 2023
John B
Chepstow, United Kingdom86 contributions
Disappointing Santa Monica
Slightly 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 2023
Travelled with family
Written
25 May 2023
Tammy W
Kerrville, Texas109 contributions
Must see if in the area
I 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 2023
Written
5 June 2023
Johnny-Glenda P
Mount Holly, North Carolina57 contributions
Last Stop on Route 66
This 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 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written
7 June 2023
Marcus Baso
3 contributions
Fun 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 2023
Travelled with family
Written
24 June 2023
llam56
Las Vegas, Nevada3 contributions
Loved Santa Monica Pier
We 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 co*cktails 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 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written
28 June 2023
Tania S
18 contributions
Disappointing and overrated
The 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 2023
Travelled with family
Written
3 July 2023
CasandraTP
Sydney, Australia1,088 contributions
Fun thing to do
If 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 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written
3 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order. Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
19,302 reviews
Excellent
7,985
Very good
6,983
Average
3,419
Poor
640
Terrible
276
Momof2boyz2015
Bentonville, AR187 contributions
Don't need much time if not doing rides
Mar 2019 • Family
This was a quick stop for us as we didn't go to do the rides. It is an interesting place that seems like you need to see it especially if you are from out of town. There are a lot of food vendors around so go hungry. The view is BEAUTIFUL! It is very windy, rough water and chilly so bring a light jacket. There is parking right off the pier as well as off the beach so you have options. There are public restrooms right on the beach.
Written 23 March 2019
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.
Nitin K
Navi Mumbai, India32 contributions
Good place to hangout
Mar 2019 • Friends
It has been developed well with good number eateries around it. A wooden bridge that goes straight into the sea. Nice beach which crowded throughout the day. Nice place to click photos & make the visit memorable. There is also a flyer & games section for children.
Written 22 March 2019
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.
Dimitar G
Sofia, Bulgaria19 contributions
Pier for everyone
Sept 2018 • Friends
Just a great place to walk around and hang out. We were there at sunset and it was beautiful over the Pacific ocean. One more thing bring a jacket. It is usually cooler than inland and there is usually a pretty good breeze.
Written 22 March 2019
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.
Debra Roberts
Tenerife, Spain804 contributions
Bit of history
Mar 2019 • Couples
This is arguably one of the must go places in L.A. When you're checking what to do this always comes up. The pier itself is a great place to head to, the views are great from both sides and great for photo taking. You can see street performers and other activities as well as the expected rides. The view from the end of the pier is also really good and we loved the painted deck... ... get someone to stand on the steps and take a photo looking down. Great place to wander especially if you have children, very touristy but that's part of the fun
Written 21 March 2019
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.
elklix
Buenos Aires, Argentina96 contributions
its a must
Mar 2019 • Family
The only way to have a look of Santa Monica,Venice and Pacific Palisades.Besides yo will see many many people from all over the world and very special looks too.You can eat, drink,buy some small gifts and go to the merry go round.Enjoy the beach too!!!
Written 21 March 2019
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.
Amanda C
Gold Coast, Australia1,674 contributions
Fun!
Mar 2019 • Friends
A must do on your first visit to Santa Monica!
Great photo opportunities and good to see places you’ve probably seen before on the TV.
A few nice restaurants on site, fun park, buskers and great views of the beach.
Wear flat shoes for the visit.
Lots to see and do at the Pier.
Written 21 March 2019
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.
kitesurferPerth
Bicton, Australia98 contributions
Historic pier surrounded by beautiful beaches
Mar 2019 • Couples
There is a lot to see on the pier with restaurants, fairground, sea lions, and of course wonderful ocean and beach views.
Written 21 March 2019
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.
Kate J
Los Angeles, CA24 contributions
Santa Monica Pier is a must visit for families visiting LA
Dec 2018 • Family
Santa Monica Piet is fun for the whole family, complete with an old school fun fair with state of the art Ferris wheel to get the best views over Santa Monica beach all the way to Malibu and beyond. Alternately hours can be whiled away in the gaming arcade with fun for all ages to be had. Local residents can enjoy learning aerial silk trapeze skills there as well as throw a great kids party in the little aquarium downstairs or the beautiful old school Carousel on the pier. There are many and diverse food and restaurant options, my personal favorite being the Mexican restaurant right at the end of the pier, a perfect spot to view a magnificent California sunset over the sea.
Written 20 March 2019
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.
744Dmack744
USA101 contributions
Still cool, but parking is no fun
Mar 2019 • Couples
IF you have never been it's must do while in Santa Monica. It's where I got engaged so it's a special place for me. The performers and the boardwalk games still steal the show, and it's hard to beat a sunset on the pier.
Written 20 March 2019
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.
amyblackburn
College Station, TX110 contributions
Fun day at the Santa Monica Pier
Mar 2019 • Family
My two teenage girls had a blast riding all the fun rides at the pier. I rode a couple with them myself, then enjoyed relaxing on a bench and watching the beautiful ocean. Great way to spend a beautiful day.
Written 20 March 2019
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.
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