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Best top-ranked places nearby

• Santa Monica Pier
• Annenberg Community Beach House
• Palisades Park
• Tongva Park
• Heal the Bay Aquarium
• Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
• Museum of Flying
• California Heritage Museum
• Santa Monica State Beach
• Bergamot Station Arts Center

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The Complete Guide To The Santa Monica Pier and Amusement Park

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley 

For fun in the sun, after-dark thrills, perfect selfie spots, fascinating people watching, fresh seafood, and even educational entertainment, you can’t beat the Santa Monica Pier .  

For most of its 110 years, the pier has attracted locals and tourists alike with the promise of endless entertainment options. But it didn’t start out that way. The West Coast’s first concrete pier debuted in September 1909 as a public utility for piping treated sewage out to sea.

But it didn’t take long for someone to put the fun in function. That someone was carousel carver Charles Looff who added a wider wooden pier alongside the municipal one and plopped an amusement park on top of it in 1916. He also added the Hippodrome, which still houses an antique merry-go-round. Looff sold the pier to a group of realtors in 1924 who expanded the property to include the La Monica Ballroom. The dance hall drew 50,000 people on opening night, causing the city’s first recorded traffic jam. After the Depression, it found renewed purpose as a convention center, lifeguard headquarters, roller rink, and the city jail. After World War II, it hosted musical acts like Roy Rogers and Desi Arnaz. The Hoffman Hayride, hosted in the ballroom, became the first variety show broadcast live in 1948.

In 1929, cartoonist Elzie C. Segar, who often brainstormed ideas for his comic strip  Thimble Theatre  in a rented rowboat at the pier, was inspired by Olaf Olsen, a retired Navy man who operated a fleet there, to create Popeye.

In 1934, the Santa Monica Yacht Harbor opened and one of its first moorings was purchased by Charlie Chaplin. The breakwater wound up changing the ocean current and caused the beach to expand into the wide swath it is today. The calm harbor was also a haven for watersports. Paddleboards were just as trendy then as they are today and the Hui Maiokioki Club (later renamed Manoa) organized races and invented paddleboard water polo and ballet in the 1940s.

By the ‘70s, it had become a hippie hangout and an eyesore. To make it more viable, a city manager proposed building a resort island and removing the pier to make way for a bridge. In 1973, the city council agreed, but plans were tossed when the community fought back until the decision was rescinded. Voters passed 1975’s Proposition 1 to preserve the pier forever. Severe storms destroyed a third of it in 1983, but it was rebuilt to the way it looks today by 1990 and the new theme park opened in 1996.

Like most LA landmarks, SMP has had its fair share of screen time. It’s been seen in TV shows and movies like  Forrest Gump, Top Chef, Hannah Montana, Hancock, Iron Man, The Sting, Sharknado, Beverly Hills 90210, Charlie’s Angels, Criminal Minds, South Park, Modern Family , and  Her . Jack even tried to impress Rose in  Titanic  by telling her he bravely rode the pier’s roller coaster. Too bad that ride wasn’t built until four years after the ship sank. 

What To See and Do 

On the boardwalk, down by the sea, there truly is something for everyone including an amusement park, aquarium, fishing, and spectacular sunsets. 

• Pacific Park , the last of the West Coast’s amusement parks located on a pier, has carnival games, fair food, and 12 rides including a 35-mph roller coaster, spinning sharks, a sea dragon swing, and traffic-themed bumper cars. It also has the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

• Ride the antique hand-carved wooden carousel inside the historic Hippodrome built when Looff was in charge.

• Heal the Bay operates a marine-education center under the carousel building. There are more than 100 species, all of which live in the bay just outside the door and some of which can be touched, on exhibit at the aquarium. Kids under 12 are free and California locals get a $2 discount on admission.

• The same family has run an arcade at SMP since 1954. Today, Playland Arcade has a mix of nostalgic classics like pinball machines, skeeball, and air hockey and updated video games, many of which help players earn prizes. 

• Fly high like Carrie Bradshaw on Sex And The City by taking a class in trapeze, silks, or trampoline at Trapeze School New York .  

• Fishing from the top deck is legal. The bait and tackle shop rents equipment, sells bait, and gives advice on what’s biting.

• Rent bikes and ride the paved path known as The Strand north to Pacific Palisades or south through Venice and Manhattan Beach to Torrance County Beach. All together the trail is 22 miles long.

• Take a selfie with the controversial Route 66 End of Trail sign. It’s controversial because the pier was designated as the official finish of the famed road at the 100 th -anniversary celebration in 2009. It’s a replica of the sign that once stood at the intersection of Ocean and Santa Monica Boulevard, the true terminus of the highway.

Annual Programming

These special events will help you determine when you #wishyouwerepier.

• ROGA is held most Saturdays from late March to August. It pairs an 8 am beach/pier run with a 9 am yoga class on the boardwalk. 

• The Twilight On The Pier concert series has set the Santa Monica night to music for 35 years. Typically held August through September, it features free live music and DJ sets as well as art, comedy, games, and a beer/wine garden.

• Pride is celebrated for the entire month of June.  

• Pier 360 is a free all-ages two-day festival in June that combines ocean sports competitions, live bands, food, drinks, and beach culture brands.

• November and December are reserved for a variety of holiday-themed programming including craft classes, puppet shows, art installations, holiday markets, and interactive experience.

Where To Eat

From fast to fancy, there’s plenty here to put in your stomach.

• Casual and quick options include Pier Burger , Japadog (hot dogs with Japanese-style toppings), and the Pacific Park food court.

• When at the shore, it makes sense to slurp down seafood. The Albright was the pier’s first sustainable business and has live oysters, crab, and lobster. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and The Lobster (an expensive sit-down spot) specialize in their titular crustaceans, but also have other fish and meat. Seaside On The Pier has seafood plus pizza, burgers, and a rooftop lounge.

• Rusty’s Surf Ranch usually pairs comfort food like chicken wings and fried pickles with live music. 

• At the very end of the pier since 1991, Mariasol serves in coastal Mexican cuisine — think tableside guacamole, shrimp fajitas, and Baja fish tacos — and is a great spot for sipping margaritas during sunset. 

• Satisfy a sweet tooth with ice cream from Soda Jerks . The latter offers tours of the soda fountain, which includes a sundae or specialty drink with admission.

• Although it isn’t technically on the pier, corndog connoisseurs should make the pilgrimage to the original Hot Dog On A Stick , which is about 350 feet south on the beach level. It was there in 1946 that Dave Barham first adapted his mom’s cornbread recipe.

How To Get There

Go west to Santa Monica State Beach via Interstate 10 and the Pacific Coast Highway (1). The famous neon sign crowns the entry ramp where Ocean and Colorado Avenues intersect. The ramp is open to pedestrians, bikes, and cars. Pier deck parking is also accessible by the ramp. Use Appian Way to park in either of the two beach-level lots. Or ride the Metro’s Expo Line to the Downtown Santa Monica Station and then walk straight down Colorado for less than 10 minutes. It's also a 10–minute walk to the Third Street Promenade and nine miles from LAX.

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Santa Monica Yacht Harbor Sign

Ocean & Colorado Ave, Santa Monica , California USA

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Santa Monica's Famous Pier Sign

May 9, 2019 3:22 PM by Miranda Iglesias

The   History Spotlight  focuses on the landmarks, residents   and   stories that have shaped Santa Monica into what it is today. Content is being produced in partnership with the Santa Monica Pier ,   Santa Monica Landmarks Commission ,  Santa Monica History Museum   and the   Santa Monica Daily Press .

The article below  originally appeared in the Santa Monica Daily Press   on May 4, 2019.

Author: Jim Harris, Santa Monica Pier Corporation 

Excerpt from  Santa Monica Pier: A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier  by James Harris   (Angel City Press, 2009)

There was once a time when visitors to the Santa Monica Pier would either walk or drive down the hill from the corner of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue and then walk or drive up onto the Pier. That’s right, UP! That all changed in the late 1930’s, and the result of that change left the world with one of southern California’s most immediately recognizable and iconic landmark signs.

In 1939, work began on the  Colorado Grade Separation Project , a complex highway project that was designed to improve access between the Pacific Coast Highway and city streets. The location of the project eliminated the traditional access to the pier, so planners designed a ramp at the end of Colorado Avenue to allow traffic to overpass the new access ways and travel directly onto the pier’s deck.

Ground broke for the new pier ramp on September 19, 1939, closing the entrance to the Municipal Pier and tearing up part of the pier’s east end. The City, recognizing that business would be severely hampered by the project, reduced rentals for businesses on the pier by five percent. Construction took five months and the ramp was opened for use on June 12, 1940.

The new access ramp was not clearly visible, nor was it obvious that it was indeed the correct route to the pier. This was of great concern to the businesses on the pier. With the money saved from the rent reduction during construction, the Santa Monica Pier Business Men’s Association committed two thousand dollars to hire the Pan-Pacific Neon Sign Company to design and construct a neon sign and mount it at the top of the bridge. The new sign was unveiled on June 17, 1941.

The sign’s text reads “Santa Monica Yacht Harbor – Sport Fishing – Boating – Cafes”, which may confuse the unknowing visitor today. However, when the sign was originally installed the Santa Monica Pier was indeed home to a fully functional and popular yacht harbor which provided moorings for, among others, internationally famous actor Charlie Chaplin.

The arched blue sign — twenty feet at its highest point, twelve feet at its lowest and supported by columns on each side of the ramp — has since become an internationally recognized landmark. In 1996 the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation declared the iconic sign a historic landmark. The official record notes its dual historical significance as: 1) a classic example of signage from the neon era, and 2) the designated marker for the last existing pleasure pier in an area in which they were once bountiful.

Authored By

Miranda Iglesias Public Information Coordinator

Exploring Santa Monica Pier Makes For A Perfect Day In LA

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10 Scenic, But Underrated Mountain Towns That Are Great Alternatives To Aspen

Underrated, but scenic: this small town in tennessee is a great alternative to nashville, 9 scenic, but underrated casino cities that are great alternatives to las vegas.

Los Angeles is one of the best destinations to visit in California . The conurbation of Los Angeles would seem to disappear as visitors reach Santa Monica since it is bound on one flank by hills and the other by the seashore. The seaside hamlet embodies the idyllic Southern California poster image and has a distinct appeal. But if visitors can only do one thing during their day here, it should be to explore the pier. The Santa Monica Pier is among the most famous photo destinations worldwide and represents the soul of Santa Monica. It serves as a metaphor for all the fun to experience near the shore in Los Angeles. Let's check out why it is a fantastic place for everyone to explore.

What To Discover In Santa Monica

Santa monica yacht harbour.

There are several sections to the pier. The Santa Monica Yacht Harbor's white and blue archway, in front of the fuchsia Del Frisco's Grille complex, marks the junction of Colorado Avenue and Ocean Avenue. Actually, the archway is just a historical relic from the 1940s when it was a well-known boat dock worldwide. Charlie Chaplin became the first to acquire the place for his vessel. Many people halt at this location to snap a photo.

Additionally, a slope connects the shore to the pier's start.

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The Pacific Park

A unique adventure park on the Western Coast, to be situated on a pier, is Pacific Park which has a view of the Pacific Ocean. The Ferris Wheel, the quintessential Santa Monica symbol, is its most emblematic feature. The best spot for families to enjoy is Pacific Park. The park boasts 12 exhilarating rides, such as the Western Coaster and the world's premier solar-charged Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel. All the coasters, games, and amusement one would anticipate when visiting one of South California's top entertainment venues are enjoyed by millions of tourists annually.

The Playland Arcade

The vintage Arcade will satiate people's longing and put all of their talents to the assessment for children and kids in spirit. Since 1954, the same family has operated an arcade at SMP. More than 200 games and activities , both traditional and modern, are available in the Playland Arcade. The Arcade offers a variety of modern video games, several of which assist players in winning prizes, along with retro favorites like skeeball, pinball machines, and air hockey. People must go to this location to have a good time and indulge in nostalgia.

Heal The Bay Aquarium

California has a large aquarium , and it is this one. Heal the Bay's public maritime education center is a hands-on adventure right below the iconic Carousel building and is considered Pier's hidden gem. The aquarium has over 100 species on display , a few can be stroked, and all are native to the shore just outside the entrance and reside there. Moray eels, seahorses, stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks are only a few various marine life creatures that tourists can see. Children below 12 are admitted free, and residents of California receive a $2 concession.

Santa Monica Merry-Go-Round

For more than a century, tourists looking for family-friendly leisure have continued to frequent this Santa Monica Pier Carousel. Visitors savor the chance to experience one of the last remaining authentic merry-go-rounds from the heyday of beach amusement. The 44 horses, two sleighs, a goat, and a bunny all move in unison when the ride is in motion. Along with the carousel, many people like to take pictures of the distinctive Looff Hippodrome building, which features a quirky fusion of Byzantine domes, Spanish Colonial towers, and Moorish openings.

Trapeze School

The Santa Monica Pier offers visitors a chance to add the ideal flair to their holiday. Trapeze School NYC is a fantastic location if folks want to discover something unique and challenging. Visitors who master the technique will have a flying sensation over the pier. It's a great deal of fun and a fantastic way of workout. The place provides classes in trampoline, static trapeze, silks, flying trapeze, and other things. A person would undoubtedly like to master the aerial trapeze and acrobatic arts and have a great time doing it.

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Where To Eat At The Pier

Bubba gump shrimp co..

Bubba's brings the South to Southern California and is a bustling place to satisfy the cravings for shrimp or perhaps a few Dixie-way baby back wings. The Santa Monica Pier dining offers inventive seafood meals made with freshly caught fish, as well as breathtaking vistas and a wide selection of kid-friendly menu options. While there are many different ways to cook shrimp, visitors may also get a wide array of Southern dishes like Southern Fried Chicken, Cajun-style Mahi Mahi, and Baby Back Ribs.

Mariasol Cocina Mexicana

The vibrant Baja cantina is at the tip of Santa Monica Dock with panoramic decks and unparalleled Ocean views. It provides tasty Mexican favorites and live bands and is the ideal place to enjoy a beverage and enjoy the sun go down. Mariasol offers dishes such as tableside guacamole, shrimp fajitas, Camacho Tacos, Sombrero Salad, Viva Mexico Burritos, crab enchiladas, and Baja fish tacos in addition to other dishes from the coastal region of Mexico. To finish their dinner on a sweet note, people can also enjoy the Flan de Miel, a delightful honey dessert.

The Albright

The Albright serves the finest fish and was the pier's premier environmentally friendly venture. Visitors can truly enjoy the seaside lifestyle at the Santa Monica Pier by treating themselves to pails of freshly cooked crabs, oysters, and lobsters in an alfresco dining setting on the porch. There is also an option of taco, poke, and ceviche plates along with the traditional fish and chips. The venue also has a sizable craft beer selection and California wine pairings for its visitors.

Although California has unique spa and wellness resorts , visiting this place would also give one the perfect unwinding option. Santa Monica is indeed a great location to visit, and its pier provides an excellent opportunity for a day out for all. Therefore, this is the location to explore in LA if people are looking for a fantastic spot to enjoy themselves.

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Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Whoever coined the saying “It’s about the journey, not the destination” never arrived in Santa Monica. As the endpoint to America’s fabled Route 66, the 2,448-mile highway connecting the country’s heartland to the vast Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica has long delivered an unforgettable crescendo of Gold Coast sun, curling waves, and culture like no other. And this year, as the “Mother Road” commemorates its 90th anniversary, there’s never been a better time to celebrate its ultimate destination, and discover how the spirit of Route 66 still inspires visitors and locals alike. Whether you crave a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or you want to feel the pulse of the city’s ever-evolving Southern California beach town vibe, here’s how to find your Santa Monica scene, past or present.  By Mindy Farabee

You Want To Cruise Around Town

THEN: Route 66 ensured that Southern California has long been synonymous with car culture. But that’s never been the whole story. The city’s Big Blue Bus service started in 1928, quickly establishing one of the most efficient ways to navigate the city.

NOW: The Big Blue Bus still offers two routes (Route 3 and Rapid 3) from Los Angeles International Airport City Bus Center, and fares cost just $1.25. But these days cruising also means going by bike. Santa Monica boasts miles of bike lanes (including the 20-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail) along with a citywide bike share and perks like a free bike valet at many locations and events in the city.

You Want A Classic Beach Workout

THEN: By 1938, the mix of sculpted, acrobatic bods at Muscle Beach inspired the Los Angeles Times to declare, “It seems everyone on the beach can stand on his hands.” Originally conceived as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in the early 1930s, the Original Muscle Beach, just south of the Route 66 end point, quickly morphed from a few tumbling mats and gymnastic bars to the epicenter of the 20th century’s growing fitness movement, with crowds gathering to watch acrobatic feats.

NOW: Nowadays the scene is more laid-back but no less athletic. Sets of gymnastic rings and bars still line the beach here, attracting both seasoned pros and lighthearted, Instagramming visitors. Fitness buffs looking for a more aquatic challenge can also opt for a classic Southern California workout—surfing! Go Surf LA offers year-round surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons, complete with ocean safety tips for the life-long land lover.

You Want Vintage Hollywood Glam

THEN: An extravagant gift from newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst to his mistress, silent film star Marion Davies, the stunning Marion Davies Estate dates back to 1929 and once hosted lavish parties for studio execs and actors.

NOW: Today the home has been beautifully restored and rechristened the Annenberg Community Beach House . Open to the public, it’s a one-of-a-kind destination, combining art galleries, cultural and community events, and exceptional recreation facilities, like the original marble-lined pool set on the edge of the beach. As for the original Marion Davies Guest House, it remains open for free tours—no reservations required.

You Want A Tall Tale (And a Drink)

THEN: Legend has it that during the Prohibition, notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel enjoyed drinks inside a hidden lounge at The Georgian Hotel.

NOW: Today, fresh batches of speakeasy-themed bars are all the rage in Santa Monica. Try Solidarity , a redesigned version of local favorite Warszawa that features a clubby lounge concealed behind a moving bookshelf. And that secret room at The Georgian Hotel ? It’s now available to reserve for birthday parties and other private events.

You Want A Classic Beach Bite

THEN: In 1946, Hot Dog on a Stick  began offering the perfect pairing: An ocean-side stroll accompanied by a cup of fresh lemonade in one hand and a piping hot corn dog in the other.

NOW: Seventy years later, the little red shack still turns out its signature fare. If you find yourself further away from the pier but still looking for some beach side eats, you are sure to stumble upon one of Perry’s Cafe and Beach Rental four beach side locations.

You Want A Walk in the Park

THEN: The oldest public space of its kind in Santa Monica—established in 1892—Palisades Park stretches for more than 26 acres along Ocean Avenue, boasting serene ocean views and midcentury gems like Camera Obscura , which features a rotating vintage optic device.

NOW: Named for the Native Americans who first called the region home, Santa Monica’s newest green space, the award-winning Tongva Park , opened in 2014 with six acres of gardens, water features, and a set of raised observation platforms that riff off ancient basket designs.

You Want To See the End of the Trail

First connected to the historic highway in 1936, the city of Santa Monica pays homage to Route 66 lore with four Route 66 markers (Santa Monica Blvd. at Stanford St; Santa Monica Blvd at Fourth St; and at the Visitor Information Kiosk located at 1400 Ocean Ave.) including the “End of the Trail” sign located on the Santa Monica Pier. And after a century-plus, the Santa Monica Pier still stands as the most important location to mark your arrival in town. Stop by any of the Santa Monica Visitor Information Centers for the full Route 66 story and official end points or to find out how you can obtain a certificate of completion.

PEERING THROUGH TIME: A Further History of the Santa Monica Pier

1909 – The Municipal Pier opens with speeches from the mayor and a parade from Santa Monica City Hall to the deck of the Pier.

1916 – “Pleasure Pier” built by Charles Looff opens, featuring thrill rides, fun houses, dance halls, and the famous Looff Hippodrome.

1939 – Deputies attempting to shut down the SS Rex, an offshore gambling boat just beyond the Pier, are repelled by blasts from high-pressure hoses.

1941 – For a cost of $2,000, the Santa Monica Pier Business Men’s Association commissions the Yacht Harbor sign, now a historic landmark.

1973 – In dire need of repairs, the Pier is saved by a grassroots community rally, which resulted in Prop 1, preserving the Pier forever.

1983 – A massive El Niño storm season destroys one-third of the Pier.

1996 – Pacific Park opens, becoming the first full-scale amusement park on the Pier since the 1930s.

1998 – The Pacific Wheel, is converted to solar, making it the world’s first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

2009 – The Pier was dedicated as the traditional End of the Route (Route 66 technically ends at Lincoln Blvd & Olympic Blvd) and the Rout 66 “End of the Trail” sign was erected.

Photographs from (top to bottom): Big Blue Bus, Stephanie Plomarity, Kristen Beinke and Santa Monica History Museum.

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NOTICE OF CLOSURES AND SPECIAL HOURS: please check our operating calendar before planning your visit. READ MORE

• Wednesday, September 18, Pacific Park will be CLOSED to the public at 3:00 pm.
• Saturday, September 21, Pacific Park will be open to the public at 3:00 pm.
• Tuesday, September 24, Pacific Park will be CLOSED to the public at 5:00 pm.
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The History of the Santa Monica Pier Sign

Published on October 21, 2020

Learn the history behind the iconic Santa Monica Pier sign.

You’d be hard pressed to find anything more identified with the City of Santa Monica than the Santa Monica Pier Sign. It is to Santa Monica what the Golden Arches are to McDonald’s, the Empire State Building is to New York, the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It is iconic.

The sign has been seen in countless film productions, not to mention the innumerable personal photos taken by visitors to the area. It stands as an invitation to an experience you won’t find elsewhere, which is exactly what the Santa Monica Businessmen’s Association had in mind when they commissioned it in 1940.

The Pier had been in business awhile before they got around to putting up a sign, with its creation in 1909. In 1939, a highway project connecting the then-Roosevelt Highway (it would be renamed the Pacific Coast Highway in 1941) to Santa Monica’s city streets was begun, and in the process the old access to the Pier was removed. A ramp was designed to bring traffic from the end of Colorado Avenue right down onto the Pier itself. After its completion, the Santa Monica Businessmen’s Association decided to erect the sign to promote the Pier as a tourist destination.

They paid Fred Lehman and his staff at the Pan-Pacific Neon Sign company $2,000 to design and build the arched sign. Pan-Pacific chose a Streamline Moderne style with blue, white, and gold paint. Welcoming, arched signs were popular in small towns in the earlier parts of the 1900s.

Per the official records, “The Santa Monica Pier Sign is a curved neon sign approximately twenty feet high at its highest point and twelve feet high at its lowest…a stylized metal arch, approximately thirty-five feet wide, attached to a utilitarian steel lattice frame and posts.” It was officially unveiled in 1941.

The information on the sign was correct, for a short time. The outbreak of World War II pretty much ended the yacht harbor aspect, but the sport fishing element continued to thrive. The neon was even extinguished during the war. There were issues with the breakwater that had been built in the 1930s that made boating challenging, and by the early 1980s, there were no more boats sidling up. However, the words still remained on the sign.

The City wisely trademarked the sign and owns it outright and in June of 2012 designated it as a historic Santa Monica landmark.

The occasional truck hits it and according to the historical documents, it was moved in the 1950s to be closer to Ocean Avenue. It was originally in the center of the bridge. Although it’s been repainted, the only replaced elements have been the neon tubing and wiring. Everything else is original. The official report reads “one of the finest existing samples of signage from the neon era, dating from approximately 1930–1960.” And it still welcomes you today.

This information was provided courtesy of Santa Monica local Alex Mebane. Mebane wrote and published a book on all the iconic signs in Santa Monica – you can learn more and purchase his book at www.signsofsantamonica.com , as well as check out fun facts on his Instagram .

Feature image courtesy of @oscarr.arriola

Image / Santa Monica Yacht harbor

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