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4.0
11,510 votes

Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California 90401 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Thu 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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Iconic Attraction

Our Take

The Santa Monica Pier was only recently officially declared the endpoint for Route 66 in 2009, but it has been the unofficial end of the road for more than 50 years; no trip down the Mother Road is complete until you've dipped your toes in the refreshingly chilly waters of the Pacific. Either way, the pier, which has been around for more than 100 years, is a fitting end for the Route, with its retro vibes and incredible views. It's got the historic carousel, the Ferris wheel, an aquarium, and some good eats. If you're completing Route 66, treat yourself to a milkshake or a beer... you've earned it.

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“So many fun things to see and do!”

The Santa Monica Pier is open 365 days a year. Admission is free. Recreational and entertainment center featuring restaurants, retail establishments and amusement park.  The world-famous Santa Monica Pier offers a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park; a historic 1922 Carousel, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and an interactive aquarium. As you stroll the Pier, enjoy lively street performers — from musicians to artists plus fabulous vendor carts and don't miss some of the best sunsets along the California coast.

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Reviewed by
Erica Griffith

  • 92 Reviews
  • 106 Helpful
July 01, 2014
Rated

Had a great time strolling around the pier. True, pretty touristy, but the beach is pretty big and spacious!

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Nick Philpott

  • Road Warrior
  • 160 Reviews
  • 138 Helpful
May 28, 2014
Rated

Super touristy, but I mean, come on. It's the Santa Monica Pier. It's an icon.

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
GRKNRG

  • 13 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
July 05, 2019
Rated 4.0

Great place to relax and walk around. Our hotel included parking but if you’re not careful, it’s extremely pricey around here and it adds up quickly. 20-35$ a day to park. Be careful with ocean view hotels, request the best view ahead of time or you can be stuck with a dumpster back of the building view. We visited on July 4th so be aware they don’t do fireworks here anymore. You can stand on this pier and watch them miles away, at Manta Del Ray marina but it wasn’t as dramatic as being right beside the action. The pier has activities, performers, artists and loads of homeless walking around, trying to hustle. Restaurant options either on the pier or surrounding street areas, within reasonable walking distance. Lots of souvenir stores and if you drive/walk around, you can find all sorts of clothing and apparel stores also. As for the ocean, it didn’t look too clean to swim but during our stay, people were at the beach and enjoying the water. Nighttime can get chilly so be aware to bring appropriate clothing. Overall, sunset with the mountain backdrop was what captivated me the most.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
August 31, 2014
Rated 4.0

Drove down Route 66 with my 9-month old son this summer and our last stop was the Santa Monica Pier. We had such a fantastic time on the boardwalk, taking pictures and people-watching. If you go there on a clear day you can get the most beautiful photos. Great Mexican restaurant at the end of the pier as well.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
DandyDriftwood

  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
August 31, 2014
Rated 4.0

It's touristy, but it's the Santa Monica Pier. It's like the Coney Island of the West Coast. It's and Icon. Go. Do it. Experience it.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Kathleen Oanes

  • 103 Reviews
  • 80 Helpful
August 12, 2014
Rated

Yeah, there's lots of toutists here. But this never seemed to be a problem. The area is big enough for everyone. The beach is really nice, and so is the theme park. Take your loved one here and have lots of fun. Go on a date at the carnival, take a walk at the beach, eat at a really nice restaurant. There's just so much to do here. Hey, it's "the" Sta. Monica pier for a reason.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Sophie Primeau

  • 15 Reviews
  • 13 Helpful
July 27, 2014
Rated 4.0

nice place at night to take a walk and feel the fresh air, good restaurants around the place with a good low price. be careful a lot of parking starting at 5$ to 25$

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
nicjean

  • 7 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
July 23, 2014
Rated

Oh, also, parking is 3 dollars an hour. Not bad.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
nicjean

  • 7 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
July 23, 2014
Rated

Great place to spend the afternoon. Beautiful pier with good street musicians performing. Great spot to fish, too, and nice beach.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
michael_buchta

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
October 20, 2023
Rated

Absolute most beautiful place on earth. Been there 2 times and I live in Connecticut. Rides are legendary, food is great, souvenir shops good and perfect weather.

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Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, California
90401 USA
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Hours

Open 24 hours today
  • Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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Good for Cultural travelers. Has a Scenic vibe.

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Parking, Dining

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