Santa Monica Pier
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPiers & 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 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
Tawnyrval
Ontario, California1,615 contributions
Great place to come, bring the whole family
I've been coming to the pier for as long as I can remember! It was always fun ditching school and heading to Santa Monica beach (next to the pier) or finally making some money to eat at Bubba Gump or The Lobster (not on the pier but close to it). No matter how many times I come I always appreciate the fresh air, new and upscale dinning, the music, and pier shows. Worth the stop if visiting Santa Monica!Dog Friendly - Leash Required
Visited January 2023
Written
26 February 2023
Sydney
Saint Louis, Missouri211 contributions
Crowded But Fun
Obviously you have to check out the pier if you're in Santa Monica. It is really crowded, but finding garage parking nearby wasn't all that difficult. The only issue is that you're standing shoulder to shoulder with people on the pier, especially when entering. We had ice cream on the pier, watched people play some arcade games, and then walked around on the beach. Fun overall, but it is very touristy.
Visited July 2022
Written
9 March 2023
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, Florida19,599 contributions
Great for teens!
Took a group of 40 students there, and they all had a great time! The weather wasn't the best, but they made the most out of it. There are plenty of eateries, including Bubba Gump, as well as gift shops and a ton of cool rides!
Visited March 2023
Travelled on business
Written
11 March 2023
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 Hampshire422 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, Maine339 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
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.
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AMohsen
Port Said, Egypt484 contributions
Vibrant Spot
July 2023 • Friends
It is a quite vibrant place and it should be on the list to go. The pier is historic and the most popular pier on Los Angeles beaches, so it is relatively the most crowded one.
Written 31 January 2024
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.
Sue G
San Francisco, CA3 contributions
A must see while in Santa monica!
Jan 2024 • Family
Had a great time here even though the weather was a little cold. Crowds were not bad at all. We will definitely be back in the warmer weather!
Written 23 January 2024
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.
Aimee Z
Singapore, Singapore5 contributions
What a great experience!
July 2023 • Family
There are a lot of people on the beach on weekends, and the wind is a bit strong, so I mainly wear less clothes, haha, I’m not as physically fit as foreigners, but there are some people wearing hoodies. Soak up the sun on the beach or take a dip in the sea. A very comfortable afternoon. The performances on the plank road are very lively!
Written 20 January 2024
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.
Angelloyd
Sydney, Australia24 contributions
Worth visiting
Jan 2024 • Couples
We visited Santa Monica Pier in January 2024. It was nice to wander around and take in the sights of this old structure. We went back at sundown and rode the Ferris wheel from which we saw a beautiful sunset. The roller coaster was also fun.
Written 10 January 2024
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.
Lenny H
Auckland, New Zealand733 contributions
Very busy and touristy
Nov 2023 • Couples
Definitely a must to visit if you’re in Santa Monica, but very very touristy. Worth having a wander around, but not much else.
Written 6 January 2024
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.
Timo van den Berg
Overtornea, Sweden50 contributions
Great place, you feel like you're walking around in a movie
Aug 2023 • Friends
A great place with absolutely everything to offer. Great food, great souvenirs, great games and acts, and a great atmosphere around. This is an amazing place to spend some hours.
Written 3 January 2024
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.
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,618 contributions
Iconic and Wonderful
Jan 2024 • Friends
We were looking for something quintessentially LA to do, and by the time we'd discussed all the alternatives, going to the Pier was the only one still open. It was chilly, especially with the brisk wind, but the cold did nothing to dent the enthusiasm of the huge crowds. We loved the surf, the sunset, the funnel cakes, the people watching. The funnel cakes were actually a hoot, as the powdered sugar on top blew all over us in the wind, making us look like we had small dabs of cotton all over our clothes. A perfect people- watching adventure.
Written 3 January 2024
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.
themaddog74
England299 contributions
Rides are very overpriced, but are still a must
Nov 2023 • Family
We found $12 per ride very overpriced, but visiting Santa Monica Pier is a must. As well as the pier, there were alot of very interesting people at the pier. Everything was clean and in working condition. There are also places to eat at Santa Monica Pier.
Written 21 December 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.
FarAway49905234276
6 contributions
A must to visit, but rides are overpriced.
Dec 2023 • Family
We visited Santa Monica Pier as this really is a mandatory place to visit when in the Los Angeles area. We rode on the roller coaster and our children rode on the Ferris Wheel. The prices for the rides were a rip off to be honest, but then so are the goldolas in Venice, but they're things you just have to do. There were alot of very interesting people on the pier.
Written 18 December 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.
Sammy
Darwin, Australia350 contributions
Disappointing
Dec 2023 • Family
We chose to stay at Santa Monica to be close to the pier, however we were disappointed with the stench of urine and the numerous homeless people in the area. The pier is no as big as we’d imagined and it’s full of cheap souvenirs & unappealing food venues, we chose not to eat at. Water is beautiful and clear and beach looked beautiful. The theme park is small and aging, rides expensive. Unless you have other activities planned in this area I would not specificity plan your trip around staying near the pier.
Written 16 December 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.
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