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
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
March 9, 2023
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, Florida19,602 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
March 11, 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
April 11, 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
April 28, 2023
Edsalldw
Ellsworth, Maine342 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
May 4, 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
May 25, 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
June 5, 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
June 7, 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
June 24, 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
June 28, 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
19,293 reviews
Excellent
7,981
Very good
6,980
Average
3,419
Poor
640
Terrible
275
lenmcduk1
Cobham, UK43 contributions
Morning walk
Jan 2019 • Family
we stayed in a nearby hotel in early January 2019 - we got up early and went for a walk (7am) coming from London it was amazing to see the blue sky and the lovely ocean !!! amazing
Written March 16, 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.
ajdial
Phoenix, AZ356 contributions
Crowded, but entertaining
Mar 2019 • Family
The iconic pier had it all: rides, t-shirts, junk food, crazy buskers, and lots of sea gulls. The view is great, the weather usually wonderful, and the atmosphere fun. A must for any visitor to Southern California.
Written March 15, 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.
Nisha Vats
Singapore, Singapore78 contributions
Very lively and great view
Apr 2018 • Couples
It's a very traditional Pier experience with rides, games, churros. Very lively and there are many street shows going on.
Written March 14, 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.
44isballn
Brantford80 contributions
Really amazing view
Mar 2019 • Family
Really busy pier with lots to do. There is plenty of parking, but prepared to do lots of walking. There are some good kids for the kids, with tons of food to try. There are some music and dance acts along the way that are great entertainment.
Written March 13, 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.
-Guzzis-are-ace-
Melbourne, Australia1,044 contributions
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel!!
Mar 2019 • Couples
Visited the pier on a sunny afternoon and it’s a great place to see the ocean, grab a meal or a snack. The Ferris wheel offers wonderful views!!
Written March 13, 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.
Karen7
London, UK679 contributions
Great traditional pier
Mar 2019 • Couples
This pier is just like Brighton in the UK but with more sunshine! It's an eclectic mix of food stands and amusem*nt arcades and rides, plus a nice walk out over the sea. A great focal point of the town
Written March 12, 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.
Tricia
14 contributions
Must see!
Mar 2019 • Family
Interesting entertainment, rides, and vendors on the pier. The beach and view is beautiful. A lot to see and do in one place.
Written March 12, 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.
Hailey Cox
Knoxville, TN48 contributions
Dirty contributing to water pollution
Mar 2019
There’s honestly no point in going here... nothing fun to do. It’s also really dirty and the bathrooms were also gross. There was trash all over which undoubtedly blows into the ocean sadly. Won’t go back. Really sad that they can’t keep the place clean and people throw trash on the ground. I honestly wouldn’t go back even if it was clean.
Written March 12, 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.
Julie T
1 contribution
Not Worth It
Jul 2018 • Family
When we went, it was in the middle of the summer. The pier itself was very dirty and the bathrooms were horrible. That would not have been a big deal (it is LA after all) except that the amusem*nt park was very disappointing. Nothing worth spending money on to ride. Many homeless people and other patrons line the pier with signs showing their disgust for our government using very colorful language. If you are looking for a nice place to take the family, Santa Monica Pier is not it. The only plus is that there is live music at the end of the Pier.
Written March 12, 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.
Gerald R
Columbiaville, United States36 contributions
Must see for first timers.
Feb 2019
After a disappointing stop for our group at Fisherman's Village, we made our way to the Santa Monica Pier. As it turned out, the time lost at the village was a blessing at the pier. Everyone had a great time.
Written March 12, 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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