Santa Monica Pier Tours and Activities

Santa Monica Pier featuring rides
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier


You'll find beachside kitsch, boardwalk ambiance and carnival fun at this sunbaked LA attraction that’s more than a hundred years old.

You can get plenty of kicks near the end of Route 66. Santa Monica Pier now marks the official western point of the legendary U.S. highway, one of the country’s first. This world-famous stretch of pavement originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, and was later extended to Santa Monica, where many travelers concluded their cross-country trek with a visit to this pleasure pier of fun and excitement.  

Though one of southern California’s last remaining vintage piers, this is no rusting relic of a bygone age. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, it’s a lively venue packed with musical and theatrical entertainment and activities for the whole family.  

Ride a roller coaster or sit atop the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, which stands 130 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Munch on cotton candy, cast a line and see what you can catch or stroll along the planks to take in the salty sea air.

Other attractions include arcades, restaurants, artists and street performers. Learn highflying acrobatics at the trapeze school or hire a bike and cycle your way around the sights. An aquarium focusing on the local marine life sits below the pier at beach level. Kids will love interactive activities such as touch tanks and marine biology classes.

One of the most popular sights is the restored wooden carousel with colorful hand-carved horses. Built in 1922 and housed in its own building called the Looff Hippodrome, the carousel is most famously featured in the Robert Redford and Paul Newman film, The Sting.

You’ll find tranquil moments away from the crowds in the viewing deck on the second level of the hippodrome. Most people miss this part of the pier so it’s a wonderfully quiet spot to enjoy ocean views.

Santa Monica is about 18 miles (29 miles) west of downtown, just north of Venice Beach.

Plan a trip to see Santa Monica Pier

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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Monica Pier

The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
1707 4th St, Santa Monica, CA
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

5 out of 5
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Fairmont Miramar Hotel
Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel

3 out of 5
1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Ocean View Hotel
Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica

4 out of 5
1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Viceroy Santa Monica
The Huntley Hotel

The Huntley Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
The Huntley Hotel
The Eden

The Eden

4 out of 5
1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Eden
The Georgian Hotel

The Georgian Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
The Georgian Hotel
Shore Hotel

Shore Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Shore Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Monica Pier

At Santa Monica Pier, you can enjoy stunning sunsets, engage in various sports, and indulge in shopping. Don't forget to pack your picnic kits for a relaxing day out, try surfing with Surfing Fox, and explore family-friendly attractions along the pier. Additionally, immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting nearby galleries, offering a glimpse into the vibrant creative culture of Santa Monica.

Shopping

At Santa Monica Pier, enjoy shopping at the MOCA Pacific Design Center, located 12.9km away, showcasing unique design pieces. The Grove and Farmers Market, both 14.5km away, offer vibrant atmospheres with diverse shops and local goods. If you're up for a drive, explore more options further afield!

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of SoFi Stadium, just 16.1km from the pier, ideal for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf at Riviera Country Club, located 4.8km away, amidst beautiful outdoor scenery. For a touch of luxury, visit the Los Angeles Country Club, 9.7km away.

Adventure

Experience thrilling climbing at OnRope Consulting, situated 1.1km from Santa Monica Pier, where adventure meets outdoor excitement. For a scenic hike, explore Nicholas Flat Trail, located 1.6km away, offering breathtaking views and natural beauty. Dive into underwater sports at Eco Dive Center, located 8.0km away, for an exhilarating aquatic adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Monica Pier is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Dolby Theatre or catch a film at the TCL Chinese Theatre nearby. For a lively atmosphere, try your luck at the Hollywood Park Casino, where city vibes blend with entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including beautiful beaches and a lively street scene, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore nearby Venice Beach for its unique charm and enjoy the rich history surrounding the pier. Don't forget to check out reviews and local insights to enhance your experience at this iconic Californian destination.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Just a short 483m stroll from the Pier, Santa Monica Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with golden sands and stunning sunsets. Enjoy beach volleyball, sunbathing, or a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, soaking in the laid-back Californian vibes.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Located 8.0km away, UCLA is a historic institution filled with cultural richness. Wander through its beautiful campus, admire the stunning architecture, and explore art galleries that showcase both student and professional works.
  • Rodeo Drive: Situated 11.3km from the Pier, this iconic shopping street is synonymous with luxury and glamour. Stroll along the palm-lined sidewalks, window shop at designer boutiques, and enjoy the bustling city vibes of Beverly Hills.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Pier

Visitor numbers around Santa Monica Pier is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Santa Monica Pier is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica Pier

Visiting Santa Monica Pier can be budget-friendly with free entry and nearby attractions like Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. The best times to visit are from November to January for lower accommodation prices, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for higher rates. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Look for discounted parking and free cancellations to enhance your travel experience while keeping costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Monica Pier are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Pier is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Pier is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase available sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Santa Monica Pier with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.