Santa Monica Pier Tours and Activities

Santa Monica Pier
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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

Glendale Hotel
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles
Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Santa Monica Pier

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
421
" "5 - Excellent 50.90689238210399%
4 - Good
324
" "4 - Good 39.177750906892385%
3 - Okay
68
" "3 - Okay 8.222490931076178%
2 - Disappointing
11
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3301088270858525%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.36275695284159615%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Oct. 21, 2019

Great direct metro transit from the hotel to there. Main St has lots of restaurants options between Venice and santa Mónica

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Aug. 6, 2019

Expect it to be crowded.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 29, 2019

a must... it's beautiful

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Jun. 20, 2019

Very run down and somewhat sketchy crowd.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Apr. 21, 2019

Finding parking is difficult, take the public transit

5/5 - Excellent

Tracy
Jan. 26, 2019

Skip Bubba Gump -- crowded, slow service, and not great food.

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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Monica Pier

The Pierside Santa Monica
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4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
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Hotel Carmel
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3 out of 5
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Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
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4 out of 5
1707 4th St, Santa Monica, CA
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Viceroy Santa Monica
Viceroy Santa Monica
4 out of 5
1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
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Shore Hotel
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4 out of 5
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Shore Hotel
The Huntley Hotel
The Huntley Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
The Huntley Hotel
Ocean View Hotel
Ocean View Hotel
3 out of 5
1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Ocean View Hotel
Le Merigot Santa Monica
Le Merigot Santa Monica
4 out of 5
1740 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Le Merigot Santa Monica
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
4 out of 5
530 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
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.