Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier which includes 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 travellers 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 colourful 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Maybourne
Fairmont Century Plaza Gold Experience

Tours & day trips

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Adventure & outdoor

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Classes & workshops

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Reviews of Santa Monica Pier

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
92
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
105
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
33
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

If you can do what you need to within 2 hours park under the pier it is only $1 per hour

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

It takes about an hour to drive to Santa Monica from this hotel

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Extremely busy but a bit of fun before walking along the beach front

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful clean sand. Gym equipment for public to use.

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Top Hotel Deals

The Pierside Santa Monica
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4 out of 5
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The Georgian Hotel
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Shutters on the Beach
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Fairmont Miramar Hotel
Fairmont Miramar Hotel
5 out of 5
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Fairmont Miramar 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.