Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is a classic Southern California seaside landmark with an amusement park, arcade, shops, casual food stands, and wide views over the Pacific. It’s one of the easiest places to combine a beach walk with a bit of old-school boardwalk fun, and it’s especially appealing at sunset when the lights come on and the oceanfront feels lively. The pier also gives you direct access to Santa Monica State Beach, making it a good stop for strolling, people-watching, and photos.

History

Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909 as a municipal pier, originally built to carry sewage out to sea and later expanded for recreation. In 1916, the smaller adjacent pleasure pier known as the Looff Hippodrome was added, and the area gradually became a major entertainment destination rather than a purely utilitarian structure. Today the pier is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and a surviving example of early 20th-century seaside amusement culture.

Expert notes

• Wear comfortable shoes; the pier and surrounding beach paths involve a fair amount of walking.
• Bring layers, since ocean breezes can feel cool even on warm days.
• If you want a quieter visit, go earlier in the day before the busiest evening hours.