logo
ic_menu

Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California

Description

The Santa Monica Pier is located in the namesake city, just to the northwest of Los Angeles. It contains an amusement park (Pacific Park) with a Ferris Wheel, a carousel built in the 1920's, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, some shops, restaurants and an area for fishing.

Access & Transport

Buses 4, 33, 8 and 534 stop near the pier and the 'Downtown Santa Monica Station' (Line E) is less than 10' walk away. By car, take I-10 from LA (exit 1A) and CA-1 coming from Malibu (Ocean Ave. exit). There is parking at the pier and at the “beach lot” at 1550 Appian Way.

Instructions & Recommendations

The historic merry go-round is open Monday, Thursday-Sunday from 11h to 19h

Meta review

Mixed reviews for this landmark of LA's beachside. Nothing truly negative in fac, but for many visitors it makes for an enjoyable walk and ocean views surrounded by some overpriced tourist stores - nothing more, whilst others have fun at the park or just enjoying coffee, ice creams, etc. It really depends on what one is looking for, nothing extraordinary or cultural but some casual time and plenty of ways to spend some dollars.

Environmental & Social

The amusement park, stores and other attractions are energy hungry. Socially neutral.

Conclusion

The pier is not a place to visit but rather to experience. It isn't going to be everybody's cup of tea but it is easy to find an enjoyable aspect to it: rides & tourist shops Vs ocean views or beach time. Worth a quick stop in any case but can give it a miss if pressed for time.

Key positive

Family friendly

Easy to get to

Key negative

Feels a bit like a tourist trap

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday06:00 - 22:00

Tuesday06:00 - 22:00

Wednesday06:00 - 22:00

Thursday06:00 - 22:00

Friday06:00 - 22:00

Saturday06:00 - 22:00

Sunday06:00 - 22:00

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.