The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic Los Angeles landmark located at Colorado Ave and Ocean Blvd. It is the official end of famous Route 66.
The pier is double-jointed. The long pier opened in 1909 but has gone through multiple renovations due to storm damage and safety measures.
Take a 3 Hour Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach HERE
The section that houses Pacific Park was built in 1916. It is the first amusement park on the pier since 1930.
Don’t confuse Pacific Park with Pacific Ocean Park which was located nearby at Pier Avenue and Ocean. It was demolished in the winter of 1975, but I remember going to it as a child. I also remember being hoisted up in aerobatics with some hunks at the original Muscle Beach near the Santa Monica Pier which is now in Venice.
Whereas Pacific Ocean Park was supposed to compete with Disneyland with all sorts Disney-type attractions, Pacific Park at the Santa Monica pier opened in 1996 with a total of thirteen rides including the world’s first solar powered Ferris Wheel which debuted in 2008. It stands 130 feet tall and has 174,000 LED Lights that glow when it’s dark.
You will also find classic Midway games, souvenir shops, treats and fast food, giving it a carny-like atmosphere.
A little bit of history
As you enter the Santa Monica Pier from Ocean, you will pass under the iconic neon archway that was unveiled in 1941.
The first building you will see as you walk onto the pier is the old Looff Hippodrome that was built in 1916, the same year as the Pleasure Pier. It houses a vintage carousel that is still in operation today.
Charles Looff (1852 – 1918) was a master carousel builder and amusement park pioneer who also built the first carousel on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. The Moorish-style Hippodrome was his last work. The original carousel was sold and dismantled but the current one has been in place since 1954, and was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It was moved from the Venice Pier and features 1,100 electric lights. The Hippodrome was recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
It has been the home of various carousels, Wurlitzer organs, the Blue Streak Racer wooden roller coaster, The Whip, Aerospace rides and a funhouse. Looff’s Pleasure Pier was a popular tourist spot through the 1920s.
The Santa Monica Pier was first built as a wharf for shipping and receiving goods. It was also used to move sewage out to sea.
The pier was almost demolished in 1973 to become a resort hotel and man-made island but residents fiercely objected and it was saved. It suffered extensive damage during two violent storms in 1983 but was rebuilt and refurbished by 1990.
Fisherman having been fishing off the pier since 1930.
You have probably seen the Santa Monica Pier featured in numerous films and television shows such as Forest Gump, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They, and Baywatch just to name a few.
What to do on the Santa Monica Pier
Aside from enjoying a brilliant view of Santa Monica Beach and having fun at Pacific Park, the pier features a variety of street performers and musicians. Concerts and outdoor film screenings are also hosted on the pier.
Heal the Bay Aquarium is located on the pier. You must pay admission, but it is an educational experience where you can see live seahorses, moray eels, jelly fish, stingrays, sharks, and more.
Enjoy a casual beach food at Beach Burger or Pier Burger, a snack from its many fast-food stands, and treats like popcorn at Popcornopolis or ice cream at Scoops.
Fine dining is available at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, The Albright, Mariasol, Seaside at the Sea, and Rusty’s Surf Ranch. In addition, there are many fine dining establishments on Ocean near the pier such as Water Grill.
The Playland Arcade is popular with those who love pinball and arcade games.
There is limited paid parking for cars on the pier, but I found a parking lot at 28th and 2nd Street that offers free 3-hour parking. It services the 3rd Street Promenade and is an easy walk to the pier. The Metro Expo line has a stop at 4th and Colorado Ave.
The Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Website
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