Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier which includes rides
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier


This sun kissed beachside boardwalk boasts a vibrant carnival atmosphere and a history that dates back over century.

Marking the finishing point for one of the Unites States most famous highways, Route 66, the Santa Monica Pier was a welcome sight for travellers and sun seekers. Originally, Route 66 ran from Chicago to Los Angeles but was later extended to Santa Monica Pier.

Despite being one of California’s last vintage piers, this is no ancient relic. The Pier is open around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and boasts a vibrant atmosphere and cultural background. Packed with theatrical and musical entertainment, the pier offers amusement for all members of the family and visitors of all ages.

Take a ride on a twisting roller coaster or experience the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, a 40-metre wide wheel that offers a fantastic view the surrounding area. For the adults, step back into your childhood and munch on candy floss and sample the many sweets and desserts on offer on the nearby stands and stalls.
Learn highflying acrobatics at the trapeze school or cycle your way around the nearby sights by hiring a bike. Situated at the foot of the pier at beach level is an aquarium that focuses specifically on the local marine life. Kids are bound to enjoy the numerous interactive activities on offer here, including the touch tanks and marine biology classes.

Arguably one of the most popular attractions is the vintage wooden carousel with its beautifully hand-carved horses. This iconic piece was built in 1922 and is preserved in a dedicated building called the Looff Hippodrome. The carousel has featured in numerous films, but is most popular for its part in the Robert Redford and Paul Newman film, The Sting.

For those looking for a slice of tranquillity, the viewing decks on the second level offer a calm atmosphere and peaceful respite from the hustle of the crowds. Many visitors overlook this area, so it is well worth a visit, especially for the romantics visiting.

Santa Monica is situated just north of Venice Beach, 29 kilometres west of downtown.

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.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel

3 out of 5
1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Ocean View Hotel
Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica

4 out of 5
1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Viceroy Santa Monica
Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica

Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica

4 out of 5
530 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica
Shore Hotel

Shore Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Shore Hotel
The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
The Georgian Hotel

The Georgian Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
The Georgian Hotel
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
1707 4th St, Santa Monica, CA
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Regent Santa Monica Beach

Regent Santa Monica Beach

5 out of 5
1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Regent Santa Monica Beach
The Huntley Hotel

The Huntley Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
The Huntley 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.

Things to do near Santa Monica Pier

At Santa Monica Pier, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets, partake in various sports, and appreciate local art. Key activities include booking exciting tours, experiencing thrilling amusement rides, and indulging in beach activities. This lively destination promises a delightful mix of entertainment and relaxation, making it a perfect spot for tourists seeking fun and adventure.

Shopping

At Santa Monica Pier, enjoy shopping at Santa Monica Place, a vibrant shopping mall just 483m away, offering a mix of entertainment and dining. Don't miss Jadis, a charming store located 1.6km from the pier. If you're up for a drive, the Farmers Market is 14.5km away, featuring local produce and crafts.

Recreation

SoFi Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while Riviera Country Club invites you to enjoy scenic golfing amidst beautiful landscapes. For a taste of luxury, Los Angeles Country Club provides an exclusive setting, perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a day of activities at Santa Monica Pier.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at OnRope Consulting, located 1.1km from Santa Monica Pier, where you can embrace the outdoor spirit. For scenic hiking, explore Nicholas Flat Trail, 1.6km away, offering stunning views and adventure. Alternatively, enjoy a game at Westwood Tennis Center, situated 6.4km from the pier.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Monica Pier is vibrant and exciting. Enjoy a romantic evening at TCL Chinese Theatre or immerse yourself in culture at Dolby Theatre. For a fun adventure, visit Sherman Oaks Castle Park for arcade games. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere to explore.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier offers a delightful mix of attractions, including the stunning beach, vibrant streets, and inviting urban parks. This popular destination caters to travellers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and a taste of city life, making it an ideal spot for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse offerings of Santa Monica.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at Santa Monica Beach, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views. With a lively boardwalk, beach volleyball courts, and opportunities for water sports, it’s perfect for relaxation and fun.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Explore the historic campus of UCLA, a cultural hub offering beautiful architecture, art galleries, and a vibrant student life. Stroll through its picturesque grounds and soak in the rich academic atmosphere.
  • Rodeo Drive: Experience luxury shopping and high-end fashion on Rodeo Drive, famous for its designer boutiques and glamorous ambiance. This iconic street is a perfect spot for celebrity sightings and indulging in a bit of retail therapy.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Pier

The best time to visit Santa Monica Pier is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica Pier

To save money on your visit to Santa Monica Pier, consider travelling between November and January when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays, which tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to sort hotels by budget and filter for eco-friendly options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings. For transportation, take advantage of the local public transport system, which is both affordable and efficient. Don’t forget to look out for special deals that may offer extra discounts or packages during your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Monica Pier are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Pier is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Pier is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the filter for Eco-certified hotels will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: Consider the possibility of saving money by combining your hotel stay at Santa Monica Pier with your flights and activities through an Expedia package. This approach can offer you a more economical way to organise your travel plans.

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