Santa Monica Pier is a vibrant coastal haven brimming with shops, eateries, and classic amusement rides, perfect for a fun day and stunning sunsets.
"Where to look for Venus and the crescent moon nearing each other just after sunset." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Actor Chris Marquette plays Chris Lucado. His character is a former Marine and one of Barry’s only friends who meet at the Santa Monica Pier." - Mona Holmes
"Amusements & Attractions at the Santa Monica Pier The Santa Monica Pier embodies what Southern California is all about: fun in the sun. Popular with tourists and locals alike, this iconic boardwalk adjacent to the Pacific Ocean—filled with all the amusement rides, midway games, fried food, ice cream and cotton candy you can dream up—is a fantastic place to spend a nice day. My favorite attractions are the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the world’s first solar-paneled Ferris wheel, which provides breathtaking beach and ocean views as you ride ‘round and ‘round. Be sure to dip your toes in the soft Santa Monica sand, too. Nearby, you’ll find the Third Street Promenade, a bustling entertainment district filled with wonderful eateries and shops."
"Amusements & Attractions at the Santa Monica Pier The Santa Monica Pier embodies what Southern California is all about: fun in the sun. Popular with tourists and locals alike, this iconic boardwalk adjacent to the Pacific Ocean—filled with all the amusement rides, midway games, fried food, ice cream and cotton candy you can dream up—is a fantastic place to spend a nice day. My favorite attractions are the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the world’s first solar-paneled Ferris wheel, which provides breathtaking beach and ocean views as you ride ‘round and ‘round. Be sure to dip your toes in the soft Santa Monica sand, too. Nearby, you’ll find the Third Street Promenade, a bustling entertainment district filled with wonderful eateries and shops."
"Childlike wonder returns in adult form the moment you approach the Santa Monica Pier's iconic sign on Ocean Avenue. With scents of cotton candy and funnel cake wafting through the air and views of the Pacific Ocean—and possibly Catalina Island on a clear day—the scene is breathtaking. Built in the 1920s, the carousel goes faster than you might expect, especially since the horses are so old. After the ride, walk over to the retro ice cream shop." - Mel Kaspin Blume
